Lifter noise?
#1
Lifter noise?
Lately I've been noticing a ticking/clacking noise coming from the driver's side of the engine that I think may be lifters, not sure though. The frequency of the noise is RPM dependent and its really easy to hear when I'm driving next to freeway barriers in traffic or at a drive-thru. I don't think its exhaust because (from what I understand) pre-turbo would also produce a loud shrieking or hissing noise. I really don't think its bottom end noise but I guess I won't rule it out cuz I'm still somewhat of a n00b to boxer motors.
I know its due for an oil change soon but the oil isn't dirty, foamy (when checking after running) or milky and oil level is fine when I check it before a cold start/level surface blah blah blah.... Only engine performance mods so far are CBE and airbox mod. Runs good, no power loss. Any ideas?? If its lifters are there any adjustments that could be made?
'05 WRX 2.0 @ 50k miles and using Mobil 1 5w30. Thanks guys.
I know its due for an oil change soon but the oil isn't dirty, foamy (when checking after running) or milky and oil level is fine when I check it before a cold start/level surface blah blah blah.... Only engine performance mods so far are CBE and airbox mod. Runs good, no power loss. Any ideas?? If its lifters are there any adjustments that could be made?
'05 WRX 2.0 @ 50k miles and using Mobil 1 5w30. Thanks guys.
Last edited by tofuman; 05-01-2008 at 08:38 AM.
#2
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I don't think our motors have lifters... Worst case rod bearing. You could have a small exhaust leak at the manifold too. These motors are a bit on the noisy side. But if it sounds irregular, it probably is. If you can't diagnose it by yourself it wouldn't hurt to have someone look at it. Did you buy it used?
#3
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Lately I've been noticing a ticking/clacking noise coming from the driver's side of the engine that I think may be lifters, not sure though. The frequency of the noise is RPM dependent and its really easy to hear when I'm driving next to freeway barriers in traffic or at a drive-thru. I don't think its exhaust because (from what I understand) pre-turbo would also produce a loud shrieking or hissing noise. I really don't think its bottom end noise but I guess I won't rule it out cuz I'm still somewhat of a n00b to boxer motors.
I know its due for an oil change soon but the oil isn't dirty, foamy (when checking after running) or milky and oil level is fine when I check it before a cold start/level surface blah blah blah.... Only engine performance mods so far are CBE and airbox mod. Runs good, no power loss. Any ideas?? If its lifters are there any adjustments that could be made?
'05 WRX 2.0 @ 50k miles and using Mobil 1 5w30. Thanks guys.
I know its due for an oil change soon but the oil isn't dirty, foamy (when checking after running) or milky and oil level is fine when I check it before a cold start/level surface blah blah blah.... Only engine performance mods so far are CBE and airbox mod. Runs good, no power loss. Any ideas?? If its lifters are there any adjustments that could be made?
'05 WRX 2.0 @ 50k miles and using Mobil 1 5w30. Thanks guys.
Boxer motors tick under normal operating conditions. Is this noise louder/different than what you used to hear or are you just noticing something that has already been there? You should check out a buddy's car and see if it sounds different. If it's really concerning you, bring it by a local shop for a quick diagnosis.
#4
I don't think our motors have lifters... Worst case rod bearing. You could have a small exhaust leak at the manifold too. These motors are a bit on the noisy side. But if it sounds irregular, it probably is. If you can't diagnose it by yourself it wouldn't hurt to have someone look at it. Did you buy it used?
What are these lifters you speak of?
Boxer motors tick under normal operating conditions. Is this noise louder/different than what you used to hear or are you just noticing something that has already been there? You should check out a buddy's car and see if it sounds different. If it's really concerning you, bring it by a local shop for a quick diagnosis.
Boxer motors tick under normal operating conditions. Is this noise louder/different than what you used to hear or are you just noticing something that has already been there? You should check out a buddy's car and see if it sounds different. If it's really concerning you, bring it by a local shop for a quick diagnosis.
Last edited by tofuman; 05-01-2008 at 09:13 AM.
#9
I don't think our motors have lifters... Worst case rod bearing. You could have a small exhaust leak at the manifold too. These motors are a bit on the noisy side. But if it sounds irregular, it probably is. If you can't diagnose it by yourself it wouldn't hurt to have someone look at it. Did you buy it used?
http://www.iwoc.co.uk/my2002stiuk.html <--specs sheet on 2002 EJ20 motor, mentions lifters
Here's an engine build-up site which refers to the lifters several times:
http://mthobby.pcperfect.com/ch601/chengine4.htm
And another quote:
Each Impreza has an EJ20 engine as its heart. This 1994cc 4 cylinder engine had 16valves, a quad cam with horizontally opposed cylinders. Each turbo was fitted with a top mounted air to air intercooler and can be found with various Mitsubishi TD series or IHI VF series turbos attached. From the Version 3 onwards mechanical as opposed to hydraulic lifters were used and molybdenum coated pistons. This engine has a 92mm bore and 75mm stroke and had 8.00:1, 8:5,1 or 9.0:1
Last edited by meilers; 05-01-2008 at 11:58 AM.
#10
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The current Subaru boxer motor has mechanical lifters; a minimal Google search provides dozens of links that refer to this. Solid lifters are common in the N/A motors (especially the 1.8l and pre-1987 models) and current ones have hollow or semi-hollow valve lifters. Low crankcase oil can increase the lifter sound, but almost any cold-start (when the oil is not up to full pressure) can create the lifter sound. Older models had hydraulic lifters
http://www.iwoc.co.uk/my2002stiuk.html <--specs sheet on 2002 EJ20 motor, mentions lifters
Here's an engine build-up site which refers to the lifters several times:
http://mthobby.pcperfect.com/ch601/chengine4.htm
And another quote:
http://www.strikeengine.com/subaru-t...8-history.html
http://www.iwoc.co.uk/my2002stiuk.html <--specs sheet on 2002 EJ20 motor, mentions lifters
Here's an engine build-up site which refers to the lifters several times:
http://mthobby.pcperfect.com/ch601/chengine4.htm
And another quote:
http://www.strikeengine.com/subaru-t...8-history.html
#11
#13
edit: ^^ well, I guess I'm probably getting close to needing a timing belt anyways change, right? (50k miles) Guess a tensioner shouldn't be ruled out, especially where the noise follows the rpm's.
Last edited by tofuman; 05-02-2008 at 08:40 PM.
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