Damien.

iTrader: (1)

Firstly, hi all ! Ive just bought myself a 1994 Impreza WRX STI and im already having problems. Its just been in to get a new rad, new clutch, new downpipe gasket, and two new manifold gaskets.

The thing is i popped up to the garage this evening and the engine seems to have developed a rattle, its not loud but it noticable. Also, the rattle only exists between 800 and 1100 rpm, anything higher and the rattle goes away.

Any ideas as to what this could be ?

Thanks in advance.

scoobynewbie72

iTrader: (1)

Heat shield ?

Damien.

iTrader: (1)

Nope, all heat sheilds have been removed.

The mech isnt sure what it is. He said it could either be the piston hitting the head ? or it could be the bottom end on its way ?

I always thought when the bottom end had gone, the rattle would always be there ?

Damien.

iTrader: (1)

Forgot to mention, the rattle seems to be coming from the rear right hand side cylinder.

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Also possible is the cam belt tensioner. More evident at idle and smooths out as the revs rise.
JohnD

Just saw the above, so probably not the tensioner!

Damien.

iTrader: (1)

Could it be piston slap ?

I've done a quick search and some of the symptoms match what other people are saying. The engine has been out of the car for about a week and its been pretty cold down here.

We haven't left it long enough for then engine to warm up because sods law, the head gasket is gone and its pressurising on stand still. Would this be related ?

Thanks.

BURTON

My wrx has a knock/ratle at idle and just above but goes away when it to the revs . it has done it for over a year and has been two a few specialist that say its not bottom end but would have to strip engine to find the cause ( i have no opwer loss though)

Damien.

iTrader: (1)

Im gunna get the head gasket done and then go from there. Im going to drive the car and if the engine blows, it blows.

Would someone mind explaining the difference between an EJ20 block and an EJ25, could i buy and EJ25 to stick in my car ?

Thanks.

neo740

hi mate could be your boost solenoid its mounted on the drivers side strut top. These are known to make a light ticking noise which is only noticeable when the throttle is pressed lightly at tickover

merlin24

iTrader: (1)

Hydraulic lifter noisy ( yes - they were fitted to Version 2 STi's) or small exhaust gas leak from up-pipe/turbo flange ??

dj219957

mine knocked from cold. sounded dredful, like a big end knock. turned out to be the cam belt tensioner and pullies worn.

legacytt

my legacy was exactly the same it knocked when cold tensioner and pulleys were worn the belt came off looked like a bungy rope was really lucky i had it done