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Subaru Legacy/Outback Unusual Clunks and Noises

50 messages,  Last post on Feb 12, 2008 at 3:17 AM

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

Messages Page 6 of 6

#48 of 50 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback - weird noise, sounds like diesel engine by maryp3177

Feb 11, 2008 (8:43 am)

My husband and I just inherited a 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback (standard transmission) from a friend. It has 264K miles on it and is in great shape - they kept it garaged and were very good with maintenance.
 
We've had it less than 2 months and haven't driven it any real distance - just around town, to and from work, etc. About a week ago, it started making "chattering" noises - the best way to describe it is that it sounds like it's a diesel engine when it's not. It's not driving any differently or acting "funny" at all. It's about 200 miles overdue for an oil change, though.
 
My husband had a mechanic friend take a look and listen and he said something about the "cams" in such an old car not being able to hold enough oil and how that's usually remedied by adding something that will allow the valve to close to hold oil? I just called a mechanic in town and he said to check to make sure the oil isn't low.
 
Any ideas from any of you out there?

#49 of 50 Re: 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback - weird noise, sounds like diesel engine [ma by xwesx

Feb 11, 2008 (9:08 am)

Replying to: maryp3177 (Feb 11, 2008 8:43 am)
So, it is just making a clacking noise while the engine is running? If so, I would recommend that you do check the oil. My '96 Outback would make a similar clacking noise if the oil was more than a quart low; yes, it was the valve lifters. With the oil topped off, the lifters would quiet right down.
 
This is a car with more than a quarter million miles - make a habit of checking the oil with every fueling.

#50 of 50 Re: 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback - weird noise, sounds like diesel engine [ma [xwesx] by paisan

Feb 12, 2008 (3:17 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 11, 2008 9:08 am)
Yup, I agree with Wes. Also you may want to go to a slightly heavier weight oil such as a 10-30 or 10-40 even.
 
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host

Messages Page 6 of 6

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