Have a 99 Legacy SUS that has "lower engine" noise, sounds like a rattle that goes away a bit when it gets warmed up. Have been told two slightly different stories by two guys that checked it out. One says it needs a rebuild, the other says I need a new engine. Neither has the parts right now.

Question? Do I need a new engine? Any suggestions where I can get one?

Had a bit of a problem with overheating today, gave it to my regular mechanic who hasn't given an opinion about the noise. Is this the beginning of some other problems associated with needing a new engine or rebuild?
Thanks for any help/advice I can get!!

 

I am guessing that the "lower engine" noise just might be plain old piston slap, and the overheating strongly suggests a blown cylinder heat gasket.

While you can debate the merits of a rebuild vs. a whole new engine, I think the short answer is to determine if you have a Phase I or a Phase II engine block. (I think Subaru phased in the newer, stronger engine blocks mid-year 1999 on the Legacys). Assuming you wish to keep the car, you should get the new Engine block if you have the older Phase I engine, otherwise if you are looking to not spend a whole lot of money, maybe you sould just get the cylinder head gasket replaced, and ignore the "lower engine" noise. Hopefully, you can expect a few more years of useful service life, with just the quick fix.

Your other options are to sell the car "as-is", or if you are extremely brave and reasorcefull you could look into getting an engine swap done. The WRX turbo motor offers geater performance and reliability, although your fuel economy will be reduced. Also such a swap can prove to be fairly expensive, complex and time-consuming.

 

My regular mechanic just told me that I need a new radiator. His comments about the engine noise were that it sounds like rods to him, and that it will probably run well for another couple of years.

It is an SUS model, and I want to keep it, the body and interior are in excellent condition, the whole thing is mechanically sound except for the noise that eventually goes away.

Thanks for the info about the two different engines, I'll have to do a little research and see which one I've got to see what my real options are.

In the meantime, I'll take any suggestions about where to get a new or remanufactured engine. I thought about swapping out to one of the turbo engines, but I don't know if my daughter can handle the power, unless I take the car away from her and get her something different.

Thanks, again, and I'd still like more comments to help me make my decision.

Ron