I've got a friend with an 2004 STi who is having major engine problems. Here are the details:

NO performance mods.
Oil light came on, but Oil Temp OK.
No smoke.
No noticeable oil leak.
Engine began to lose power and make noise, so he stopped driving.
Changes oil regularly.
Somehow the engine isn't getting oil.

Anyone have an issue like this before or hear about one with an STi? Mechanic can't diagnose without tearing down engine. Anyone have experience dealing with Subaru on a warranty issue like this? Thanks for any help/suggestions.

 

Kinda hard to diagnose without being in there, but maybe he spun a rod bearing.

 

Based on some of your issues I am thinking one of the cylinder headgaskets is bad. It looses compresion(lost of power) and it wouldn't leak oil to the outside.

Also it wouldn't smoke because the gasket is rupture in a spot were the oil falls or leaks through the block again.

It is hard to diagnoses like this though. My best sugestion is go and post this issue on www.nasioc.com

my .2c

Carlos

 

thanks for the help... he's posting on Nabisco as we speak, I know a lot of guys here (like yourself) either own subies or used to. I don't know exactly what he's looking for, because really you'll have to open it up to see, but I guess mostly seeing if this sounds familiar to anyone. Thanks again!

 

Can you pull any codes with an OBD2 scanner tool?

 

Thanks Sterling, my account was finally activated.

Basically, Im just trying to go to Subaru fully armed with whatever knowledge or experiences I can bring to help my case, so if anyone can drop any extra science my way it is much appreciated. If you have had to deal with a dealership with a major issue like this and could give any advice on success you have had dealing with them. I’ve already seen some interesting things posted here that I have not seen on the NASIOC. Thanks

 

Has your friend consider taking his car to the dealership?

 

update: After a lot of crap, Subie's paying for a new engine, turbo, etc... it turned out to be a bad oil sump line that was simply defective. I'm super happy that they figured it out and didn't try to stick it on him. Something like $12,000 all told!