Ticking/cracking noise on full boost (bugeye)
 

Hi Guys,

I need some help please !

I have a 2001 WRX Bugeye and its making a cracking/ticking/poping noise when its on full boost at about 5k to 6k rpm

The engine light has also come on and i have a loss of power.
The codes i get are :

P0546 : Exhaust gas temperture sensor circuit high

P1301 : Fire due to increased exhaust temperture

i also got exhaust gas recirculation too high but did not get the code down be for i reset it.

i have the following mods on the car all where done before i got the car but have all the paper work for them was also done by Subaru

Pro drive pack from new
STI Turbo
De-cat down pipe
Full pro drive exhaust system
Remap at 292 bhp
Bigger fuel pump

I have had the car 6months and it has been good as gold no probs at all !

Hi,

In my experience I would get the car down to Richard at FB tuning in Princes Risborough for a once over. Richard knows these things inside out and not only will he be able to fix it for you but he will also be able check that it's running correctly etc :)

Paul

Thank you for your reply, um......... i think i may have to book it in.

The car sounds a little louder then before, i have taken the heat shield off the drivers side (this was not a 5min job as the o2 sensor is in the way) and i think i have exhaust leak/blow do you think this would be the prob ?

It could be a split up pipe maybe, it's certainly highly likely.

Mmm could be a problem wirh the up pipe cat. Get it looked at in case it fails and ends up in the turbo

Do you think i should de-cat the up pipe and if i do will it pass an MOT ?

I have also noticed a smell of fumes now and again in the cabin

It sounds like you have either a broken up or downpipe to me. What cats do you have left in the system?

I only have the pre-cat in the up pipe left, as the down pipe is de-cat

Yes stick an sti up pipe on it. No it wont pass an mot totally decatted. I also doubt it does with just the pre cat

Oh ok, so the STI's do not have the pre cats then ? just the WRX's ?

Yep thats correct. There are other up pipe options. But a second hand sti will be easy to source and shouldnt break the bank

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4001755233...84.m1423.l2649

Do think this will be ok ?

thanks for your reply's by the way

No. Dont buy one with a flexy joint. It wont last very long

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/vie...id=83150585670

this would be better

Ok thank you.

I think i will get it looked to make sure its the up pipe before i spend any money and i will put an update on here.

thanks again

+1 Collapsed cat in the up-pipe :thumb:

+1 ?

Do you defo think ?
Have you had this before ?

Its common

Yes it's a common failure and Richard might even have an up pipe. Call him and have a chat :)

Yep I had it in a Bug about 4/5 years back, holding back power at the mid to top end, The clicking/cracking noise is more than likely bits of cat getting pushed up toward the turbo, Is it making a slightly different noise when it's comin on to boost?

If it is the up-pipe, that looks good as it's slip-jointed.
Even better would be a Harvey Smith venturi up-pipe which is also slip jointed. ASPerformance are now trading these.

JohnD

Hi Guys,

I took my car to the workshop and they said they are not 100% but think i have a blocked precat, but they would need to take it off and have a look.

So i have just ordered my new de-cat up pipe for the bug !

I really hope this is the fix for it.

I will let you know when i have fitted it.

*************************UPDATE******************* ****************

I have my de-cat up pipe on its way (not the flexi type) but now the car has started to misfire and on tick over its running really lumpy !

Do you guys think its all to do with the blocked pre-cat ?

A friend of mine had lumpy engine on a 2.5 (on idle), was a broken piston, very strong misfire that could be felt in the driving seat and noise similar to how you describe it.

Hope thats not the case for you.

Im 99% sure its not this the misfire is only very little

Do you guys think i should put the EGT sensor back in the de-cat up pipe or leave it out ???

Hey Guys,

Well i took off my up pipe and yes it was in a badway the cat was all broken up inside ! i think i just got it in time before it went in to the turbo.

I have fitted my new de-cat up pipe and its power is back to how it was before if not better.

However.......it feels like its holding back just a very little bit about 5-6 rpm and on idle it is running a just little bit lumpy ???
I Think its got a very small misfire and i have been looking at all the paper work for the and the last time the spark plugs were replace 2006 !

I have the CEL light on as i have taken out the EGT sensor i am going to do the EGT sensor mod and get the CEL reset.

What do you guys think ??? replace the plugs if yes is it a easy job ?

Also the car seems to be popping alot on overrun ???

Yep replace the plugs. More importantly imo you need to have the map tweeked to suit the decat up pipe.

Oh do I ? How come ?

Do you think that's why it's holding back a little ?
As when it gos passed 6rpm it takes off like a rocket !