Engine knocking when left outside in the cold.

obyone · 01-06-2003, 04:19 PM

This is what I posted in another thread but thought the response deserved it's own thread so that it can be cataloged for searches.

Funny, my scoobs been acting up when it's cold. If I leave her outside overnight, when I start her up first thing in the morn, I hear a knocking sound comming from the driver side cylinder bank.

I don't know if it's just lifter noise, noisy injectors, piston slap, or real deal knocking. I just know that it's annoying ass hell because it's LOUD. Of corse, it goes away when the car warms up and never shows it's head when the temps do not drop below 30.

Oh well, Subaru it looking at it right now so I should have an answer in a few days.

Well, I just got a call back from Subaru. They said that they heard a slight engine knocking when it was cold. (THANK GOD they heard it too) They said it was due to a loose timing belt tensioner. Luckly, everything was covered under warranty. My cold air intake and header back system didn't void my warranty and the dealer didn't give me any grief about them.

Lynwood Subaru in Lynwood Illinois, is the bomb.

Cool people and mod friendly.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

EvasionOfTruth · 01-06-2003, 04:43 PM

So how many miles do you have? I have a 01 with 46 or 47k now. Did they mention what is was from(ie. time or miles)?

Thanks
Buster
www.awdsubaru.com
www.evasionoftruth.com

obyone · 01-06-2003, 09:16 PM

53000 miles on an 00 RS. They didn't mention why it came loose but I'll ask when I pick it up tommarow.

HndaTch627 · 01-07-2003, 03:22 AM

99's & 00's were famous for bad tensioners. 01's+ had the updated ones.

jeremy

willguidry · 01-07-2003, 09:25 AM

Bump for this, as my car has been knocking slightly at idle.

Where can the timing belt tensioner be found so I can tighten this myself.

I surely won't bring it to the shop now.

Cheers

Will

2pt5RS · 01-07-2003, 11:19 AM

I get that too, I used to get it all the time in my VW, I found out it was a lifter problem, usually when the engine runs for a couple seconds, the oil gets flowing, its all good, I get no knock, its normal in our cars

Matt

willguidry · 01-07-2003, 11:30 AM

no, mine knocks at lights, or anything other time she's not under throttle.

So my guess is this is my problem.

Anyone know where the tightener is?

cheers

Will

HndaTch627 · 01-07-2003, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willguidry
Bump for this, as my car has been knocking slightly at idle.

Where can the timing belt tensioner be found so I can tighten this myself.

I surely won't bring it to the shop now.

Cheers

Will

you have to replace it, it's faulty, there's no adjustment, it's a self adjusting hydraulic tensioner

willguidry · 01-07-2003, 03:45 PM

How do you know if it's bad?

Cheers
WIll

Whiplash · 01-07-2003, 10:29 PM

Yeah .. Im curious on this myself. My car seems to be getting kinda noisy idleing. Should I bring it to a dealership??

willguidry · 01-07-2003, 11:28 PM

Yes, I really want to know what this entails. Like how much for the total replacement.

Please let me know, I don't want this to turn into a bigger problem.

Cheers

Will

BlueTDimly · 01-08-2003, 11:45 AM

I believe you would have to remove the timing belt, you can see the various tensioners described here in the timing belt change procedure.

Timing Belt Change (2.5 DOHC)
Timing Belt Change (2.2)

Peter

Die Civic · 01-09-2003, 12:05 AM

timing belt tensioners are known to make noise or go bad in cold on a lot of cars, not just subarus.

the comment on 01's having a fixed one, is incorrect, i have a late built 01 (jan of 01) and i had the tensioner recently changed due to noise, a loud knocking noise as described in the original thread.

obyone · 01-09-2003, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EvasionOfTruth
Did they mention what it [faulty tensioner] was from(ie. time or miles)?

Thanks
Buster
www.awdsubaru.com
www.evasionoftruth.com

The tech said that it was just defective and that it isn't dependant on time or mileage.

HndaTch627 · 01-09-2003, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Die Civic
timing belt tensioners are known to make noise or go bad in cold on a lot of cars, not just subarus.

the comment on 01's having a fixed one, is incorrect, i have a late built 01 (jan of 01) and i had the tensioner recently changed due to noise, a loud knocking noise as described in the original thread.

well that's good to know, i was told that the MY01's got the updated tensioners. they may have, but that's doens't mean one's not going to fail

jeremy

quietgiroth · 01-09-2003, 03:02 AM

Your lucky, my car does the same thing. I took it into a Subaru dealership, even though I and several other people could hear the problem the dealership claimed that it couldn't.
I wish there were more Subaru dealerships like yours.

mrbell · 01-09-2003, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Engine knocking when left outside in the cold.

Well it's cold! it wants to come in!

...sorry... couldn't resist

Die Civic · 01-10-2003, 06:15 PM

quietgiroth, ever think about calling SOA and having them inspect it with a certified inspector? (they usually do this for windshield cracking or major engine damage) but if your dealership say's they cannot duplicate the problem, get a second opinion, u can bring it to any dealer there is, even if its 40 miles away, better to waste gas than to deal with bullsh_t.

Siper2 · 01-13-2003, 06:14 PM

I've a 2000 RS with 68k on it, I had to have my tensioner replaced just last week, I had the same banging noise in the morning. I tried to put it off (low funds), but one day it was really bad so I drove it in.

The tensioner was $175 (just the part), and it took a couple hours to do. I had them replace the timing belt ($79) while they were at it, too. You don't need to until 105k according to my dealer (Exeter Subaru), but I drive a lot, as is evident by my mileage and the car's age, so... what the heck.

My cost came to $402. Pricey but it could've been worse.

Apparently when they get old, they leak and start to drop, or loosen. But since it's a hydraulic-ish kind of piece, no they can't be repaired, just replaced. When it starts to shift out of place from what I assume is a lack of pressure of some sort, the belt loosens and starts to bang against the shield until the engine warms up and everything tightens down.

-S2-

SubaruImpreza_power · 02-01-2003, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Die Civic
timing belt tensioners are known to make noise or go bad in cold on a lot of cars, not just subarus.

the comment on 01's having a fixed one, is incorrect, i have a late built 01 (jan of 01) and i had the tensioner recently changed due to noise, a loud knocking noise as described in the original thread.

Hmmm I have a Maxima.. Just about ready to trade it in for a Subaru.. But I get that same Kocking sound like you guys on cold mornings.. But I don't know how long the kocking sound lasts for you.. But For me the car makes a Fast kocking sound for about 5-7 Seconds and then it's gone.. But you can still hear a Faint kocking sound If you have a person standing outside the car and driving torwds them you can hear the faint sound of the kocking.. But not as loud as a full Cold morning first start of the day.

Subi Ru · 02-02-2003, 04:43 PM

Thanks for posting this Obyone... very timely for me. Left my Subie out of the garage last week in the subzero temps and she was not very happy with me the next morning. Started up but I got that knocking too - it is really really LOUD! I thought she was going to blow up or something.... it stopped once she was warmed up.

Now I know what it was - doh! Looks like some repairs are headed my way soon... I guess I can't complain... she pushing 68k.

But what have we all learned from this???? Subies get very angry when left out in the cold all night! Give her a warm place to sleep, will ya?

Michelle

obyone · 02-02-2003, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Subi Ru
Thanks for posting this Obyone... very timely for me. Left my Subie out of the garage last week in the subzero temps and she was not very happy with me the next morning. Started up but I got that knocking too - it is really really LOUD! I thought she was going to blow up or something.... it stopped once she was warmed up.

Now I know what it was - doh! Looks like some repairs are headed my way soon... I guess I can't complain... she pushing 68k.

But what have we all learned from this???? Subies get very angry when left out in the cold all night! Give her a warm place to sleep, will ya?

Michelle

I had to pay $300 to get my garage door & opener fixed becuase of this. The Scoob will now have a roof over it's head.

Dolphin Overton · 02-03-2003, 02:42 AM

I can hear a mild noise in mine... hmm.. I am scared now.

BTW, my coil pack just wnet poop

mdchachi · 03-06-2005, 10:43 AM

I just got an '03 Baja and when it's cold, I hear a noise that's more like a rattle or whirring. Is this the kind of noise you're talking about? It has 35K on it.

obyone · 04-04-2005, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdchachi

I just got an '03 Baja and when it's cold, I hear a noise that's more like a rattle or whirring. Is this the kind of noise you're talking about? It has 35K on it.

Way to raise the dead there buddy.

I can't tell you for sure if you have the same problem I do. The only way to find out is to take it into the dealer.

01-06-2003, 04:19 PM	#1
obyone Scooby Specialist Member#: 16523 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Inbetween Hesco's and T-walls Vehicle: JDM Maxxpro	Engine knocking when left outside in the cold. This is what I posted in another thread but thought the response deserved it's own thread so that it can be cataloged for searches. Funny, my scoobs been acting up when it's cold. If I leave her outside overnight, when I start her up first thing in the morn, I hear a knocking sound comming from the driver side cylinder bank. I don't know if it's just lifter noise, noisy injectors, piston slap, or real deal knocking. I just know that it's annoying ass hell because it's LOUD. Of corse, it goes away when the car warms up and never shows it's head when the temps do not drop below 30. Oh well, Subaru it looking at it right now so I should have an answer in a few days. Well, I just got a call back from Subaru. They said that they heard a slight engine knocking when it was cold. (THANK GOD they heard it too) They said it was due to a loose timing belt tensioner. Luckly, everything was covered under warranty. My cold air intake and header back system didn't void my warranty and the dealer didn't give me any grief about them. Lynwood Subaru in Lynwood Illinois, is the bomb. Cool people and mod friendly. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

01-07-2003, 11:19 AM	#6
2pt5RS Scooby Guru Member#: 10853 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: -=ATL=- Vehicle: 2013 BRZ LTD Satin White Pearl	hmm... I get that too, I used to get it all the time in my VW, I found out it was a lifter problem, usually when the engine runs for a couple seconds, the oil gets flowing, its all good, I get no knock, its normal in our cars Matt

01-08-2003, 11:45 AM	#12
BlueTDimly Scooby Newbie Member#: 24475 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Granite State Vehicle: 1999 Forester L Dirty	Timing Belt Removal I believe you would have to remove the timing belt, you can see the various tensioners described here in the timing belt change procedure. Timing Belt Change (2.5 DOHC) Timing Belt Change (2.2) Peter

01-13-2003, 06:14 PM	#19
Siper2 Scooby Guru Member#: 1134 Join Date: Mar 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Dillsburg, PA Vehicle: 2007 BMW 328xi wagon Silver	I just had one replaced! I've a 2000 RS with 68k on it, I had to have my tensioner replaced just last week, I had the same banging noise in the morning. I tried to put it off (low funds), but one day it was really bad so I drove it in. The tensioner was $175 (just the part), and it took a couple hours to do. I had them replace the timing belt ($79) while they were at it, too. You don't need to until 105k according to my dealer (Exeter Subaru), but I drive a lot, as is evident by my mileage and the car's age, so... what the heck. My cost came to $402. Pricey but it could've been worse. Apparently when they get old, they leak and start to drop, or loosen. But since it's a hydraulic-ish kind of piece, no they can't be repaired, just replaced. When it starts to shift out of place from what I assume is a lack of pressure of some sort, the belt loosens and starts to bang against the shield until the engine warms up and everything tightens down. -S2-

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01-06-2003, 04:43 PM	#2
EvasionOfTruth Scooby Specialist Member#: 13282 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Richmond, VA Vehicle: 2007 FXT WRB SPB Edition	So how many miles do you have? I have a 01 with 46 or 47k now. Did they mention what is was from(ie. time or miles)? Thanks Buster www.awdsubaru.com www.evasionoftruth.com

01-06-2003, 09:16 PM	#3
obyone Scooby Specialist Member#: 16523 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Inbetween Hesco's and T-walls Vehicle: JDM Maxxpro	53000 miles on an 00 RS. They didn't mention why it came loose but I'll ask when I pick it up tommarow.

01-07-2003, 03:22 AM	#4
HndaTch627 Scooby Guru Member#: 6551 Join Date: May 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Carol Stream, IL Vehicle: '01 GC8 Dinged STM '09 Concours 14 ABS Black	99's & 00's were famous for bad tensioners. 01's+ had the updated ones. jeremy

01-07-2003, 09:25 AM	#5
willguidry Scooby Specialist Member#: 16388 Join Date: Mar 2002	Bump for this, as my car has been knocking slightly at idle. Where can the timing belt tensioner be found so I can tighten this myself. I surely won't bring it to the shop now. Cheers Will

01-07-2003, 11:30 AM	#7
willguidry Scooby Specialist Member#: 16388 Join Date: Mar 2002	no, mine knocks at lights, or anything other time she's not under throttle. So my guess is this is my problem. Anyone know where the tightener is? cheers Will

01-07-2003, 03:45 PM	#9
willguidry Scooby Specialist Member#: 16388 Join Date: Mar 2002	How do you know if it's bad? Cheers WIll

01-07-2003, 10:29 PM	#10
Whiplash Scooby Specialist Member#: 5589 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island NY Vehicle: '04 WRX '99 Legacy Wagon	Yeah .. Im curious on this myself. My car seems to be getting kinda noisy idleing. Should I bring it to a dealership??

01-07-2003, 11:28 PM	#11
willguidry Scooby Specialist Member#: 16388 Join Date: Mar 2002	Yes, I really want to know what this entails. Like how much for the total replacement. Please let me know, I don't want this to turn into a bigger problem. Cheers Will

01-09-2003, 12:05 AM	#13
Die Civic Scooby Specialist Member#: 3301 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Queens, New York Vehicle: 2001 RS Aspen White	timing belt tensioners are known to make noise or go bad in cold on a lot of cars, not just subarus. the comment on 01's having a fixed one, is incorrect, i have a late built 01 (jan of 01) and i had the tensioner recently changed due to noise, a loud knocking noise as described in the original thread.

01-09-2003, 03:02 AM	#16
quietgiroth Scooby Newbie Member#: 19375 Join Date: May 2002 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ontario	Your lucky, my car does the same thing. I took it into a Subaru dealership, even though I and several other people could hear the problem the dealership claimed that it couldn't. I wish there were more Subaru dealerships like yours.

01-10-2003, 06:15 PM	#18
Die Civic Scooby Specialist Member#: 3301 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Queens, New York Vehicle: 2001 RS Aspen White	quietgiroth, ever think about calling SOA and having them inspect it with a certified inspector? (they usually do this for windshield cracking or major engine damage) but if your dealership say's they cannot duplicate the problem, get a second opinion, u can bring it to any dealer there is, even if its 40 miles away, better to waste gas than to deal with bullsh_t.

02-02-2003, 04:43 PM	#21
Subi Ru Scooby Specialist Member#: 7848 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Milwaukee, WI Vehicle: 2002 TS Sassy girls wear Red!	Thanks for posting this Obyone... very timely for me. Left my Subie out of the garage last week in the subzero temps and she was not very happy with me the next morning. Started up but I got that knocking too - it is really really LOUD! I thought she was going to blow up or something.... it stopped once she was warmed up. Now I know what it was - doh! Looks like some repairs are headed my way soon... I guess I can't complain... she pushing 68k. But what have we all learned from this???? Subies get very angry when left out in the cold all night! Give her a warm place to sleep, will ya? Michelle

02-03-2003, 02:42 AM	#23
Dolphin Overton Scooby Specialist Member#: 1925 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: denver Vehicle: 01 Allroad 6spd 13 Daytona 675R 99 Sprint	I can hear a mild noise in mine... hmm.. I am scared now. BTW, my coil pack just wnet poop

03-06-2005, 10:43 AM	#24
mdchachi Scooby Newbie Member#: 70725 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: SE Michigan Vehicle: 2003 Baja Baja Yello	I just got an '03 Baja and when it's cold, I hear a noise that's more like a rattle or whirring. Is this the kind of noise you're talking about? It has 35K on it.

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