Jarvmiester

I have an 03 WRX, all totally bog standard with 33k on the clock.

I just drive it to France and covered 500 miles. Journey was great and car drove superbly all the way. Arrived late at night and turned off the car. Next day had to pop into a town about 30 miles away. Started the engine and immediately thought there was something not right, sounded like low end knocking and engine seemed lumpy. My blood ran cold. Drove carefully hoping it might disappear, but after 10 miles it was still just as prominent. Sounded like I might have had a massive oil leak overnight and that might be the reason for the sudden onset of this knocking.

Anyway, got out and checked the oil. The level was totally fine. So, I started the car again and it started up and ran perfectly, no knocking, and just as tight and smooth as it always has been. Thought nothing more of it.

Just got in it this evening, exactly the same knocking, drove it 2 miles down the road until the engine had warmed to normal temp. Switched the engine off, waited 5 seconds and back on - all totally smooth and normal again.

What's this likely to be, I've heard pre-tensioners mentioned but not sure what they do and what sort of cost is involved, and how safe am I to make the return 500 mile journey?

Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Cheers for any advise.

Jarv

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

I have a similar kind of thing happening, Its been going on for ages, If I turn full lock at slow speed when its cold it happens too.
The car has been through a service and had loads of work since and its a mystery, I put it down to the car complaining about having to get up.

Jarvmiester

Hmmm, mine happens when I turn the engine over, and am not in motion. Doesn't have anything to do with the steering, although seems entirely to do with being cold, but it won't go away until I switch the engine off then back on again.

I'm just concerned about the 500 mile trip home - not sure what to do!

scoobyc

iTrader: (2)

lazy oil pump? You got an oil pressure gauge?

Jarvmiester

Lazy oil pump - that makes a lot of sense.

So far as this is concerned, I'm assuming that means it's on it's way out but potentially will be OK for a very soft drive over 500 miles......?

Jarvmiester

Update on this...... I started it this morning and it did the usual knocking, waited five seconds, switched it off and on again and it was fine.

Suppose this si the oil pump being a lazy ****? How much for replacement on an 03 WRX?

Jarv

dynamix

iTrader: (3)

Cam tensioner pulley. Cost about £80 for the part.

Had it happen to mine - same symptoms exactly.

Safe for the drive back but get it done asap.