HELP! I have a 91 Subaru Loyal, when it's cold I have no valve clatter but when it warms up, lookout! Clatter, clatter all the way to work. When I pull up to my house and rev the engine it's like it dissapears but the minute I get into 2nd gear the madness starts all over again. Oil pump? Bad gas? Timing? Should I try an engine flush? Please help:-)
FF

Your Loyale has an EA82 engine with non adjustable hydraulic valve las adjusters(lifters).

Ticking is a common problem and is most likely caused by one of 2 things

1)gunked up lifters.. this can possibly be remedied by using a little bit of detergent cleaner type things in your oil.. Marvel mystery iol is a favorite, as is seafoam. I personally, about 500 miles before an oil change, drain about a quart of oil out and replace it with a quart of dexron ATF(auto tranny fluid is just lightweight/high detergent oil)

2)leaky oil pump.. this can be remedied by either replacing or resealing your oil pump.. when they get old, the gaskets get kind of crusty and start sucking a little bit of air, causing lifter tick.


Overall, the lifter tick isn't anything to worry about.. not dangerous, just annoying.


The only surefire way of getting rid of it is a new oil pump and new lifters.. but thats pretty involved and somewhat expensive.

If what you are experiancing is actually valve clatter(which by your description is unlikely) then you have a whole different set of troubles to deal with.. bad gas and timing advanced too far would be where I would start to deal with that.

I agree with Calebz, there is always a little valve flutter with that particular engine with those hydraulic lifters (old tech always a problem with Subaru’s) they will some times stick. Best bet is check seals on oil pump and replace it, while it’s out check the play in the pump gears with a shim if it’s not worn out the Chilton manual for your car will have your pumps specs. Try synthetic oil, it will run cleaner longer with less likely hood of heavy deposits, I had the same problem with my 93 wagon it was the oil pump. Thank God!. I hope it’s not your lifters try the tyranny oil, the detergent won’t hurt they may just be gummed up.

Good luck!it

running a thicker oil may quiet it some, try a synthetic brand as that may work also. before you change the oil run a quart of ATF in the oil and run it for about 20 minutes or so, driving around. ATF is very effective for cleaning the insides.

a lot of times your oil flushing products are simply a kerosene blend