engine re builder Herts
Discussion
I spent about 4300 ish £ last time , I think it went south around 90,000 miles I'm not sure , if head gaskets go always do the whole engine as it will fail normally not long after , it cost me a lot not doing the whole thing I ended up effectively paying twice , the minimum is better crank bearings , possible new crank , Mahle ? pistons or like , arp or like head bolts and cosworth or like head gaskets , water pump and oil pump a maybe , clutch is probably a good idea , once that's done and a sensible tune then it should be fine for a long time , plus an oil pick up pipe as they are known to fail , and valve guides ? plus adjusting the valves as the seats wear , I'm keeping fingers crossed it was oil , not as much smoke you do often get a little on start up , if it's gowing wrong I will probably go to subaru4u as they did a good job last time and I know what to expect
on not such a good note an area to check , open the rear drivers side passenger door and check the jacking point going up towards the door a common rust point , it's an easy fix with a plate of metal , there also seems to be a paint or lacquer defect on the same side to the furthest window at the back of the car , the bottom part of the window where it meets the body work , both seem to be common issues , my 04 is on 145 k plus miles and still currently (touch wood ) going strong , only ever issues have been engine related which is easily solved just not that cheap
other than servicing , I changed one 02 sensor and one Maf , more precautionary on both counts , plus changed suspension to coilovers but original suspension was fine at that mileage , drivers electric window a bit slow but still working and much better after a strip down , water got in the window motor cog, cog came loose a touch of weld all sorted , I have only ever had engine issues , as stated above if hg goes then do whole engine , they will last longer with out a re map but I would rather have the map , from builders the iffy time is 60 to 80 k miles many have had no issues at all , fsti has a smaller turbo so less strain on the engine , slight gear noise but nothing to worry about , plus did change a rad , best route was an original Subaru one , it lasted as long as it did why not put the same back on , I can't think of many other problems
TEKNOPUG said:
If it was mine, for the sake of £50, I'd change the oil to 10w40 and make sure it's the correct amount and see if it clears up.
This. Get from opieoils. Bought my last lot from another supplier ( Millers competition ) and was old stock and had some residue in the bottom. Was harmless but turns out the blend has been changed so no more fall out. Genuine black filter too ( i use pink sti ones ).
MDMA . said:
TEKNOPUG said:
If it was mine, for the sake of £50, I'd change the oil to 10w40 and make sure it's the correct amount and see if it clears up.
This. Get from opieoils. Bought my last lot from another supplier ( Millers competition ) and was old stock and had some residue in the bottom. Was harmless but turns out the blend has been changed so no more fall out. Genuine black filter too ( i use pink sti ones ).
OP, go and buy 5ltrs of Millers CFS 10W40 from Opie and a new filter from ICP for peace of mind.
Edited by v8250 on Thursday 8th September 08:29
overfilling with oil can have catastrophic effects ! I searched for ages to try and find the oil capacity for the FSTI. not much info online but when I did my last change ( including filter ) it was about 4.2L. will double check as I keep all the old oil cans with the mileage and dates on them 
have to check perfectly level though. small incline could tip the level 3-4mm on the dipstick.
have to check perfectly level though. small incline could tip the level 3-4mm on the dipstick.MDMA . said:
overfilling with oil can have catastrophic effects ! I searched for ages to try and find the oil capacity for the FSTI. not much info online but when I did my last change ( including filter ) it was about 4.2L. will double check as I keep all the old oil cans with the mileage and dates on them have to check perfectly level though. small incline could tip the level 3-4mm on the dipstick.
This is correct, 4.0ltrs for engine + filter @ circa 0.2ltrs. have to check perfectly level though. small incline could tip the level 3-4mm on the dipstick.Edited by v8250 on Thursday 8th September 09:20
I use Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 10w40 (previously Silkolene) but I imagine any of the big brand fully-synths are much of a muchness. Buy the black filters from ICP as they always include a sump plug washer. I've also fitted a magnetic sump plug. When I drain the oil, I pour it back into an old oil can, that way I know how much has come out and therefore how much to refill. Fill the filter first, slowly a bit at a time until the level drops and repeat until it is full. Then add the remaining oil as per the quantity that you drained. Run the engine for a bit or drive it. Then leave it parked level overnight. The next morning, check the level 3/4 times and top up as required.
I then check my oil level every 1000 miles. I was initially using 5w40 and noticed that it was burning oil on start up. This is not really surprising as my engine (2.0) has covered over 165k, so it's not in it's first flush of youth. It takes a little while for everything to heat up and expand, so it uses a little oil when cold. I was using about 750ml every 1000 miles I guess, which although in tolerance, I wasn't happy with. Moved to 10w40 and it's oil consumption has greatly reduced, maybe 250ml per 1000 miles, if that.
I then check my oil level every 1000 miles. I was initially using 5w40 and noticed that it was burning oil on start up. This is not really surprising as my engine (2.0) has covered over 165k, so it's not in it's first flush of youth. It takes a little while for everything to heat up and expand, so it uses a little oil when cold. I was using about 750ml every 1000 miles I guess, which although in tolerance, I wasn't happy with. Moved to 10w40 and it's oil consumption has greatly reduced, maybe 250ml per 1000 miles, if that.
Id check on howmuch you put in as the stuff generally found on the internet and in the book is for the 2.0
I knowmy 2.5xt takes more than 4.2 to fill.
Regarding oil consumption, mine was drinking it something chronic like 1ltr per 600 miles or less. Just had the major service done and pcv valve changed and it apears to have used 2/3mm on the dipstick in 500 miles.
Thats using 10w50 millers or similar.
Mines On 150kish now.
In the past someone fitted a recon turbo and i feel its lost some power but seems still to be going strong and everythings within tolerance still
I knowmy 2.5xt takes more than 4.2 to fill.
Regarding oil consumption, mine was drinking it something chronic like 1ltr per 600 miles or less. Just had the major service done and pcv valve changed and it apears to have used 2/3mm on the dipstick in 500 miles.
Thats using 10w50 millers or similar.
Mines On 150kish now.
In the past someone fitted a recon turbo and i feel its lost some power but seems still to be going strong and everythings within tolerance still
On a slightly different note, Paul.at extreme scoobies in essex told me that an oil change every 12 months is plenty on these engines, provided you're using good oil and checking levels (and not driving massive miles of course). Most other people have said 6 months. He's got a good reputation...
macky17 said:
On a slightly different note, Paul.at extreme scoobies in essex told me that an oil change every 12 months is plenty on these engines, provided you're using good oil and checking levels (and not driving massive miles of course). Most other people have said 6 months. He's got a good reputation...
It should be on mileage, not time, surely? 12 months for my car would be 30k! I aim to change mine every 6k. If you do it yourself, it's less than £50.TEKNOPUG said:
macky17 said:
On a slightly different note, Paul.at extreme scoobies in essex told me that an oil change every 12 months is plenty on these engines, provided you're using good oil and checking levels (and not driving massive miles of course). Most other people have said 6 months. He's got a good reputation...
It should be on mileage, not time, surely? 12 months for my car would be 30k! I aim to change mine every 6k. If you do it yourself, it's less than £50.So you change your oil every 10 weeks?!
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