Hi,

Recently ive noticed that my car (1997 wrx sti - had new engine almost a year ago & is on about 20k) sounds like its tapping / knocking when the car first starts, its not majorly loud and to be honest i didnt really notice it till my dad mentioned it once when he moved my car one day.

Now i can hear it and im curious. The noise stops after a few mins once the oil starts to get hot. Last oil change was probs about 5000 miles ago so i know thats overdue & i intend to get that done, but im curious if anyone might have a heads up? Or could it be a case of dirty oil kinda thing? (my mate told me i really should do the oil every 3000 - 4000 as its about 320-350bhp, so could this be a reason?)

Thanks in advance

 

Your car has piston slap, this is common for the phase 1.5 (MY97-98) engines and as it disappears once the engine warms up you have nothing to worry about.

Banny

 

Hi Banny, thanks for the info

 

yeah sounds like piston slap my legacy does it till warmed up with mine having the forged piston and crank then its really quiet for a subaru compared to other imprezas and the like.

 

mine does this. if it goes when warm then its noting to worry about.