Hi All, long time reader first time poster. I recently picked up widetrack sti that has developed a slight rattle from the engine on a cold startup. It only lasts for a few seconds but thought I should get it checked, to be told that its the beginning of a bottom end failure. Now I really hope this isn't the case as I don't want to have to pay out for an engine rebuild so soon after buying the car, can anyone offer a second opinion? There are no noises when driving the car, just for those few seconds on cold startup.

Thanks in advance

 

Is it still detectable after the oil light goes out? If it is, it's probably not bearing related and more likely piston slap which is pretty common on the Impreza engine. If it goes as the engine warms then it's generally considered ok.
I assume you've checked the oil level and it's up to the max mark?

JohnD

 

There are plenty of videos on YouTube of bottom end rattles on imprezas. Maybe watch a few and see if you think they are similar.

 

Yes have checked the oil level already. I can't hear anything after the oil light goes out, and it only seems to be happening if I leave the car for a while before starting (e.g. overnight).