I own a 97 impreza obs with 154k miles. about 1 week ago i noticed upon starting the car there was a knocking/tapping sound that continues while in 1st and 2nd gear, but seems to go away when i go to 3rd gear. I just had the oil changed (valvoline maxlife) couple of weeks ago and oil is fine. Car has new seals all around along with newer (1 year old) water pump and timing belt and coolant (subaru fluid) flush, ngk irridium plugs, wires, clutch, pressure plate & throwout bearing. I was planing on taking it to Bortz Subaru in Waynesburg PA. to have checked out. They only charge $15-20 to look over vehicle for problems. Seems like a good deal & they have been honest and fair in the past. any ideas or suggestions? Do I need to worry? $$$$ Any help would be appreciated. I am hoping this is a typical engine problem that subarus get with time. Hopefully if its nothing major, there might be something out there to quiet the sound down. thanks......

 

I have new info on the knocking sound. when i am just sitting in neutral (even with the engine warmed up) the ticking sound is very pronounced. But, if i step on the clutch the sound mysterously dissappears. I dont know if this helps to clarify the issue for anyone out there but I thought it might give someone better insight. thanks again...

well you could check on www.endwrench.com and see if the symptoms you describe match any of the ones they mention.