So, I got this car about 6 months ago. It did great through the winter. However I have been hearing something weird from the engine compartment so I took a video. Please let me know what you think. I have a 2000 Legacy L wagon 2.5L.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2Dsq7UX66c
 

 

Thanks!

 

I'm not hearing anything alarming. Certainly not a rod knock. Subaru motors get louder and more tappy when oil changes are due or levels get low. Check your oil level and if it hasn't been changed in a while, do that. Mine generally get quieter on fresh oil.

 

Someone may hear something I'm missing but that sounds like normal subaru motor talk to me.

if you don't KNOW the timing belt system was properly serviced, maybe a loose tensioner is letting the belt flap around too much.

 

that's an interference engine, don't drive it without KNOWING the condition of the TB idler pulleys and other parts. should be serviced every 105K miles OR 105 MONTHS, w'ever comes first. The toothed idler can seize or puke its bearings - throws the belt off.

Edited March 17, 201610 yr by 1 Lucky Texan