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Old 11-16-2003, 12:46 PM   #1
LisaPhish
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Member#: 38753
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: The Hudson Valley
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'02 Legacy GT Wagon
Silver - 5spd!

Question Question regarding what oil to use in cold weather...

Hi,

I have another question for you Subie experts. My car just recently had the oil changed... this is its second time now with Synthetic oil. Here in NY, it's getting pretty chilly at night, and it's taking a really long time to warm up. I never drive off until the rpms come down to 1000, but even at 1000, the car sounds like it's knocking really hard for quite a while. Is this normal Subie stuff? They put Mobil 1 in it... does it come in different weights like regular oil? It seems like it's not right... but then again, it could be something I'm just not used to.

Also... sometimes after I pull into the garage, I smell the catalytic converter... is this okay?

Thanks in advance!

Lisa
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Old 11-16-2003, 03:53 PM   #2
DerFahrer
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Knocking? That can't be good! Synthetic is usually a little thinner, but at those temperatures, it should get thick enough to protect your engine...

I wonder if you have the infamous piston slap... You said it goes away after it warms up? That's a sign... Don't freak though, if it is piston slap, it's not nearly as bad as it sounds...
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Old 11-16-2003, 04:34 PM   #3
LisaPhish
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Piston slap??? Tell me more!!!
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Old 11-16-2003, 09:29 PM   #4
Mike Wevrick
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Yes, synthetic comes in different weights ... 5W30 should be about right for you.
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Old 11-16-2003, 09:32 PM   #5
sha_zapple
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1998 Legacy L

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Does it sound like a stick running along a fence? the wheel of fortune?

My car does the same thing. I need to add a bit of oil to it. All it is is the valves tapping against the camshafts. It goes away as soon as the engine is warmed up.

Also, when I start my car up in the morning and let it warm up I start to smell exaust. That tells me that its time to pull out of the garage!
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Old 11-16-2003, 10:35 PM   #6
DerFahrer
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Piston slap basically means the piston skirt is too short, and the piston ring goes slightly below it when it goes all the way down. It doesn't really harm anything, but your neighbors won't like you for it

If it is coming from either side of the engine, it could be valves tapping from not having enough oil at startup...
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