1998 UK scoob.
piston slap when cold (rattle/noisy between 1000-2000rev)
anybod know anything about this annoyance?
big prob? expensive to sort?

thanx

 

Check out the FAQ at the SIDC site.

http://www.sidc.co.uk/faq.htm

They talk about piston slap in Section 3.

 

Hello, mate.
Is the sound like a regular 'knocking' that increases in frequency with higher revs? Does the sound quieten down or dissapear altogether once the car warms up? If these two are the case, then it prob. is Slap.
I've got it on my car (98MY Terzo). Apparently, it doesnt really cause any damage to the engine, except if it is so bad (i.e. loud!) that the affected piston strips the bore liner, but this is ex. rare.
As for cost, piston slap is a known Subaru fault on the 98MY cars, and in theory you take it to your local dealer, and they fit a complete short engine under warranty. Obviously there is more to it than this, not least convincing the dealer that is indeed piston slap.

I've learnt to live with mine, mainly because I'm lazy and the process involves alot of sodding about IMO

Anyway, good luck...and if one garage says 'no', try another.
Regards, Owen

p.s. someone had a sound file on here recently of the slap. Try posting on Gen. Tech.