Hi guys, I have an 08 sti, only mods are intake and tune. On Saturday, cruising on highway I get the infamous clicking and ticking noise. No smoke, no leaks, managed to drive it home. Did some research, and pretty sure something in the engine is dead. I plan on calling around different shops, but any guide is greatly appreciated.
Need more info on this "infamous clicking and ticking noise" When does it make the noise? Just in boost or can you hear where it is coming from at idle? Is it RPM dependent or speed dependent clicking? What are other symptoms? Loss of power? Will it make boost? Just a funny noise? Are you the first owner of the car? What oil have you been using and how often do you change it? Do you abuse the car like most of us? Or is this completely unexpected? What octane fuel do you use and what was it tuned for? Who did the tune? Is it a Cobb AP or protune? Are there any check engine lights? Some steps to diagnose would be compression or leakdown test to see if its your pistons. Maybe drain the oil to see if you have any metal flakes in there. If you just want to take it somewhere contact NF Performance on this site. They can probably take a look at it and give you a better idea what is wrong.
Sounds like a lawnmower. I'm the 2nd owner, the car was complete stock. Used T6 when I first got. At first it the ticking noise was quiet and only appeared when I released the throttle. It still makes boost, but very major loss of power. I always make sure I gas at 93, and it's NF tuned. No lights. Will give them a chime.
You said no white smoke from the exhaust but have you tried taking the oil filler cap off when its idling? If there is smoke coming out of there that is bad and might be cracked ringland(s).
I have not done that yet. I researched a lot before buying this car and have set aside funds for ringland issues, thank you for all your suggestions.
Smart to save before the inevitabel What are your plans for engine rebuild? (if it is indeed necessary) Forged or stock replacement internals? Is this a DD? Any big plans for power if/when you need a rebuild?
The ticking noises sound more like a spun bearing to me, but its tough to tell without more research. Running it any longer is dangerous. To further diagnose, as suggested, check the oil level first, check compression (if you're ok with cranking it more) and drain the oil and check for metallic flakes. If you're low on oil, perhaps you cracked a ringland (most common) and burned off a ton of oil and the engine is knocking due to lack of oil..but you probably would have noticed a definite rough idle, not smooth pulls, lower boost, less responsiveness, etc. Otherwise my guess is spun bearing. Do you have an oil pressure gauge? Have you ever seen the oil light come on or flicker? Sorry to hear about the issues though, as I have experienced a cracked ringland on my 08. Budgeting is wise and hopefully you can be back on the road soon!
Oil light has not come on, oil levels have been low before and I've since topped it off. After, work, I plan on checking the oil for flakes. This sucks, but the silver lining is that once it's done, I'll have a better engine. Thanks for the responses, they have been very insightful.
Forged internals if or once needed, it is a DD. I'd want something modest...say maybe 450. There's two guys on here that's been an inspiration to me, and all of y'all for advice.
sounds like a plan! Although I wouldn't say 450whp is modest! 350whp is "modest" and 450whp is faaast.
Ha, true that! stage 2 + E-85 is plenty for me, and that falls at about 350 whp. Kee-STI - forged pistons at a minimum, will be fine foe 350whp. Beyond that power level, you'll get varying opinions. But as long as its torn down, it doesn't hurt to upgrade bearings, rods, "oiling," etc and also replace clutch, resurface flywheel, timing belt/water pump/pulleys, and the list goes on. It really depends on your budget and future plans for the car. There are several here that can provide advice and some good shops in the area that can provide good advice as well. Keep us updated on what you find.
I definitely will take pics of whatever route I take. As for now, just small steps and getting advice on what needs to be done first.
