RapidSeven

Hi everyone,

Ive alreasy posted this thread in the WYIOC forum part, so sorry to duplicate it on here.

I live on the Pontefract/Doncaster border, and have a '97 Legacy GT-B TT with a manual box.

Would there be anyone local to me that could have a look/listen at my car ? It sounds a little tappety on tick over, but sounds ok when revved up.

I have changed the oil a few 100 miles back, and I put in Millers 5/40W grade in, previously I think the car didn't sound that way.

Im not 100% sure though, as ive always the radio on.

Just hope its not the dredded detonation starting.

Cheers,

Paul

p1mark

It wont be detonating at tick over so you wont have to worry about that.

At tickover its most likely to be piston slap or valve clearances, although you will notice incorrect valve clearances as it revs a bit more.

briforbes

Just sounds like you're using too thin an oil for an older car to me. Try a thicker grade (10w40) and things should quieten down.

Detonation will only be heard under load, and sounds like tinkling bells (if you can even hear it in the car)

RapidSeven

I thought it might be the oil ( thinking common sense mode )

I know this is a sticky subject, oil in Subaru's, but alot of people use different grades of oil.

Could anyone tell me which is the perfect grade of oil for me to use, the car has had the oil changed every 3000 miles for the last few years and its done 113k.

Cheers

briforbes

As far as I'm aware, the recommended oil is 10w40 semi or fully synthetic. I'd go for fully synthetic for added protection, however if you're changing the oil every 3000 miles semi would be fine.

You can deviate away from this grade of oil if the car is modified, or if it is driven very hard regularly - if this is the case something like millers 10w60 would suit you better.

RapidSeven

As I havent changed the oil yet to a thicker grade, ive noticed today that if I rev and hold the RPM at 1800, the engine sounds a little like a constant not very loud misfire. Similar sounding to a machine gun id say. ( the engine isnt actually misfiring BTW )

I cant rev any higher as the engine note becomes a bit too loud to distinguish the sound.

Has anyone any ideas on what this might be ?

Cheers.