'92 Subaru Loyale Valve Tapping

We are working on a '92 Loyale and trying to figure out why it has such bad valve tapping/chattering. I read somewhere that a leaking oil pump could cause this. But we took the valve covers off, and felt the rocker arms and two on each side had a lot of play, we could push the rocker down about 1/2". I'm guessing it's cause there's no pressure from the cam lobes on these rockers, but it seemed like you shouldn't be able to move them that much...

If anyone has any input on this condition, please reply. We are about to remove the heads, but now that I read about that the oil pump could be causing this, now i'm wondering what we're doing taking the heads off. Please if you have any input, please help. Thank you.

We are working on a '92 Loyale and trying to figure out why it has such bad valve tapping/chattering. I read somewhere that a leaking oil pump could cause this.

I'd go for a new oil pump. Had this years ago, and the local mechanic said he had done several valve jobs on them without much luck, so we skipped that. We changed the oil pump (accessible from the front of the engine) and repaired mine. Some have been so lucky as to just put new seals in the oil pump.

Nick

you just need to adjust the valves

you just need to adjust the valves

How, they are hydraulic?

The oil pump is a cause of the "death tick" as us suby fanatics call it. If you were to remove the oil pump there is an o-ring gasket called a "mickey mouse" gasket. It is notorious for leaking.

Also the other cause is clogged oil passages to the lifters. If you were to run some thin oil in there for a while(like maybe an engine flush) for about 15-20 mins, than drain back up with the 15w-40 oil it will also go away likie that sometimes.Although it may take a while it will eventually stop if you continue to use the engine flush at regular oil change intervals.

you just need to adjust the valves

Quoted for posterity

I had the same prob with my 92 leoie subby was experiencing the death tick. I added a lifter formular to my engine oil . noise was gone soon as i added it. i believe i had a block somewhere in the oil lines. i was about to change my oil pump but just goes to show ya can b a easy prob such as mine.

Stewy