Well I've had my first Subaru all of 2 weeks and I suspect I may have the early signs of bottom end failiure. I was out for a drive today, country roads with some boosting etc, when on the way home a rattle developed. It seems to be between 2-3k revs when on partial throttle. I did an oil change yesterday with some expensive millers 10w40 fully synth and a genuine Subaru filter. I've attached a video though it hasn't picked up the sound too well, you can hear the rattle in the background. Can any more experienced guys advise please? Pretty gutted right now!


Car is a 1997 Type R, 86k miles not been mapped. Only modification is a 3" exhaust system.

Thanks

 

Did you fill the filter with oil when fitting and then crank the engine with crank sensor disconnected to build some oil pressure?

 

Yep, researched the procedure before carrying out the oil change. Probably only done 30 miles after the oil change before it's started rattling.....coincidence? Or not? At this point I'd just like it confirming that this is bottom end failiure and what my options are. I don't have much money left after spending most of my savings on this car

 

It doesn't sound good but hopefully you may have caught it early enough to save the crank and rods

 

it certainly sounds like it from the ones ive heard bud. check for any loose components in engine bay but it doesnt sound good.

 

Sad to say it but does sound like bottom failure another one thats done it after an oil change,Rebuild cost nearly 2k cheaper if you can do it yourself.

 

Just typipcal ej20 enging bottom end fail these engines are crap just rebuilt my engine with the same problem so mine is going up for sale ...... sorry about the rant lads

 

Sorry to hear your have issues with your new car, did you buy it private or trade?

 

It was bought privately. Looks like a rebuild is on the cards then. I'd be happy taking the engine out myself but not doing the actual rebuild. Any recommendations for a place to rebuild on a budget? I know the two words don't exactly go hand in hand but Funds are low after purchasing the car so ill be looking for value. I'm guessing a second hand engine isn't a great idea as that would be a gamble in itself.

 

Mine did the same serviced then remap then the death rattle. I know how your feeling hope you get it sorted mate.

 

Cheaper trying to get a 2hand botom end mate, ive had enough of mine selling the white 02 bugeye sti soon what this space,sorry another rant slipped in there lads

 

Cheaper to get a second hand bottom end yes.......but no guarantees what the engines going to be like. What a nightmare.

 

Eclipse performance offer we'll priced rebuilds and are pretty close to me but a search on here brings up some questionable results on their workmanship. Any opinions?

 

Eclipse performance.......

 

One to avoid then. Any recommendations that might not bankrupt me?

 

Give me a bell or pm me, building these engines day in day out, various options available
Andy 07917204738

 

Sent you a PM mate.

 

if i had a pound for every ej20 that started knocking shortly after a oil change.
i think i remember something about the oil pump relief valve being a possible cause as it can stick when oil is drained? the backing plate on my was loose when it was checked.

 

I must have done a hundred oil changes on various cars......I wasn't aware of any potential issues on this. So is the oil pump relief valve something that can be checked post oil change before the engine is started? WMS racing have given me a great quote for a rebuild........i want to make sure this doesn't happen again!

 

no, you need to remove the oil pump and check the backing plate is not loose