after 2and a half year of pretty hard use my 95 wrx has started making a loud knocking noise that dont sound good .. after some investigation we found that whatever is wrong is happening in no 3 clylnder and sounds like its a bottom end type noise . has anyone had a similar problem in the past and what was it ? the engine is getting stripped next week so we will know the damage then .but there was no oil light or drop in presure so hoping it can b saved

 

I think you are doomed. so many similar stories recently. Just done an oil change?
Graham

 

sounds like you have "lost" a shell.................difficult to tell exactly by your description...............

various reasons/causes most likely is high oil temps, causing poor lubrication poss. during hi-det. runs.............

alyn

 

changed the oil in the sumer time ... failed to mention that the car was sitting at 150 when this problem happened ......... on a private road of coarse

 

Without doubt one of your big end bearings has gone.

my advice if you're reasonably mechanically minded have a go yourself.

get yourself a manual off ebay for around a £5 on CD.

Should cost you around £800 to put right including bearings and full engine gasket set.

I would suggest the Roger Clark oil pump too.

I did mine and put steel rods and forged pistons in and 10,000 miles later still going strong.