eppoh Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 On both my 97 and 98 Legacy wagons (2.2l) there is a noise after starting a cold engine. It is like a tick, but sounds like something plastic- more like a pocka pocka pocka - okay don't laugh. Searched all the threads on ticking, but this is not fast enough to be lifter tick., With the engine at idle, is sounds like only once per revolution. Both cars have 150 - 170,000 miles and have been properly maintained- as far I can tell. Don't know if the lash has been checked lately. Been doing this for a year at least, and never worried about it. Goes away after about 3 or 4 minutes driving. Do I need to be concerned about it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster2 Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 I have an Outback that does that, but I am not concerned about it. I don't think it is valves or bearing knock, prolly most likely some "piston slap," which doesn't cause problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOthis Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 +1^...as long as the noise goes away when the vehicle is fully warm I wouldnt be to concerned... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 i would search for piston slap and see if that's what you're experience. other causes of ticking noises are failing timing tensioners, and will cause no other issues. oil pumps can cause noises too from what I've "heard" but i've never *seen* it before so not sure. doubt that's it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logic23 Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Its the hydraulic lifters in the heads. When the oil is cold they don't pump up correctly causing excessive valve lash. on 2.2 the lifters are in teh rocker arm and are easy to swap out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 i thought 96 was the last year for HLAs??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Piston slap. Nothing to worry about really unless it never goes away. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisd Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 my 99 2.2 does the same sound and quiets down as it warms up . no problems, well other than that dang intermittent stumbling issue. :-\ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WoodsWagon Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Piston slap. Nothing to worry about really unless it never goes away. nipper And even then it's really nothing to worry about. My mom's 98 2.5l has been tapping loud, all the time, and has lasted 163k, 50k that we've had it. You can hear it coming, tak tak tak. Never goes away, runs fine and gets mid 20's for gas milage. We got the car with horrendously blown head gaskets, like as much exhaust out the radiator as the tailpipe. You could hear it breath through the radiator as you cranked it. If I had known how bad the pistons were I would have replaced them when I had the heads off. Hasn't seemed to be a problem though, more of an annoyance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.