MY02 WRX, owned from new, FSSH, 75000 miles. Unmodified except for backbox. Used as a daily driver and never tracked or rallied. Always warmed up / cooled down.

Car has made a slight noise on startup for about a year, not exactly a rattle but that sort of thing. Drives fine. Never picked up as an issue by dealers.

Yesterday during a normal run out it started a much more ominous clattering type noise No warning lights, no CEL, normal water temperature, no smoke, still drives OK (but I haven’t dared go above 3k rpm) etc.

Is this likely to be a major bottom end failure? Could it be clutch? Any other possibilities? Any diagnostics that I can do to narrow down the problem?

If it is big ends or similar, then would driving cause more damage, or is it a rebuild anyway?

 

I am no mechanic, but it is never a good idea to use something that is damaged.

Yes, if it has gone then it will be a rebuild anyway, however driving on a damaged engine can cause you more trouble. Putting a piston through the block will increase the cost of your rebuild for an example.

 

BTTT for the post holiday crowd Any opinions gratefully received.

 

'Tis the crank

 

sounds like big end shell has gone end shells are not all that expensive to buy but the labour costs for fitting probably will be,if it is the end shells and you continue to drive the car it will result in a damaged crankshaft