Hello all, I tried to piggy-back on another related thread on a different forum, but no one is answering so I had to start my own thread. My 96' Outback with a 2.2 L engine and 210,000 miles has been making a terrible noise (like slowly rolling around a can of nails) and also a semi-loud lifter tap. Had my mechanic do a diagnostic and he said the oil pressure is "low and erratic". (Not sure what the psi was but I will ask him later). He thinks the engine has an internal problem (needs a valve job, or crankshaft bearings going out?). Or he said the oil pump could be bad. Problem is it is buried deep? and would cost $4-500.00 just to replace. Question is: Is there anyway to test the oil pump without physically getting down there and incurring such an expense? Btw, he isn't trying to get me to do anything about it--says the thing isn't worth the expense to fix. But the PO heard this noise about 4-5 years ago and it hasn't broken down yet, so I guess I'm safe driving it? Kind of sucks cause when I really need to get to the classifieds to see whats for sale I got like 20 more posts to go!! pc
The oil pump is right behind the front timing gear, I would hardly call it buried, sounds like you mechanic just doesnt want to work on it.
btw, my wrench said the pressure was like 12 or 13 psi at idle? does that sound terribly low? thanks! pc
