Rod knock or piston slap?

[cartwheels]

So here is my new (to me) 99 Outback. Traded a guy my WRX for him to repair (had developed a knock) and in return got this Outback which he had supposedly done head gaskets, timing belt and water pump, and a clutch on. Seemed like a great deal, even had the local Subie dealer check it out and they said it was the cleanest car of that year they'd seen. Of course, I get it home and it starts to sound like this when I start it up the next day.

Did some reading and it sounds like these cars have an issue with piston slap... and the noise DOES quiet down when the motor is warm. But it still freaks me out.

Have a listen and tell me what y'all think.

1999 Subaru Outback cold knock/slap - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZMYWKSwJ-E)

[chuckthefuk]

Welcome to SLi!

When you say DOES quiet down... is it still noticable?

In some cases the Timining Belt Tensioner is rattling around, loose, broken or the bolts holding it in are damaged. Usually the noise will go away at 4-5000 rpm... Its common that the threads get mangled and shops just heli-coil it and slap the tensioner back in only to have it break again down the road ...

It doesn't sound like rod knock from the video... its usually a harder knocking noise with more echo..

Piston slap is common with boxer motors in cold temps however I doubt from the video its cold..

Can you give us anymore information?

Post #4 gives examples of a damaged tensioner.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1990365 (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1990365)


-Chuck

[SativaMan04]

I have the same noise! It sounds like the belt tensioner in post #4. How much do you think it will cost to have it replaced? It's so annoying! I really hope this fixes the problem.

[chuckthefuk]

Under $200 from the dealer.. cheaper if you go with aftermarket...

[cartwheels]

Shop told me today they were able to pinpoint the sound emanating from the passenger side head. It would appear my Outback needs a valve adjustment! Hope this helps anyone with similar sounds coming from their Subie. I'll report back once the car has been worked on.

[SativaMan04]

Cool. let us know.