clattering noise at startup

[JDC]

With my 2000 Outback limited with just under 50K mileage, this morning I
experienced a loud clattering noise coming from the engine like two cake
pans being banged together. It lasted for about 30 seconds then died down to
the usual engine tapping Subaru keeps telling me is normal. I have also
noticed that there are oil spots under the engine. Yes, I took the car in
tonight and left it so they could listen to a cold engine in the morning.

Seems like too young an engine for major work!

 

[Rob Aries]

Sounds like the metal shield on the catalytic (or other exhaust part) is
vibrating. AFAIK this is annoying, not a major problem. I think it's
usually seen in cars with more than 50K though. I just started hearing
it on my '92 legacy with 137K!

I haven't heard about what is done to fix this, sorry.

 

[dug hall]

My 99 Leg Outback also makes an unnerving 'clattering' whilst cold. It seems
exhaust related rather than engine (diagnosed by using my very scientific
'head out of the window' technique). It only really does it whilst moving
and when the automatic tranmission changes gear. I've only had the car since
November, it has a year's warranty, and I plan to point it out to the dealer
at the 6 mth service in May. I'm not too concerned and will post an update
here after the service if the dealer sheds any light on it.
Dug

 

[Skweezieweezie]

It could have been the timing belt tensioner.
These have been known to be noisy on cold
starts....

 

[JDC]

Turned out to be a loose heat shield on the catalytic converter. The oil
drips were caused by the mechanic who changed my oil at an airport parking
lot. He didn't use a new gasket washer on the oil pan plug. While I was
there, the dealer added the head gasket conditioner to the antifreeze and
extended the head gasket warranty to 8 years or 80,000 miles.

 

[JDC]

Turned out to be a loose heat shield on the catalytic converter. The oil
dips were caused by a mechanic who changed my oil and didn't use a new oil
pan plug gasket washer. While I was there the dealer added the head gasket
condtioner to the anitfreeze and increased the head gasket warranty to 8
years or 80k miles.

 

[JDC]

Turned out to be a loose heat shield on the catalytic converter. The oil
dips were caused by a mechanic who changed my oil and didn't use a new oil
pan plug gasket washer. While I was there the dealer added the head gasket
condtioner to the anitfreeze and increased the head gasket warranty to 8
years or 80k miles.