Interesting, now that we're having a cold snap in Seattle, I've noticed my '91 Legacy (135K miles) has significant lifter noise when I start it up in the morning; noise goes away after 10 to 15 minutes of driving. I noticed the following thread on the Old Gen Forum http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25389 and wonder if there isn't a better way of treating this problem other than using a "cocktail" of differing grades of oil. I'm currently using Amsoil 10W-30 synthetic year-round if that's useful information. It's been a long time since any significant work has been done on the engine (timing belt service last done at 75K miles) and I'm not aware of any oil pump related service prior to that (original owner kept no records of service work).

Do you have a block heater installed?

No, I don't; I wouldn't have thought it necessary down here, but that may be a cheap solution. What do they normally cost?

Do you have a block heater installed?

I thought they are supposed to tick. It is harmful at all, or just annoying?

Block heaters are around $50, a tank heater (in line on the coolant system) is about $40, and a pan heater that you can silicone onto the pan underneath is about $35.