on a cold cold start up the car has a rough idle and is make a knonking sound for the first 10 sec or so. the check engine light is not on and neither is the oil light on. car only has 44k on it and has been great so far. oil changes done every 3-4 k using purolator filters syn oil

this link will answer your question.........

 

http://www.endwrench.com/pdf/engine/EngineNoiseInfoS01.pdf

thank u Dr.Outback

i hope this is true i just find it wierd that the motor would loose up after 45 k

Maybe you simply never noticed it there before because it never got as cold. You did say that it happens on a cold cold start up. A check by a mechanic certainly would not hurt to make absoulutly sure. Our '00 Legacy has the "issue" listed in the link.

My 97 Outback (2.5L) also has this slight tap or more like a knock when cold. :cool:

Has had it for... well almost forever. Has 70K miles now. The rough idle may be something else. I would say the idle is smooth on mine even when I can hear the knock. Or is it just your perception due to the noise?

Good Luck,

Mark

 

P.S. Thanks for the link Dr.!