96 Sub Legacy L 118k  - son bought car a few months ago - have not replaced fuel filter, air filter, plugs, or plug wires. I believe those parts are worn but not necessarily the cause of my son's hesitation issue. I am wonder what the ticking noise (his description - I need to hear it) maybe its gas pinging? Wonder if fuel injection system is dirty or having issues - weak fuel pump. 

 

Anyone else have this same experience? if so what was the fix? 

 

Happy Holidays 

 

Thanks.....Milty 

Good chance that's pinging. Give it a tune-up first. NGK Plugs, wires, filters. Etc.

Might need a knock sensor, those are cheap on eBay.

 

Beyond that, check for any vacuum leaks. Broken/split hoses attached to the intake tube, and make sure the intake tube is clamped tight at both ends. Any air getting into the intake tube without going through the MAF sensor will cause it to run lean and can cause pinging.

Ticking needs described better.

 

Pulley bearings

Heat shields

Vacuum leak

Injector

Piston slap

Congratulations on your son's purchase of a 1996 subaru with low milage.  It's a great car.  As noted, immediately replace the spark plugs, NKG only, and the wires, OEM only.  Forget about the fuel filter and injectors for the time being.  Don't speculate on the noise until you hear it.  Hesitation is kind of annoying to fix since it doesn't normally set a code but people here will will have many suggestions if the new plugs and wires don't fix it..  

when was the timing belt system serviced? he needs irrefutable proof it has been done in the last 8 years or so by TIME. (every 105K miles or 105 MONTHS)

 

major damage if idler or belt or tenisioner fails.

 

tensioners can make click/knock noises.

I'll check all those items - actually opened the hood in the dark last night heard - just once - (and saw a flash just once) - the old familair jumping to ground spark sound - or maybe a cracked plug - going to pick up plugs and wires on way home. If it isn't the fix I'll be back posting.

 

Thanks....Milty  

Be sure to get NGK plugs and Subaru OEM or NGK wires.  Good Luck & Happy New Year!