woodenhead

got a odd noise at start up. Not quit a knock, and louder than the normal tap. After about 3 miles the sound is gone and will not return until the engine is started after cooling for several hrs. Is this the start of bad lower end??

thanks for the help

exvaux

iTrader: (1)

depends on the year and where the noise is coming from i have a ticking on mine but thats a blown exhaust manifold

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

Could be piston slap. Year? Mileage? Mods, history etc?

The Zohan

What he said, think 1997 models most susceptable to this but may be wrong.

Try a search, plenty writtien on the subject.

Ta,

Paul

woodenhead

it's a 2002 impreza outback sport with 41,000 service record is flawless. sounds like its comming from the bottom end but very difficult to tell exactly. due to the opposing engine design.

dynamix

iTrader: (3)

cambelt tensioner or cambelt idler

Mine did exactly the same and couldnt work out why it was only when cold - stripped the offending part off and there was plenty of play in the roller bearing. Changed the tensioner and idler and new cambelt and all is good

Best to get it done before it gives up and snaps the cam belt if it is that.

To check - take off the front right cam belt cover and using a stethoscope check where the sound is coming from.