Engine knock during warm start-up

[subyfreak]

I am looking for some ideas on what is causing this knocking sound during start up. Example I drive to the store and get everything up to operating temp no knock turn car off and go into store for about 5-15min. start car and it knocks for about 10 seconds or until I get it over 2500rpms. It also likes to do this more after a fresh oil change:confused: I have tried different weights of oil and also added Lucas to the oil thinking the thicker oil would prevent the lifters from bleeding. The car is a 92 Legacy with a 2.2 and 5sp. also has 210000 miles on it. Other than this it runs and sounds great. Anyone else have this problem? Can the lifters on this engine have a deep knock that could confused with a connecting rod knock? Thanks in advance to all that have a answer.

[Gloyale]

I am looking for some ideas on what is causing this knocking sound during start up. Example I drive to the store and get everything up to operating temp no knock turn car off and go into store for about 5-15min. start car and it knocks for about 10 seconds or until I get it over 2500rpms. It also likes to do this more after a fresh oil change:confused: I have tried different weights of oil and also added Lucas to the oil thinking the thicker oil would prevent the lifters from bleeding. The car is a 92 Legacy with a 2.2 and 5sp. also has 210000 miles on it. Other than this it runs and sounds great. Anyone else have this problem? Can the lifters on this engine have a deep knock that could confused with a connecting rod knock? Thanks in advance to all that have a answer.

 

My 93 has a Tick that comes and goes. Depending on temp, oil age, level and type. It is definateky a tick, not a Knock. Does the sound your describing happen when revving in neutral? Lifter tick tends to stay the same whether idling or driving, just varies with engine speed. Rod knock will tend to be louder under load, when driving and is a heavy dull sound. I'm guessing you've got a lifter issue, espescially since it seems to vary with the oil condition.

[tcspeer]

Sounds like it is the main bearings to me. Mine does the same thing only it knocks a little longer.

I am looking for some ideas on what is causing this knocking sound during start up. Example I drive to the store and get everything up to operating temp no knock turn car off and go into store for about 5-15min. start car and it knocks for about 10 seconds or until I get it over 2500rpms. It also likes to do this more after a fresh oil change:confused: I have tried different weights of oil and also added Lucas to the oil thinking the thicker oil would prevent the lifters from bleeding. The car is a 92 Legacy with a 2.2 and 5sp. also has 210000 miles on it. Other than this it runs and sounds great. Anyone else have this problem? Can the lifters on this engine have a deep knock that could confused with a connecting rod knock? Thanks in advance to all that have a answer.

[nipper]

I am looking for some ideas on what is causing this knocking sound during start up. Example I drive to the store and get everything up to operating temp no knock turn car off and go into store for about 5-15min. start car and it knocks for about 10 seconds or until I get it over 2500rpms. It also likes to do this more after a fresh oil change:confused: I have tried different weights of oil and also added Lucas to the oil thinking the thicker oil would prevent the lifters from bleeding. The car is a 92 Legacy with a 2.2 and 5sp. also has 210000 miles on it. Other than this it runs and sounds great. Anyone else have this problem? Can the lifters on this engine have a deep knock that could confused with a connecting rod knock? Thanks in advance to all that have a answer.

 

Well the cause may be the 210,000 miles on it.

 

A deep knock is a very bad thing. You have rod knock and it wont go away. I should know. I threw a connecting rod right out of the block because of the same knock that sort of came and went. Nothing you can do will get rid of it short of a rebuild or an engine swap. if ANYTHING i would make sure AAA is paid up and dont go on any long trips.

Lifters will tick.

 

Rod knock test is simple. Remove one spark plug wire at a time and see if the noise changes or goes away. if it does thats the cylinder with rod knock.

 

nipper

[jon38iowa]

A deep knock is a very bad thing. You have rod knock and it wont go away. I should know. I threw a connecting rod right out of the block because of the same knock that sort of came and went. Nothing you can do will get rid of it short of a rebuild or an engine swap. if ANYTHING i would make sure AAA is paid up and dont go on any long trips.

Lifters will tick.

 

 

nipper

I agree 100%! I had a similar problem my 2.5 and the only cure was a rebuild, very expensive trust me. But, now the car is running splendidly:clap:

In the case of the 2.2 it may be cheaper to simply replace it with a solid used one, moreover, they are readily available from what others here say.

Good luck.

John

[msmithmmx]

My engine ticks, knocks and piston slaps also at startup and goes away at operating temp (2.2 170K). This is somewhat normal due to Subaru casting the blocks for operating tempature or so I am told. If you could post a sound clip lets give it a listen.

[subyfreak]

I will try and post a sound clip but the problem does not always show up. Most times it happens when many people can hear it. Is my car just mad at me? It mostly happens after being run at the upper end of the rpm range for a long time like going down the road at 80mph or just shifting at 6000rpm. Yes I know the answer is to slow down and drive like a granny but I just wanted to know if others have had the same problems and if I should lose sleep over it. Like I said the engine is quiet and runs smooth other than the few seconds of knock. Uses less than 1 quart of oil between oil changes. Thanks again to all who replied.