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Subaru Forester Engine problems

439 messages,  Last post on Aug 25, 2012 at 2:58 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Engine, Wagon

Messages Page 40 of 44

#390 of 439 Re: new forester engine noise [montville524] by aatherton

Feb 23, 2011 (6:02 am)

Replying to: montville524 (Feb 21, 2011 3:20 pm)
"I have a 2011 forester with the new FB25B engine .when i start it up in the morning the motor makes a noise like the main bearings are worn. the noise clears in a couple of seconds.the dealer told me this was normal.it maybe normal for a car with 200,000 miles on it,but this car has 600 miles on it.any reason for this noise. ..."
  
The sound is a loose rattling timing chain. The check ball in one of the two tensioners on the left chain does not seat and allows the new thin weight oil to drain out overnight. That relaxes that tensioner, which makes a noise against the chain on a cold start. When the oil gets going after a couple of seconds, it refills the tensioner which stops the noise.
 
Dealers have a TSB on it:
---------------
Service Bulletin # 02-113-11 Pages: 3
Bulletin Description: If you encounter a customer complaint that there is a knock type sound in the engine for about one second on initial start-up after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time, there is the possibility the left side timing chain tensioner is causing the sound. If the check ball within the tensioner doesn’t seat completely, it may cause the tensioner to leak down, decreasing the amount of pressure to the timing chain guide.
The sound is non-detrimental and has no effect on the reliability and durability of the engine.
While we do not recommend disassembling the front of the engine for replacement, the sound can be eliminated by exchanging the original left side tensioner with a modified one.
------------------
 
Recently Subaru has been providing dealers with kits to replace the tensioner with one that will not leak down.

#391 of 439 Re: new forester engine noise [aatherton] by montville524

Feb 23, 2011 (10:53 am)

Replying to: aatherton (Feb 23, 2011 6:02 am)
thanks [aatherton] for the TBS information.that will help me when i go to the dealer for warranty work.

#392 of 439 Is the the Forester nav system a clunker? by plasticmoonrai

Feb 24, 2011 (12:10 pm)

I'm in the process of securing a 2011 Forester Limited.
 
I inquired about getting it with the Nav system and what dealer said was really alarming:
 
"I don't have one-we try not to stock them as they have the worst navi in the industry-they offer a tom tom option in the premiums because their own is so bad. Any time a manufacturer offers another companies product it indicates their lack of confidence in their own product-they do not offer the tom tom in the ltd-their own is at least 5 year old technology and not user friendly."
 
Any truth to this? Anybody have bad experiences with these nav systems?

#393 of 439 Re: Is the the Forester nav system a clunker? [plasticmoonrai] by ateixeira

Feb 24, 2011 (1:29 pm)

Replying to: plasticmoonrai (Feb 24, 2011 12:10 pm)
It's nothing ground breaking but that is overstatement to say the least. And I'm a critic!
 
The 7" screen is pretty standard for the class, and the rendering of maps is actually a little better than average. Check the CNET reviews for a good video review - nothing special, but better rendering than Honda or Mitsubishi in this price range. Watch the CNET reviews, you can actually see the street names being rendered.
 
I had a big beef with earlier models (2009 in my case) because it didn't have a backup cam yet cost a bunch, and the maps were outdated. Both have since been addressed.
 
Offering Tom Tom is about giving the consumer choices, including a cheap way to get a backup cam.
 
You can even get an OEM backup cam on Premium/Limited models without getting Navi at all.
 
Kudos to Subaru for offering up options.
 
Having said all that, $1800 is steep, and for about $1000 you can get a better aftermarket system. It just won't be as well integrated - will your steering wheel controls still work? Warranty also may not cover it.
 
I suggest sampling the backup cam sans Navi, and then just get a good portable GPS.

#394 of 439 Re: Is the the Forester nav system a clunker? [ateixeira] by paisan

Feb 25, 2011 (4:38 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 24, 2011 1:29 pm)
$1800 is nutz.
 
I bought a 2011 STi and eneded up installing a Kenwood absolute top of the line unit for $1200. Steering wheel control units now will integrate them pretty darn well. For the $ I wouldn't get an OEM system unless it's a lease or you are super concerned about the warranty on the radio itself.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#395 of 439 Re: Is the the Forester nav system a clunker? [paisan] by ateixeira

Feb 25, 2011 (8:57 am)

Replying to: paisan (Feb 25, 2011 4:38 am)
True but we're not all as handy as you are!
 
Did the steering wheel controls require an added adaptor?
 
May as well spend another $100 or so on a backup cam kit, too.

#396 of 439 Re: Is the the Forester nav system a clunker? [ateixeira] by paisan

Feb 27, 2011 (6:09 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 25, 2011 8:57 am)
Yes there is a steering wheel adapter that needs to be T-tapped into 2 wires when doing the stereo install. It shouldn't take a shop more than 2hrs to do the install, so that's about $150 for the install...
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#397 of 439 2011 Subaru Forester vs 2010 Subuaru Forester? by firesky1

May 29, 2011 (4:27 pm)

I am going to buy a Subaru Forester and am trying to decide between a new 2011 2.5X (one up from base - i.e. w/sunroof) or a slightly used 2010 2.5X (same trim line w/12,000 miles on it). The difference in price here in Canada is $7,000. I understand that the 2011 Forester has a new flat 4 engine. My question is this - Do you think it is worth the extra money for a 2011 Forester w/the new engine etc.?
 
Are there other benefits to buying a 2010 over the 2011 or visa versa?

#398 of 439 Re: 2011 Subaru Forester vs 2010 Subuaru Forester? [firesky1] by ateixeira

May 29, 2011 (5:49 pm)

Replying to: firesky1 (May 29, 2011 4:27 pm)
$7000 is a big difference, I'd buy the used one.
 
The 2011 has a timing chain instead of a belt, but the belt is supposed to be changed every 105k miles and probably will cost you one tenth of your savings.
 
The 2011 also gains 1 mpg, but again, $7 grand buys a lifetime of gas.

#399 of 439 Re: 2011 Subaru Forester vs 2010 Subuaru Forester? [firesky1] by saedave

May 29, 2011 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: firesky1 (May 29, 2011 4:27 pm)
Are there other benefits to buying a 2010 over the 2011 or visa versa?
 
If you keep the 2010 long enough (80,000-100,000 miles) you might be unlucky enough to experience a head gasket failure that would use part of the price difference. The 2011 is expected to have solved that potential problem; it has several design differences.
 
I bought an XT in 2010 which has a different block from the naturally aspirated model to avoid that problem. I didn't mind the improved performance which came with the additional cost of premium fuel.

Messages Page 40 of 44

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