I think I am getting a bit paronoid after reading so much about big end failure etc. On my sti 2 ra I was listening to it last night from the engine bay and heard what sounded like a knocking/rattling noise. I went closer to the block but it seemed fairly quiet in there apart from the normal flat four sound.
I then put my head underneath the car at the front and thats where the noise was coming from. My first instinct was that it sounded like it was coming from part of the exhaust at the front (exhaust part in front of sump). Its not a very loud noise but noticable If it was a big end bearing sound, would I be likely to hear it from the top of the engine or down underneath the front of the car? Just to add there is no Knocklink activity apart from the first green when giving it the shoe.
Thanks.

 

exaust manifold heat shield 9 times out of 10

 

Thanks mate, I hope you are right. It does sound like that all right. Is it normally just a case of figuring out where it needs tightening.. or are there problem spots to check first?

 

Go equipped with some big jubilee clips and take the undertray off then just tap / prod around the various bits of heat sheild looking for anything that is loose and rattly. Apply jubilee clips to stop it rattling - job done. They tend to rust away at the clamps and rattle about.

 

Ok thanks lads, I will have a look tonight (have a lift at home lol) and see how I get on..thanks again.

 

Ok I had it up on the lift and could not see any loose heat shields, well no obvious ones anyway. To me it seems like the ticking/tapping noise is coming from inside the exhaust. I am talking about the part of the manifold that to the right side of the car as you are looking from the front.
When I wrapped this part of the manifold in a towel to muffle the sound while idling it seemed to get alot fainter. Its not a realy loud tapping noise but can be heard all the same even when you are standing.
Does any of this sound familuar to anyone?

 

bttt

 

Could this me the solid lifters tapping?? Heard more so after a hard drive.

 

bttt