Olnick

You're probably right about the valve tick, Bob. I admit I'm stuck in the early EJ22 era! I'm not an "engine internals expert" enough to be much help, but I agree with davebugs--it would seem to be a low oil pressure problem. Hopefully others will chime in too. Sounds like your mechanic just slapped a new belt on and maybe skipped some vital inspections and PM. Now all that front end work would have to be repeated to get to the oil pump. Have you noticed any excessive oil leakage from the timing belt cover? How's your oil level, does it use much? Wonder if it could be some kind of blockage in the oil passages? Someone correct me if I'm wrong--but maybe a treatment with MMR (Marvel Mystery Oil) could help? Good luck Bob.

Not trying to muddy the waters here, but we had a long discussion about this when I did my timing belt a couple of years ago: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=69698&highlight=timing+belt Please note that I did shift the cam sprocket (driver's side) one tooth left (counterclockwise) from what the pic shows. Still don't know the answer as to how much difference one tooth makes, but my car has been running smooth as silk for over two years (or at least seems so to me!) Good luck.

Sorry Log1call, didn't mean to sound like I was attacking your suggestion--the logic is good. Was just making an observation.

Very logical . . . but sounds like one heckuva lot of work slicing a belt longways, especially when a magic marker or paint pen is so easy to use!

Bob, the oil pump/backing screws are usually done in conjunction with a timing belt job since you have to go into the engine's front end for both. Have you replaced the timing belt recently? At 103k miles it's about due. Are you sure it's knock that you're hearing--or could it be valves ticking?

There was no 2.5 in '93. To confirm what it is, look at the top front of the engine block under the alternator--engine model should be cast in the block there.

Welcome aboard, James. You've found a great place here. Now go get that wagon so you can ask lotsa' questions. And don't let Twitch give you a hard time--there's nothing at all wrong with Spokanity. My daughter and her husband live there so we get up there once in awhile.

Please take careful notes on what you do and report back to us! I can't imagine what he means or how to execute it. The cam and crank sprockets have keyways so they only go on one way. And the hash marks have to be lined up properly in relation to each other or the timing will be totally off. So good luck . . . and let us know what happens!

It's an "Advanced Diagnostic Reflex Tool." (It tests how fast you can figure out the problem when you forgot you turned the power off or when its connection goes bad.) Glad you solved the problem, superoo!

Perhaps a new engine coolant temperature sensor?

Welcome aboard, Kiwi! Where do you live in that beautiful land? Try browsing the Older Generation forum, maybe you'll find some help with your tick.

You're wise to be thinking ahead, mattri, although it sounds like you've got plenty of time before the timing belt is due. Mugs' list is very thorough and is exactly what a good shop should do. Truth is, much as we'd like to have the comfort of a Subie specific shop, any competent mechanic can do the work required. It mainly comes down to how capable he is (and as pointed out, how familiar he is with Japanese cars) plus how much you trust him, how "comfortable" you are with him. Might be a good idea to start developing a relationship with local independent mechanics. All the best to you.

Welcome, filip. Sounds dangerous! Your car should still be under warranty, right? I'd take it back to the dealer first and see what they say. Good luck.

Laura, you're not being a pest--we want to help (or at least try to!) That said, I agree with GD. That's too much for a car in the condition you describe. Good luck.

Welcome aboard, ptarmyguy. You're gonna' love this place--you pretty much summed it up in your last line. 'Cept you can add "members" to the list. My friends here will bend over backwards to help another Subie Guy!

Hauoli la hanau! Congratulations! And the great part is, from here it gets better every day. Love the tee shirt! Good looking young man. And great name (Carter is our family name!) Aloha to you, Lisa and Carter.

Yeah, hope everything is okay with him. I seem to recall that he was having trouble with his computer when he last posted. Would sure be a relief to hear from him though.

Please, watch your language on this board.

Hey, let's go out and talk about it, maybe over fish and chips!!!

You could always try what Mom used to use over 60 years ago: vinegar and warm water.

Well you're not the only one. Lookin goooood, Bigbusa!!!

Proper hip technique is to hit near the trailing edge of the door where all the seams and flanges make the panel stronger!

My suggestion is to be upfront with your son. Sit down with him and tell him what you have in mind, but let him be part of setting the ground rules. That way he'll be much more apt to buy into the contract you make. If he wants the car as much as you or I would he'll become his own toughest taskmaster. Of course you'll still be in charge--you have the money and the keys! But it would be a stronger motivator and character builder if he knows what his responsibilites are, and that he helped create the agreement that will earn him the car. Good luck--and let us know how it goes.

A suggestion--wipe the dust off with a damp sponge and let dry. Then spray a little silcone spray (I've got an aerosol can of Prestone Silicone Lubricant that's lasted me for years) on a clean rag, NOT on the vinyl itself, and wipe down the surfaces. Leaves a nice sheen that cleans up easily but is not as harsh and ugly as those "shiny" products.

Actually it's 22mm. The removal tool is usually 7/8" but it should work. Sorry, missed the earlier responses. Socket wrench won't work, you need a 22mm box wrench (The connector does fit through, right?) or open end wrench.