Hi there,

 

I have a 1997 Legacy 2.5 GT, with a manufacture date 0f Aug. 1996. Does anyone know if this engine has hydraulic lifters, or solid with the shim plates? I have some lifter noise and wanted to try some sea foam, but figured it wouldn't do any good if they were solid. Is there any noise fixes if they are solid? It is really loud when it is cold and quiets down a bit after it warms up. Any info would be a big help. Thank you!

Only the 1996 2.5L had HLA's (Hydraulic Lash Adjusters). Starting with the 1997 US Model year they went to Solid Lifters with adjusting shims. Service interval is 100K. The 1997 2.5L was called phase I. It was a DOHC design. The SOHC design used in the 99 Forester and later in the Legacy/Outback was called Phase II.

 

The Odd 1996 2.5L didn't have a phase number attached to it. Similiar to the 1999 2.2L in the Anniversary Editions. These were 2.2L phase II, but also had heads similiar to the SOHC 2.5L. The shop manual calls these " Phase II Enhanced".

 

Getting to the point where you can't tell the EJ's (players) without a Shop Manual (Program).