02 WRX STI Problem

DCRTAS · 07-07-2008, 11:51 PM

Howzit guys.

I’m new this forum, just joined today. Read through some threads and must say they pretty interesting!

I have a problem with my ’02 STI.

Ok, I’ve started by doing some routine checks for fault finding, which includes:
Vacuum checked: -0.5 – -0.6 BAR
Checked dump valve for leaks: none were found (original return dump valve from Subaru)
Checked intake manifold for leaks: none were found
Checked intercooler for leaks: none were found
Checked turbo bearings: All spools fine
Checked all wires and plugs for proper connections.
Checked boost control valve: Works fine
Left battery off for 12hours: Didn’t rectify the problem.
Boost should be round about: 0.9 – 1 bar
Boost is running at 0.5 – 0.6 bar for some reason.
Engine light is NOT on and doesn’t come on to show there is a problem, although I can feel it.
Fuel I am using and been using all the time is 95 Unleaded.
Checked air filter: New one fitted

Ok so that is what I’ve checked so far, but I still have a problem which I will describe now.

The car drives ok, can rev up to rev limit into the red, but struggles to get there in a gear, then sometimes backfires, but very seldom though.
So when I’m driving peacefully, 1st, 2nd then to 3rd with the revs sitting at about 3k its fine, then I decide to floor it to get passed the slower in front of me, it boosts up to about 0.6bar to 4k revs and then feels like it struggles to move up the rev counter quicker. This happens in all gears at about 4k. And I tried topping the speed yesterday and got like 189km/h of her, OBVIOUSLY help is needed!

It feels to me like the boost control valve is opening to soon?

This happened all of a sudden, it’s not like I did any mods or something, one day chowing the M3’s next day getting beaten by Uno’s.

I will be taking the car to Subaru this Friday to check if they can spot the problem, but as you guys well know, the labour they charge is heavy!

Once again Brilliant Forum!!!!!

Peace out!

**boondocksaint** · 07-08-2008, 05:29 AM

Wastegate sticking open?

fullerton · 07-08-2008, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boondocksaint

Wastegate sticking open?

Or something like that, boost sounds like it is leaking.

***gabedude*** · 07-08-2008, 08:05 AM

Sounds like the high DET fuel map and WG boost have been enabled due to excessive knock.

DCRTAS · 07-09-2008, 10:20 PM

Ok, boondocksaint, I checked the waste gate and applied a little oil on the shaft coming out of it. Moved it with pliers side to side and its seems fine.
But, when I was doing this I noticed on the T-pipe from the turbo outlet to the waste gate that there is a little plastic connector just after the T-piece on the way to the boost valve. This little connector was broken almost in half. I changed it and didn't think it would change the problem that I have, but it did.......Strange though!

The car boosts up all the way to 1.2-1.3 bar with one hell of a pull!

But their is a strange metallic scratching noise coming from the engine bay at top boost and between 5k and 6.5k revs.

What do you think this could be?

Fullerton, I checked every where for leaks even stripped every part and inserted new gaskets and sealant.

Gabedude, Interesting, is this like "limp home mode”? And if it was that how do I rectify that problem?

**boondocksaint** · 07-10-2008, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCRTAS

Ok, boondocksaint, I checked the waste gate and applied a little oil on the shaft coming out of it. Moved it with pliers side to side and its seems fine.
But, when I was doing this I noticed on the T-pipe from the turbo outlet to the waste gate that there is a little plastic connector just after the T-piece on the way to the boost valve. This little connector was broken almost in half. I changed it and didn't think it would change the problem that I have, but it did.......Strange though!

The car boosts up all the way to 1.2-1.3 bar with one hell of a pull!

But their is a strange metallic scratching noise coming from the engine bay at top boost and between 5k and 6.5k revs.

What do you think this could be?

Fullerton, I checked every where for leaks even stripped every part and inserted new gaskets and sealant.

Gabedude, Interesting, is this like "limp home mode”? And if it was that how do I rectify that problem?

Lucky guess.

Can you describe the scratching a bit more? Is it metallic or no? Where exactly does it seem to originate? Does it make the noise only at speed, or can you park the car and rev it and still get the noise?

DCRTAS · 07-10-2008, 04:33 AM

Well it is a metallic scratching noise coming from the engine bay. When I'm parked off and just rev the car it doesnt seem to do this, so its only when I drive and it boosts up say from 5k.

I thought it could be turbo bearings, but I checked them and the shaft doesnt move side to side, and it turns smoothly. By the way what is the best Grade of engine oil to use?

ParkerSTi · 07-10-2008, 03:26 PM

DCRTAS:

Your running a 2.0 litre motor, not sure you will get much help from the USA folks.

Parker

DCRTAS · 07-11-2008, 12:02 AM

Parker

Ok I see, well an engine is an engine. But do you then have any advise for me?

The noise is gone this morning, I figured I'll just do an oil change last night for fun and guess the oil was to thin that I was running.

DCRTAS · 07-23-2008, 01:22 AM

Oh geez, yesterday I drove my car and all seemed to be going ok. Until the engine started making a knocking noise.

The car still pulls the same and drives fine, but there is this irritating knocking in the engine that increases in frequency as the RPM increases.

What could have happened now?

nhat · 07-23-2008, 02:54 AM

you most likely spun a bearing...

when is the last time you checked your oil?

DCRTAS · 07-23-2008, 03:04 AM

Ok.

I check my cars fluids like every 3rd day, almost like an obbsession I have.........

Also I changed the oil in the car to see If it wont shut up, but didn't

**boondocksaint** · 07-23-2008, 04:30 AM

Take it to a trustworthy mechanic.

DCRTAS · 08-18-2008, 03:19 AM

Problem sorted out! Thanx for the replies.

After taking it in to a guy that I know who builds up Subaru's.

The Sub-Assembly and one piston was replaced.
It was a piston slap making a noise and it damaged the cylinder head.

Total cost was R16 000

07-07-2008, 11:51 PM	#1
DCRTAS Lurker Car: Blue 02 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Primrose East Posts: 7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	02 WRX STI Problem Howzit guys. I’m new this forum, just joined today. Read through some threads and must say they pretty interesting! I have a problem with my ’02 STI. Ok, I’ve started by doing some routine checks for fault finding, which includes: Vacuum checked: -0.5 – -0.6 BAR Checked dump valve for leaks: none were found (original return dump valve from Subaru) Checked intake manifold for leaks: none were found Checked intercooler for leaks: none were found Checked turbo bearings: All spools fine Checked all wires and plugs for proper connections. Checked boost control valve: Works fine Left battery off for 12hours: Didn’t rectify the problem. Boost should be round about: 0.9 – 1 bar Boost is running at 0.5 – 0.6 bar for some reason. Engine light is NOT on and doesn’t come on to show there is a problem, although I can feel it. Fuel I am using and been using all the time is 95 Unleaded. Checked air filter: New one fitted Ok so that is what I’ve checked so far, but I still have a problem which I will describe now. The car drives ok, can rev up to rev limit into the red, but struggles to get there in a gear, then sometimes backfires, but very seldom though. So when I’m driving peacefully, 1st, 2nd then to 3rd with the revs sitting at about 3k its fine, then I decide to floor it to get passed the slower in front of me, it boosts up to about 0.6bar to 4k revs and then feels like it struggles to move up the rev counter quicker. This happens in all gears at about 4k. And I tried topping the speed yesterday and got like 189km/h of her, OBVIOUSLY help is needed! It feels to me like the boost control valve is opening to soon? This happened all of a sudden, it’s not like I did any mods or something, one day chowing the M3’s next day getting beaten by Uno’s. I will be taking the car to Subaru this Friday to check if they can spot the problem, but as you guys well know, the labour they charge is heavy! Once again Brilliant Forum!!!!! Peace out! This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

07-08-2008, 05:29 AM	#2
boondocksaint Reasonable Car: Boony's Motown STi Fav Mod: correct grammar Location: D3TR01T Posts: 22,622 Join Date: Jun 2006 Trader Rating: (5)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Wastegate sticking open?

07-08-2008, 08:05 AM	#4
*gabedude* OpenSourcerer Car: 2007 UGM WRX STI Fav Mod: ECU Location: Austin Posts: 799 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Sounds like the high DET fuel map and WG boost have been enabled due to excessive knock.

07-09-2008, 10:20 PM	#5
DCRTAS Lurker Car: Blue 02 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Primrose East Posts: 7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Ok, boondocksaint, I checked the waste gate and applied a little oil on the shaft coming out of it. Moved it with pliers side to side and its seems fine. But, when I was doing this I noticed on the T-pipe from the turbo outlet to the waste gate that there is a little plastic connector just after the T-piece on the way to the boost valve. This little connector was broken almost in half. I changed it and didn't think it would change the problem that I have, but it did.......Strange though! The car boosts up all the way to 1.2-1.3 bar with one hell of a pull! But their is a strange metallic scratching noise coming from the engine bay at top boost and between 5k and 6.5k revs. What do you think this could be? Fullerton, I checked every where for leaks even stripped every part and inserted new gaskets and sealant. Gabedude, Interesting, is this like "limp home mode”? And if it was that how do I rectify that problem?

07-10-2008, 04:33 AM	#7
DCRTAS Lurker Car: Blue 02 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Primrose East Posts: 7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Well it is a metallic scratching noise coming from the engine bay. When I'm parked off and just rev the car it doesnt seem to do this, so its only when I drive and it boosts up say from 5k. I thought it could be turbo bearings, but I checked them and the shaft doesnt move side to side, and it turns smoothly. By the way what is the best Grade of engine oil to use?

07-10-2008, 03:26 PM	#8
ParkerSTi Professional STI Driver Car: Subaru Fav Mod: N/A Location: N/A Posts: 436 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem DCRTAS: Your running a 2.0 litre motor, not sure you will get much help from the USA folks. Parker

07-11-2008, 12:02 AM	#9
DCRTAS Lurker Car: Blue 02 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Primrose East Posts: 7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Parker Ok I see, well an engine is an engine. But do you then have any advise for me? The noise is gone this morning, I figured I'll just do an oil change last night for fun and guess the oil was to thin that I was running.

07-23-2008, 01:22 AM	#10
DCRTAS Lurker Car: Blue 02 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Primrose East Posts: 7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Oh geez, yesterday I drove my car and all seemed to be going ok. Until the engine started making a knocking noise. The car still pulls the same and drives fine, but there is this irritating knocking in the engine that increases in frequency as the RPM increases. What could have happened now?

07-23-2008, 02:54 AM	#11
nhat Professional STI Driver Car: 04 sti Fav Mod: enginuity tuned Location: NoVA Posts: 417 Join Date: Aug 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem you most likely spun a bearing... when is the last time you checked your oil?

07-23-2008, 03:04 AM	#12
DCRTAS Lurker Car: Blue 02 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Primrose East Posts: 7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Ok. I check my cars fluids like every 3rd day, almost like an obbsession I have......... Also I changed the oil in the car to see If it wont shut up, but didn't

07-23-2008, 04:30 AM	#13
boondocksaint Reasonable Car: Boony's Motown STi Fav Mod: correct grammar Location: D3TR01T Posts: 22,622 Join Date: Jun 2006 Trader Rating: (5)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Take it to a trustworthy mechanic.

08-18-2008, 03:19 AM	#14
DCRTAS Lurker Car: Blue 02 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Primrose East Posts: 7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: 02 WRX STI Problem Problem sorted out! Thanx for the replies. After taking it in to a guy that I know who builds up Subaru's. The Sub-Assembly and one piston was replaced. It was a piston slap making a noise and it damaged the cylinder head. Total cost was R16 000 This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.