I have a 2000 Impreza L Wagon. Hit 110k miles recently and it seems that the engine is developing a valve tap from the drivers side cylinder banks. Any helpful hints on how to prolong the engine's life until I can afford to get new heads or have mine repaired. Also, does anyone in NJ area have an inexpensive set of heads for an EJ22 or something that is compatible.

Thanks for all the help in advance.

 

I had the same thing on my 01 impreza, on the passangers side head, cylinder 1 I believe. Is this on cold starts or after warm up? If it's a knock your in trouble. It could be carbon deposits on your valves that cause the tap. Try RESLONE valve cleaner (yellow container, PEP Boys) on your next oil change. My tap went away.

Hope this helps.

 

What you describe sounds like lifter noise, especially if the sound is very fast ticking and goes away/reduces when the engine is warmed up.

Try some snake oil and see if it helps .

 

It got worse and now sounds like it is coming from the center of the block. Asked my mechanic what it was and response was most likely a rod bearing or god knows.........took the lazy mans way out, traded it in and I'm now the proud owner of an 03 White Legacy L. Thanks for trying to help.

 

Enjoy the new car!

If it was a rod bearing then obviously you were looking at least at a 'bottom end' rebuild. Who knows what that involves on one of these H4 engines?