I took my beloved 95 2.2 awd impreza to the dealer to have the Timing belt and water pump replacement done. About 10 miles away I was thinking how easy it was not to get under the car and do the work myself this time. But then it started. A valve like ticking noise that as I drove, increased in volume. I stopped the car and got out to check it. It sounded like the oil pressure was down, but the oil was right around the full mark. I called the dealership (from the nearest payphone because I forgot my Cell, what a day!) They said that it might be a stuck lifter and to go ahead and drive it some since it had been at there for a week. I drove it home. It is now even louder. I really cant imagine that a valve would begin to stick as I drove more. It sounds as though its coming from the passenger side rear valve cover. What do you guys think? I've got to call this guy soon and try to get it fixed. Any help at all would be appreciated. I am used to working on Mazda rotaries, so I am not as good with the Subie, but am learning none the less.

I have the same noise and it is, in fact, a sticky hydraulic lifter. Try adding some Rislone oil treatment and a can of that GUNK oil treatment at your next oil change. It may help. Also, check your vacuum hoses to make sure oil is circulating properly through the engine. Check your air filter for spots of oil...

Mine is permanent, I think...but you may still have a chance! :)

//marcus

I would be thinking its a noisey timing belt tensioner, especially if they didnt change it.

Jay

If it is a lifter, Marvel Mystery Oil is the solution. Great stuff.

Just bought some MMO. Going to try it and see if that helps clean it up. I had the Oil pump seal replaced while the job was being done. Maybe part of the old seal got lodged. Not sure, but I'll give it a chance. If that does not work, can I take the valve covers off and do the work to get her going again?

I am not sure that it would be a tensioner problem. Sounds too much like valves, but it may be worth a check.

Just tried changing the oil and putting the Marvel in. No dice. At least not yet. Any other Ideas anyone?

If its a lifter, it will take a bit for the MMO to get to it. The engine will need to get hot, too.

I am not sure that it would be a tensioner problem. Sounds too much like valves, but it may be worth a check.
Thats exactly what the old tensioners use to sound like when they went bad ;)

Jay

Thats exactly what the old tensioners use to sound like when they went bad ;)

Jay

Not too old 2000 rs:
exactly how min sounded. dealer said the wouldnt need to replace, i said do it anyway. No more tick-a-tick-a-ticka sewing machine noises.

Not exactly as yours, but was producing sound like lifters need replacement on one side, as addition exhause was rough.

I had Legacy '96, which I bought with 125 thousand miles on it right after it had timing belt replaced - they missed correct timing by one tooth, so valves were closing when piston was already going to compress air, producing kind of clicking/rough sound. :furious: Religned timing belt, and it worked smooth ever after.

Although it does not explain why on your car it started not the moment you drove it off dealer. Worst thing I can imagine - they did not tensioned pretensioner correctly and timing belt slipped one tooth on one side, so it can be like mine. Check timing - it's really easy to do.

Talking about lifters - before you open valve cover - buy cheap compression tester - I found one in local store for $15. If it is one cylinder - you find it out instanteneously, if it's two cylinders on one side - it's scenario as I had.

Good luck!