Success Fixing 'Subaru Tap' Problem

[Robert M]

For more than a year, it would come and go at different times. That is, the famous 'Subaru Tap' on my '87 wagon.

 

So...I drained out a quart of oil, replaced it with automatic transmission fluid, and drove the car around for about 100 miles. Then I replaced the oil with four quarts and a quart of high-quality oil additive. (name escapes me, but you know the stuff...it's like honey and costs about seven bucks a quart)

 

Tap hasn't returned, car has more power now, and it's been about 2,000 miles.

[GeneralDisorder]

There's as many causes of the TOD as there are stars in the sky. That's awesome that you got your's to stop, but that same fix is not going to work for everyone.

 

GD

[[HTi]Johnson]

but that same fix is not going to work for everyone.

 

GD

 

Agreed. I tried everything. Now I'm replacing the pump with a brand new spendy Subaru one. The next thing after that would be replacing the HVLAs themselves...I'm not about to do that. I'd rather save and do the EJ conversion that I've been wanting to do anyways.(Not saying that an EJ conversion is easier then replacing the HVLAs.)

[Gloyale]

Johnson']The next thing after that would be replacing the HVLAs themselves...I'm not about to do that. I'd rather save and do the EJ conversion that I've been wanting to do anyways.(Not saying that an EJ conversion is easier then replacing the HVLAs.)

 

You could get you're HLA's rebuilt for half the price of a *SUBARU* oil pump.

[GeneralDisorder]

The ONLY company that makes EA oil pumps is Atsugi/Unisia/Paraut. All oil pumps from all vendors are the same. Some are branded with the FHI emblem, but they all come from the same place. I get mine through Discount Import Parts (http://www.discountimportparts.com/) - geniune OEM for half the price. Just bought an EA81 pump for $90 - their primary supplier was out of stock ($55) so they had to go through a Subaru OEM supplier in California. Still a lot cheaper.

 

GD

[Gloyale]

The ONLY company that makes EA oil pumps is Atsugi/Unisia/Paraut. All oil pumps from all vendors are the same. Some are branded with the FHI emblem, but they all come from the same place. I get mine through Discount Import Parts (http://www.discountimportparts.com/) - geniune OEM for half the price. Just bought an EA81 pump for $90 - their primary supplier was out of stock ($55) so they had to go through a Subaru OEM supplier in California. Still a lot cheaper.

 

GD

 

 

Mizpah will rebuild HLA's for like 6 dollars a piece. Multiply that times 8 and you're at $48 bucks plus shipping. That's pretty cheap. Espescially since he still may need to do so even after a new pump.

[GeneralDisorder]

Mizpah will rebuild HLA's for like 6 dollars a piece. Multiply that times 8 and you're at $48 bucks plus shipping. That's pretty cheap. Espescially since he still may need to do so even after a new pump.

I would never do just one anyway. If you are having your lifters rebuilt you should be installing a new oil pump anyway.

 

But the lifters making noise is just annoying. I always replace the pump first because poor oil pressure can cause internal engine damage and the oil pump is easier to get to than the lifters.

 

The first step in diagnosing lifter noise is always to check the oil pressure. The pumps usually look pretty ugly inside after a couple hundred thousand.

 

GD

[[HTi]Johnson]

Mizpah will rebuild HLA's for like 6 dollars a piece. Multiply that times 8 and you're at $48 bucks plus shipping. That's pretty cheap. Espescially since he still may need to do so even after a new pump.

 

Yup, stick clacking away after installing a new pump. When I resealed the engine, I used anaerobic sealant, so I know the ports aren't clogged. Damn lifters.