04 Forrester engine replacement

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Sandy Hawes - 27 Mar 2008 00:38 GMT

I have an 04 Forrester auto with 77000 km showing, bought used at 52k. At
72k, the dreaded piston slap began and rapidly increased to the point where
it no longer goes away. The new lower half (short block) will be installed
on Monday - under warranty. I'm getting the dealer to replace the timing
belt and install a block heater while the thing is apart. The belt may not
show any signs (or very little) of wear, but it is 1/2 way to the suggested
replacement point, so it is worth the hundred bucks, I think.

Does anyone have any suggestions for other things I should have done to the
car while the block is out and the labour is free? Heads? Valve seals?
Suspension? Mounts? Tranny? Electrical? etc?

Thanks for your help.

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Carl 1 Lucky Texan - 27 Mar 2008 02:48 GMT

> I have an 04 Forrester auto with 77000 km showing, bought used at 52k. At
> 72k, the dreaded piston slap began and rapidly increased to the point where
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Thanks for your help.

Good question!

I suppose it depends on what you know of the service history.

Not in the engine area but, in my opinion, an overlooked service issue
can be brake fluid. Have the system flushed.
And be very watchful of the temperature gauge after they deliver the
car back to you. Call them if there is the silghtest abnormal behavior
with temp.
Have them inspect and maybe rotate the tires while it's in the shop I guess.

maybe someone else will have some ideas.

Carl

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.._.. - 27 Mar 2008 17:39 GMT

I would find out if the engine is one of the ones with the gasket problems
too. Use Google Groups to search for all the discussions, many web sites
with resources have been posted you might want to look at concerning that
issue.

At the very least, have the gaskets inspected, and before they pull it all
apart get the coolant tested for hydrocarbons and look for bubbles in your
overflow tank.

And make sure you get the "coolant conditioner" added back and DOCUMENTATION
that says they did that. (Get a copy and keep it in a safe place.) You
will need that to get the free gasket replacement when they go if it's one
of the problematic engines.

Are you sure the piston slap is not because it overheated due to drained
coolant? Have the gaskets been changed? (The dealer might have the history
for that.) If it ran low or nearly empty on coolant a while you can get
noises that sounds like piston slap but really is a worn or slightly warped
cylinder.

Basically, if you can find out if you are dealing with a "blown head gasket"
engine (in the past, or likely in the future) you need to know now.

>> I have an 04 Forrester auto with 77000 km showing, bought used at 52k.
>> At 72k, the dreaded piston slap began and rapidly increased to the point
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
> Carl

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Steve Daniels - 27 Mar 2008 18:09 GMT

> Basically, if you can find out if you are dealing with a "blown head gasket"
> engine (in the past, or likely in the future) you need to know now.

If he's getting a short block, he'll get new gaskets, Shirley?

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Sandy Hawes - 28 Mar 2008 00:12 GMT

Right. I guess the guy didn't actually read my original post - or maybe he
did and I should have mentioned I have all the service records from the time
the thing was new and it really is just piston slap. At any rate, head
gaskets are not a multiple-use item, neither are head bolts. Maybe he had a
bad experience at a shop with a Subaru repair and now all is darkness within
his soul.......

.......and don't call me Shirley! ;)

>> Basically, if you can find out if you are dealing with a "blown head
>> gasket"
>> engine (in the past, or likely in the future) you need to know now.
>
> If he's getting a short block, he'll get new gaskets, Shirley?

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