is it normal that the engine makes a knocking/tappety noise when cold, just for the 1st mile or so till warmed up? its an 04 wrx done 32k. thanks.

 

these cars are famous for it ! but usually certain ages . i know the 97-98 uk cars done it as i had one. full dealer history and mint. but still that piston slap thing that scoobies suffer. not an issue i dont think. and something to do with the pistons being smaller and not filling the bore till they warm up a little..(or something like that !)

 

thanks for that. Me last car was a lexus so not used to it though the exhaust note sounds nice

 

My mates did this and it tuned out to be the cam belt tensioner!!! you could see the slack causin the wobble on the belt,worth a look!!!

 

My 02 WRX does the the same for about 10mins it then goes away,usually piston slap as described,as long as it goes away its probably nothing more than this.

 

more than likley piston slap,tho i thought it wasnt the norm with later models

 

I thought the piston slap issue was resolved after my98!?

 

not necessarily, ive got a my99 turbo and get it on cold mornings on my way home from work. just keep it below boost/2.5-3k revs until shes warmed up.