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Subaru Baja Engine Issues

62 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2009 at 11:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Baja, Engine, Truck

Messages Page 3 of 7

#15 of 62 Another one with engine noise by fritz9

Apr 07, 2007 (5:52 am)

I don't have all the details in front of me as I have just found this site, but I also have a 2003 Subaru Baja with engine noise. The car was purchased new so I have been the only owner and I know how it has been maintained. I bought the car because suited my needs and because of Subaru's reputation. Loved them both but the car has become somewhat of a disappointment. Early in it's life the car aquired the noise spoken of in the other posts. A knock (if you will) when cold going away when the engine has warmed. But now the noise doesn't go away at all. It is very loud when cold and lessens when warmed but still loud and very noticeable. The car now has approx. 65,000 miles on it so it hasn't set still much. Love the car but knowing the maintenance that it has recieved I'm very disappointed in it's durability as most of the miles on this car is highway running as you might guess. After some searching online for answers I have found that I could have a waterpump recall but since I have never recieved any notice can only assume that the recall in question doesn't affect my car. BUT since I found out about the recall I will be contacting my dealer and seeing if by chance mine notice "slipped through the cracks". The noise that I'm hearing seems to be, I'm guessing, a piston "slap" and from what I can tell is worse on the rear two cylinders. At first when I heard the noise and it went away when warmed I considered it to be normal becuase of the engine configuration and such........have heard very similar noises on many other brands with the "flat" style engines. But then about 50,000 miless it very quickly stopped going away when warmed and is there at alllll times now and I realize now that there is a problem to be fixed. I am very familiar with automotive engines as I am a auto Tech. of almost 30 years and have experience with many different brands. I carry Master Tech ranking with BMW, Chrysler and ASE and was quite proud of my choice of the Subaru for my new purchase. I just hope that it remains a good choice for me.

#16 of 62 Re: Another one with engine noise [fritz9] by ateixeira

Apr 07, 2007 (11:44 am)

Replying to: fritz9 (Apr 07, 2007 5:52 am)
Has it created any problems running or is it just a noise issue? Still, that gets annoying.
 
My Miata will knock if I mistakenly lug the engine. Sounds painful.

#17 of 62 Re: Another one with engine noise [ateixeira] by fritz9

Apr 07, 2007 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 07, 2007 11:44 am)
It hasn't created any issues other than the noise at the moment.....at least that I'm aware of. Although I wouldn't be surprised if the computer system is making "adjustments" for it. The knock sensors come to mind but there hasn't been any check engine warning lamps or poor performance issues that I have picked up on. The fuel economy is still over 20 mpg too. I have tried a number of different fuels and even tried disconnecting the battery to let it think about be'n bad if it was computer issue but no change. Yea this has gotten bad enough that people look at it and comment on the noise. Not a good showing for Subaru. I love the vehicle and would love to keep it for years to come but really don't want to have to deal with major repairs either. And to it's credit I never had even one warranty claim with it to this point. Has been a GREAT car to this point.

#18 of 62 knock,knock by junkman66

Apr 09, 2007 (9:45 am)

Hey folks, I have the knock also. Love the vehicle. Sounds corny but I switched to mid-grade fuel and synthetic oil. Warms up quickly and the noise is no-more. 65000 miles, still runs strong for a 4banger. Wish the 3.0 h6 was an option. Any questions just ask.

#19 of 62 Re: knock,knock [junkman66] by fritz9

Apr 10, 2007 (5:50 am)

Replying to: junkman66 (Apr 09, 2007 9:45 am)
I have been using Mobil 1 for over 50000 miles and have tried many brands and grades of fuels......to this point no luck changing the noise. It is very loud when cold and is less when warm but still very noticable.....to the point that ppl ask about the noise. Still searching for a answer. Have a case opened with Subaru Tech. now. Will be making a appointment with the dealer this week to confirm the noise and hopefully get some answers.

#20 of 62 Baja engine tapping by mkork

Apr 15, 2007 (11:53 am)

Has anyone gotten an explanation of what the tapping is? My '04 with 16000 miles does it all the time, worse when cold. All I could get from the dealership guru was "normal", yet no response when I asked where it was coming from or why they all weren't that way. "Normal" seems to be just a major shirking of responsibility to me. Any comforting words would be appreciated, especially from the Subaru rep. Mike

#21 of 62 Re: Baja engine tapping [mkork] by fritz9

Apr 15, 2007 (5:31 pm)

Replying to: mkork (Apr 15, 2007 11:53 am)
I have a appointment with the dealership on Friday the 20th, hope to find something out then. I also have a case and case # with Subaru on the concern. I would expect to be given a explanation of the cause and repair if any at that time. Jim

#22 of 62 Re: Baja engine tapping [fritz9] by paisan

Apr 16, 2007 (7:31 am)

Replying to: fritz9 (Apr 15, 2007 5:31 pm)
I would try a slightly thicker oil if you are having tapping issues. This is very common on Subarus, especially when cold.
 
-mike

#23 of 62 Re: Baja engine tapping [paisan] by fritz9

Apr 16, 2007 (5:35 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Apr 16, 2007 7:31 am)
This is much more than a "tapping" noise. I am and have used for 50,000 miles Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W30.

#24 of 62 Re: Baja engine tapping [fritz9] by paisan

Apr 16, 2007 (8:04 pm)

Replying to: fritz9 (Apr 16, 2007 5:35 pm)
You do know that Subaru does not suggest that you use synthetic oil in them right? I believe it's right in the owners manual.
 
-mike

Messages Page 3 of 7

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