My 2002 2.5 TS sounds like a TDI. (85,000 km) Excessive piston slap, Piston # 4 is loudest. Started at 75,000km, and got progressively louder. One Subaru mechanic told me it was fine, and not to worry. I was not happy with his decision and returned to the dealer a week later and found another mechanic. It took him about 2 minutes to make his decision. Disconnected the spark plug on #4 with the engine running, and the noise continued. Apparently and this was all he needed to hear, and he proceeded to order me a new short block.
Why is it always piston # 4? Were ther quality control problems in 2002? I have heard of several 2002 2.5 engines with the #2 and #4 slapping around. Subaru of Canada told my buddy in a letter that 2.5l pistons the 2002 in a certain VIN run being machined too small!????
It is hard to believe that Subaru of all manufacturers would let that slip out of the factory?!!
Is my new S-block new and improved, or can I expect the same problems again in the future?
Anyone have similar experiences?