i have a clicking sound (with hood popped, very noticeable on left side of engine) around injector bank. my mom's BF is a certified Subaru MECH, and he said it might be a lifter problem. it happens at idle, no matter what the temp of the engine and is sometimes audible while driving at higher RPM's while acceling in lower gears. i'm scheduling an appointment to have it looked at. just wondering if anyone knew for sure or could give me info so that i can be more specific at the dealership. saves time and money! hopefully!! :\

 

with engine running, pop hood, hook throttle cable with finger. give it a quick blip.

right as the throttle opens you will hear the injectors squirt much more rapidly. this occurs BEFORE the rpms even rise.

if the clicking doesn't increase in frequency until the engine does, it's a valvetrain or other mechanical problem. otherwise it's the injectors.

hth
ken

 

i did what you said and it definitely sounded like an injector. as for right now it sounds fine; but i'm keeping track of it and will have it looked at very soon. or i might just start replacing injectors and upgrading the fuel system. you know, fuel rails and stuff.... gotta love that leaned out 3rd cylinder!

 

Leaned out 3rd cylinder??? Don't know about that one....

Like I posted in another thread....ALL my 'ticking' went bye-bye when I installed my STi injectors...it sounded like a bad valve....it wasn't.