club.liberty.asn.au

Subject says it all - major service with belt done 4k ago, nothing reported. Now its got a big end rattle. This was one of the dodgy batch of early 08 engines, but it was given the all clear by the dealer at 4k.
Its not audible inside the cabin, but readily detectable with the bonnet open. All but the last 3 services with the dealer, last 3 with M&L.
Any suggestions please - in melbourne. One estimate of $8k using a new (or maybe reco - not clear) bottom end with my accessories.
Thanks
jp

Jesus that unlucky, never trust a dealer. They are there to make money, not to help you!

Not sure if you can get money back in any sort but who the hell is charging you 8k for a bottom end... Just a bottom end + fitment?!!
The verdict is in: no chance.

I bought an ej25 from a 07 foz with 60,000 for $2500 (granted it is a SOHC vs DOHC yada yada) and put it in with a mate.

Be careful with the quote they give you, they often try to charge for extra stuff like a few more hours labour or more oil. Not sure how much you can dispute that though.

8k maybe for a full long block very low kms with everything you need ie coolant, oil sparck plugs belts etc

jp928 wrote:Subject says it all - major service with belt done 4k ago, nothing reported. Now its got a big end rattle. This was one of the dodgy batch of early 08 engines, but it was given the all clear by the dealer at 4k.
Its not audible inside the cabin, but readily detectable with the bonnet open. All but the last 3 services with the dealer, last 3 with M&L.
Any suggestions please - in melbourne. One estimate of $8k using a new (or maybe reco - not clear) bottom end with my accessories.
Thanks
jp

Care to put up a clip of knock ?

Is the knock on idle or even through the rev range ?

Are you certain is not a tensioner pulley ?

Got a second opinion from a pro, with a stethoscope - definitely big ends.
Seems a NEW bottom end is $2500....

jp

Okay but can you enlighten us on symptoms ?
Noise ? On idel ? While trying ?

so how do they get from 2500 (which seems alrightish) to 8k?

multiply it by 3.2

And MY08 engines had this issue ?

Call Revzone (9870 0540) in Ringwood and talk to Owen. He deals with this broken Suby shit everyday.
He’s also a member of this forum if you didn’t know.

gen3v8 wrote:multiply it by 3.2

derp my bad

This engine was in the 08 bad batch, but dealer checked it at 4k, came up OK. I had no symptoms, until I put it in for a 137.5k service, and was told noisy bearings - cant hear a thing from inside, but under the bonnet, blip the throttle, its there. Used no oil ever, drives fine...so far.
The short motor is a NEW unit. Seems a reco is actually a couple hundred MORE than a new unit.
jp

how much do you love power? you could buy a pre assemble light forged bottom end for a ~grand more?

My money is on noisey cam gear rattle Sounds like big end but considering the VVT Angle thread, dealer replaced and engine, noise still present. Replaced OCV, no more noise...

$110 part

VVT problem? Not that I have heard any other noisy big ends this early, or cam gear noise, but it seems to be a heavier rattle than I would expect from cam gear, but its possible. Much heavier than just a tappet for sure, and most audible as the throttle shuts after a blip....Its going to dealer for a diagnose monday, so we'll see what they say.
Thanks for all the ideas and input.
jpo

jay.ritchie wrote:Call Revzone (9870 0540) in Ringwood and talk to Owen. He deals with this broken Suby shit everyday.
He’s also a member of this forum if you didn’t know.

Sorry, I can't deal with another blown Subaru in my life right now. I have 2 in the shop as we speak. I'll be able to help you after World Time Attack though.

And 8k isn't unreasonable if you do it properly. Let me break it down a bit.
New STI block - 2600
Full gasket/overhaul kit - 700
ARP studs - 300
Machining heads - 1200
Timing belt kit - 500
Water pump - 100
At least $400 worth of quality run in oils for your first 2-3000km
Coolant? Other fluids? Bolts and other misc shit?

Labour to remove and refit? Labour to strip old motor and assemble new motor?