Valve Clatter

[Mark]

I have A 1999 Forester with 100K miles and it has a light valve clatter
(seems to have always had some, esp when cold) that has gotten a little more
noiser. Is this fairly typical of these boxer engines? Thanks, Mark

 

[Rat]

I have A 1999 Forester with 100K miles and it has a light valve clatter
(seems to have always had some, esp when cold) that has gotten a little more
noiser. Is this fairly typical of these boxer engines? Thanks, Mark

Typical of a boxer with hydraulic valve lash adjusters but can be
remedied with some engine oil cleaner. Sold at most auto parts stores -
gunk brand or something similar. You put it in the crankcase and run the
engine at idle for about 5 minutes and then change the oil. Follow the
directions on the bottle exactly. You don't want to step on the
accelerator while it is in there.
This stuff really works - I have used it on multiple subarus with great
success. It was actually recommended by a suby technician.

 

[Edward Hayes]

2.5L Subaru engines have mechanical valve lifters and yes I can always
hear mine at idle especially when cold. Mine at 86,000 miles are just
a light rhythmic tap tap tap and fluxuates with rpm.

 

[grape]

so it's all normal for subaru? and nothing wrong about it?
news:Fz9de.169482$(e-mail address removed)...

 

[Edward Hayes]

Normal for my Forester. The valves are not loud just sits there
tapping away at idle. If several are much loader then maybe an
adjustment is needed but mine are just a nice rhythmic tap tap tap.

 

[H]

I've had subarus since 1986, three of them. They all seem to have a rythmic
tap akin to old air-cooled volkswagens, especially the older ones.

 

[Mark]

Thanks all for the feedback. I ain't so worried now. I'll try the engine
oil cleaner method and push on to 200K....Mark