First time poster, long time lurker.

Back in 2009 I purchased a 2001 Forester for $2K and drove it for about 18 months, and then foolishly traded it in for a 2005 Honda Pilot. We still miss that little green Forester to this day.

I am just about to purchase a 2009 Forester for the, what seems like a bargain price of $2000. 120K on it. But it seems it has a knock. I have not yet heard it myself. This will be purchased from a family member.

Now, to preface my question... I am a toolmaker by trade, but started my machining career in an automotive machine shop. Rebuilding everything from Kohler single cylinder engines, to straight 8 Buicks, cat diesels, and even a 412 Rolls Royce V8(which was $4K just in PARTS back in 1986).

SO, I have a couple of questions for those far more experienced in Subarus.

1.) It seems to be well worth the price of admission for $2k. Considering good running Foresters in my area are catching about $6500-$8000 with 120K on the clock. KBB trade in value of $5300.

But is it really worth it?

2.) I've been reading and watching a few  videos on rebuilding the Subaru 2.5L. Doesn't seem overly daunting. But it's harder than a typical 4 cyl. Considering you have to split the cases.

Should I rebuild? Or should I just purchase a reconditioned short block? 



One reason for tackling this, is a would be a good project for my 15 year old and I to have a project to do together. Teach him a little bit about cars, and a little less video game time!

Thanks in advance.

Rebuild it.  Splitting the case seems daunting but its not bad at all. Make sure you have a heavy duty 1/2 " drive 14mm 12 point  (snapon calls it the subaru head bolt socket) A ,TP-40 torx plus for the head caps. And buy subaru case o rings and block sealing washers as well as only subaru head gaskets. Good project for you & the boy.

www.car-part.com check for a yard engine.  Your son will still learn a bunch from the engine replacement.

 

There are a bunch of USMB members that rebuild engines full time. 

 

I work on older stuff 96-99 Outbacks were I can find a good used 2.2 for $300 and drop it in with new seals, timing belt... for under $500.

Depends on what, if any, damage is done to the crankshaft. If you have the ability to re-grind the crank if it's scored then I would say rebuild it. if it comes down to replacing the crankshaft, a new shortblock my be a better option.

first, diagnose the knocking, a weak timing belt tensioner can mimic a knock. The timing belt SYSTEM should have been done at 105K miles. If only a belt was done instead of rollers an tensioner, the tensioner could have failed.

That is a promising theory. Head gaskets and timing belt were JUST done on it.

Edited November 6, 20169 yr by BuellMule

If they reused the tensioner, it could have blown from compressing too quickly= knock knock tensioner

is it really a knock, or is it piston slap?

 

I would determine that before I did anything else