I give you guys something to diagnose. Its been a real PITA finding it but the symptoms were screwy, i found it last night and will post a pic tonight.
96 Subaru EJ22 with hydraulic lifters engine knock.
less than 100K original, automatic with air. PS and FI.
Cold start knock is there sometimes not, sometimes louder than others. The knock is there warm at low RPM again sometimes louder than others.
Sometimes it is as loud as a rod but its not a rod or main, it it not piston slap as it comes and goes, it is not a piston pin (no double rap) and is not constant.
The knock a close as i can tell is coming from the rear of the engine on the drivers side.
This is not a tick but a real knock.
Check all accessory pulleys, did the required timing belt with all idlers and water pump.
Check lifters and found one not holding pressure, replaced all 16 (i had them). Rollers on rocker arms looked ok
Found slight leak at exhaust pipe to head, replaced both gaskets. Checked fly wheel, ok.
I checked the valve guides to see if one came loose, nada. Engine runs fine no CEL or performance issues. Used a timing light on the valve springs running, no valves sticking.
Used 0w40 and the knock got much worse cold.
Subaru listened and said its normal noise but i know its not and its been irritating me for a while.
Local Subaru specialist said its normal noise.
When i found it i couldn't believe it, no nothing fell in or came loose.
Have some fun and armchair diagnose.
96 Subaru EJ22 with hydraulic lifters engine knock.
less than 100K original, automatic with air. PS and FI.
Cold start knock is there sometimes not, sometimes louder than others. The knock is there warm at low RPM again sometimes louder than others.
Sometimes it is as loud as a rod but its not a rod or main, it it not piston slap as it comes and goes, it is not a piston pin (no double rap) and is not constant.
The knock a close as i can tell is coming from the rear of the engine on the drivers side.
This is not a tick but a real knock.
Check all accessory pulleys, did the required timing belt with all idlers and water pump.
Check lifters and found one not holding pressure, replaced all 16 (i had them). Rollers on rocker arms looked ok
Found slight leak at exhaust pipe to head, replaced both gaskets. Checked fly wheel, ok.
I checked the valve guides to see if one came loose, nada. Engine runs fine no CEL or performance issues. Used a timing light on the valve springs running, no valves sticking.
Used 0w40 and the knock got much worse cold.
Subaru listened and said its normal noise but i know its not and its been irritating me for a while.
Local Subaru specialist said its normal noise.
When i found it i couldn't believe it, no nothing fell in or came loose.
Have some fun and armchair diagnose.
