ohhh nooo, please don't let this be true!!

[lammi]

After reading a lot of posts and scaring myself.. I think I have an engine problem? I have been noticing ticking noises from the passenger side of the engine next to the battery. It's quite loud at first but after around 20-25 minutes of slow driving, it seems to die down a bit (in terms of loudness), but it's still discernible..

VIdeo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLrxNiG-rio

This is a short clip I took with my phone at around 20minutes into driving. Technies, please please help me out here! I have a service booked in at Subaru Glen Waverley on Friday. I got this car when it had 68k on the Odo and it's reading 78k now (hence the 10k service) but digging around the previous owner's books, the last service was done at 65k!!! that means I have been going for 13k without a service! (although I have been checking oils regularly).

Am I just over concerned? or have I done some seriously damage already?!! for not bringing it to service earlier?!

LaMMi

[teK--]

That's pretty loud. Sounds like valve clearance is in need of adjustment or lifters are problematic.

[lammi]

thanks Tek! for your swift swift reply.. But what you mentioned does not need an engine rebuild right?!

[teK--]

Valve adjustment is relatively straightforward just costs a couple of hours labor and rocker cover gaskets. Lifters if they are worn or damaged would just cost the price of those parts + labor. It's all work on the top side of each engine head so it's straightforward to repair (engine doesn't need to come out nor heads off) but you may still be looking at a few hundred dollars.

[lammi]

Thank you again very much Tek. I just don't wanna have to spend a couple of thousand $$

I aren't doubting your knowledge, but how certain are you that it's the lifters problem? cos then I can tell that to the mechanics when I drop it off on friday..

I'm pretty sure it's coming from the side closest to the battery, and it seems (like I mentioned), even after 25 minutes of driving, there's still a slight sound but nowhere near as loud as when the car started from cold

thank you so much Tek!

LaMMi

[teK--]

Based on video showing it is loudest when on the far RHS of the engine which is where the lifters/valves are. Also you mentioned not as loud when hot which means engine oil has circulated and is lubricating better hence less noise. Plus it sounds like typical valvetrain clatter of an old V8

Just tell your mechanic the symptom, let them diagnose the problem.

[lammi]

Shall do!

can't thank you enough for the fast replies and info!

[PHAT GT]

take it to an exhaust shop first and see if the header gasket is leaking on that side before you ask subaru to fix it because if the bolts are just a bit lose it will leak when cold and seal as it get warmer


Michael

[Drew]

if it's an MY07, good chance it's still under warranty... suggest you let the dealership sort it out if that is the case...

mine has a rattling exhaust shield at the moment, that I've been advised to "cut off", "take to an exhaust place", etc... why bother? it's a warranty issue as the car is still under warranty...

[lammi]

thanks all for the response, I took it in for a service yesterday and it seem to have fixed it!. I got the Aux-in Cable installed while I was at it too!

and today I just got some Focal 165A1 put in!

$$$ is flying outta my wallet at record speed!

LaMMi