My 1996 Outback with 140K miles has the classic valve tapping sound. I have tried several oil additives but nothing has helped. I talked to a mechanic who works on Subarus and says I need to have all the rocker arms replaced on the side of the engine with the tapping problem. I know this route will be expensive. Does anyone know if this sounds like the way to fix the problem or have any other words of wisdom??

 

Thanks in advance!

I've had the most success with Marvel Mystery Oil. Put a quart in, and run the engine at high RPMs. If that doesn't break them loose, it's unlikely anything will.

if you have a 96 outback, try posting in the newer generation forums in case the valve HLA setup is different than the older generation. there were changes to valve trains in the newer soobs, but i don't know when.

 

a moderator may end up moving this to new generation if he sees it.