is piston slap common - 05 STi?
22 January 2008, 10:23 PM
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is piston slap common - 05 STi?
hi all!
do Imprezas still suffer from bouts of piston slap?
my 05STi seems to make this sort of noise under load when cold - once warmed up, is okay. 27000miles by the way.
do they all do that?
do Imprezas still suffer from bouts of piston slap?
my 05STi seems to make this sort of noise under load when cold - once warmed up, is okay. 27000miles by the way.
do they all do that?
22 January 2008, 10:27 PM
#2
Piston slap no... are you sure it is piston slap and not noisey tappets. Better get it to a specialist so the problem can be diagnosed properly. Could be something as simple as the wrong grade oil in it.
22 January 2008, 10:32 PM
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only occurs under load, when cold. could this be tappets? is quite faint. has been serviced by Subaru dealer from new, so i hope it has the right oil, but you never know.
has 4 months warranty to go!
has 4 months warranty to go!
22 January 2008, 10:35 PM
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my04 wrx is noisy when cold... not as loud as piston slap, but possibly he same as what you have. Very 'tapperty' around 1-2k rpm but smooth as you like once warm.
22 January 2008, 11:11 PM
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Engines are generally noisier when cold and you really shouldn't be putting it under much load until it's PROPERLY warmed up (min 5mins -10 mins BTW..!).
However, get it to the dealer whilst you still have warranty left. That way, even if they say it's OK, you should be covered for some time after the warranty expires if the engine deteriorates..!
Could be anything and nothing, noisy injectors, ancillary on it's way out oil grade as suggested amongst other things.
However, get it to the dealer whilst you still have warranty left. That way, even if they say it's OK, you should be covered for some time after the warranty expires if the engine deteriorates..!
Could be anything and nothing, noisy injectors, ancillary on it's way out oil grade as suggested amongst other things.
23 January 2008, 10:37 AM
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not piston slap
piston slap can be a costly problem and normally occurs when one or more of the bearings in the block give way.
the piston then "slaps" the top of the heads normally damaging the valves under heavy acceleration.
the noise does not go away when the engine heats up.
i think that the problem you have is followers or sometimes known as shims in the heads may need some attention.
iv had the same problem once...
the piston then "slaps" the top of the heads normally damaging the valves under heavy acceleration.
the noise does not go away when the engine heats up.
i think that the problem you have is followers or sometimes known as shims in the heads may need some attention.
iv had the same problem once...
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23 January 2008, 12:05 PM
#8
piston slap can be a costly problem and normally occurs when one or more of the bearings in the block give way.
the piston then "slaps" the top of the heads normally damaging the valves under heavy acceleration.
the noise does not go away when the engine heats up.
i think that the problem you have is followers or sometimes known as shims in the heads may need some attention.
iv had the same problem once...
the piston then "slaps" the top of the heads normally damaging the valves under heavy acceleration.
the noise does not go away when the engine heats up.
i think that the problem you have is followers or sometimes known as shims in the heads may need some attention.
iv had the same problem once...
A certain amount of piston slap is not uncommon on modern engines especially on those with forged pistons. It only takes a tiny increase in piston/bore clearance to make slap audible.
JohnD
23 January 2008, 12:27 PM
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car only ever run on Optimax/V-Power. not ever gone over 3k RPM until up to temp, then only 4K for first 10mins or so.
the 'under load' bit is when pulling away from a junction, or going up a hill as opposed to the car just ticking over, when it just sounds like an engine running!
only get the noise under load for a few mins when cold - need to add, only when outside temp is really cold, dont notice it when the temp is a bit warmer!
23 January 2008, 12:45 PM
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thats what ive been told previously.
car only ever run on Optimax/V-Power. not ever gone over 3k RPM until up to temp, then only 4K for first 10mins or so.
the 'under load' bit is when pulling away from a junction, or going up a hill as opposed to the car just ticking over, when it just sounds like an engine running!
only get the noise under load for a few mins when cold - need to add, only when outside temp is really cold, dont notice it when the temp is a bit warmer!
car only ever run on Optimax/V-Power. not ever gone over 3k RPM until up to temp, then only 4K for first 10mins or so.
the 'under load' bit is when pulling away from a junction, or going up a hill as opposed to the car just ticking over, when it just sounds like an engine running!
only get the noise under load for a few mins when cold - need to add, only when outside temp is really cold, dont notice it when the temp is a bit warmer!
23 January 2008, 02:01 PM
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thats what ive been told previously.
car only ever run on Optimax/V-Power. not ever gone over 3k RPM until up to temp, then only 4K for first 10mins or so.
the 'under load' bit is when pulling away from a junction, or going up a hill as opposed to the car just ticking over, when it just sounds like an engine running!
only get the noise under load for a few mins when cold - need to add, only when outside temp is really cold, dont notice it when the temp is a bit warmer!
car only ever run on Optimax/V-Power. not ever gone over 3k RPM until up to temp, then only 4K for first 10mins or so.
the 'under load' bit is when pulling away from a junction, or going up a hill as opposed to the car just ticking over, when it just sounds like an engine running!
only get the noise under load for a few mins when cold - need to add, only when outside temp is really cold, dont notice it when the temp is a bit warmer!
Has this sound got more noticeable..?
As I said before, engines are nosier when cold, which I'm sure we all know, and mine is even noisier on first start when the weather is particularly cold (ie zero C).
Is this something you have noticed and is it noisy when it's been fully warmed up, then left a few hours and restarted..?
Either way get it to the dealer, although I'm sure they'll say it's OK..
The problem with cold start issues and dealers is they'll need the car overnight to start it cold the next day..! 
23 January 2008, 08:36 PM
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Sorry mate, misunderstood you regarding "under load"..
Has this sound got more noticeable..?
As I said before, engines are nosier when cold, which I'm sure we all know, and mine is even noisier on first start when the weather is particularly cold (ie zero C).
Is this something you have noticed and is it noisy when it's been fully warmed up, then left a few hours and restarted..?
Either way get it to the dealer, although I'm sure they'll say it's OK.. The problem with cold start issues and dealers is they'll need the car overnight to start it cold the next day..!
Has this sound got more noticeable..?
As I said before, engines are nosier when cold, which I'm sure we all know, and mine is even noisier on first start when the weather is particularly cold (ie zero C).
Is this something you have noticed and is it noisy when it's been fully warmed up, then left a few hours and restarted..?
Either way get it to the dealer, although I'm sure they'll say it's OK..
The problem with cold start issues and dealers is they'll need the car overnight to start it cold the next day..! not sure if its got/getting worse TBH, dont think so. only noticed it for about 20 seconds this morning.
24 January 2008, 09:49 AM
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Mine has done this and has been to the dealer who kept it for a night to be sure.
They said its common on these (mine is an 02 STI) and its nothing to be worried about. I asked them to mark it on their records that the car has been booked in for this and they think it is ok - car is under warranty from main dealer.
The service manager told me its very common for subarus including classics (my friends does it too) to have this noise when cold. And to be honest I never noticed it when it was warm or hot in the morning. Only once we hit <5 degree temps. Past couple of mornings its been 10 degrees here (north london) and its hardly noticable.
They said its common on these (mine is an 02 STI) and its nothing to be worried about. I asked them to mark it on their records that the car has been booked in for this and they think it is ok - car is under warranty from main dealer.
The service manager told me its very common for subarus including classics (my friends does it too) to have this noise when cold. And to be honest I never noticed it when it was warm or hot in the morning. Only once we hit <5 degree temps. Past couple of mornings its been 10 degrees here (north london) and its hardly noticable.
24 January 2008, 11:44 AM
#16
It's sometimes surprising how two engines from the same production line, even built one after the other, can vary in mechanical noise!
My son had an 02 STi (bugeye) which, even with only 3k on the clock, had very slight piston slap on a cold start (these engines had forged pistons as opposed to the later hyperutectic cast later versions) We then both got new STi's in 03 and his engine was mechanically quieter than mine! No slap but just general valve clearance and injector sound. An increase of even half a thousandth of an inch on valve clearance will be noticable to a reasonably trained ear.
All the evidence leads to piston slap in the engine in question. You'll probably be told "Quite a few of these do that,sir" and sent on your way with the proviso that if it gets worse, bring it back! If they do, get it in writing.
JohnD
My son had an 02 STi (bugeye) which, even with only 3k on the clock, had very slight piston slap on a cold start (these engines had forged pistons as opposed to the later hyperutectic cast later versions) We then both got new STi's in 03 and his engine was mechanically quieter than mine! No slap but just general valve clearance and injector sound. An increase of even half a thousandth of an inch on valve clearance will be noticable to a reasonably trained ear.
All the evidence leads to piston slap in the engine in question. You'll probably be told "Quite a few of these do that,sir" and sent on your way with the proviso that if it gets worse, bring it back! If they do, get it in writing.
JohnD
24 January 2008, 08:07 PM
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It's sometimes surprising how two engines from the same production line, even built one after the other, can vary in mechanical noise!
My son had an 02 STi (bugeye) which, even with only 3k on the clock, had very slight piston slap on a cold start (these engines had forged pistons as opposed to the later hyperutectic cast later versions) We then both got new STi's in 03 and his engine was mechanically quieter than mine! No slap but just general valve clearance and injector sound. An increase of even half a thousandth of an inch on valve clearance will be noticable to a reasonably trained ear.
All the evidence leads to piston slap in the engine in question. You'll probably be told "Quite a few of these do that,sir" and sent on your way with the proviso that if it gets worse, bring it back! If they do, get it in writing.
JohnD
My son had an 02 STi (bugeye) which, even with only 3k on the clock, had very slight piston slap on a cold start (these engines had forged pistons as opposed to the later hyperutectic cast later versions) We then both got new STi's in 03 and his engine was mechanically quieter than mine! No slap but just general valve clearance and injector sound. An increase of even half a thousandth of an inch on valve clearance will be noticable to a reasonably trained ear.
All the evidence leads to piston slap in the engine in question. You'll probably be told "Quite a few of these do that,sir" and sent on your way with the proviso that if it gets worse, bring it back! If they do, get it in writing.
JohnD
didnt even hear it today, but it was a bit warmer. not sure if I can be bothered with the hassle of taking it in etc etc
24 January 2008, 10:01 PM
#18
Book it in during the next cold snap, just to get your query registered with them.
Just as a matter of interest, the owners manual for the Ford Sierra had a comment telling Cosworth version owners to ignore the "piston noise" when starting from cold as it was quite normal on that engine.
JohnD
Just as a matter of interest, the owners manual for the Ford Sierra had a comment telling Cosworth version owners to ignore the "piston noise" when starting from cold as it was quite normal on that engine.
JohnD
