JoW

Thanks for all your advice. I have spoken to a Subaru technician at a Subaru garage and they also don't believe the fuel filter faulty seal and air leak would have caused the engine problems. They did point out in their opinion the noise from a flywheel problem is different to noise from the bottom of the engine. I've been told by the garage if I'd driven for it longer it would have been more obvious! I'm really annoyed because I did tell them it was a similar noise to that in a previous car when the water pump failed. I have also taken some advice re the work done to date and there is a difference of opinion on that. Some are suggesting that if the garage used phrases such as "we think it is this but can't guarantee it will solve the problem" that the verbal contract is in their favour. I need a car for work and at present I am having to hire a car, which is an additional cost. I'm going to get independent advice today re the charges and then hopefully put the matter to rest, one way or the other over the weekend.

I have spoken to the garage and they have dismissed the fuel filter problem as potentially causing any damage. They have also invoiced me for the work to date. I haven't paid the bill at present and they still have my car. I'm considering getting a second opinion.

That is a good point about the fuel filter. It was leaking air due to a faulty seal, which caused hesitancy at 2000rpm and then problems with cold start. That was in March. The car has been driving well until last Wed. I will definitely mention this to the garage tomorrow.

I have a boxer diesel Impreza, purchased as an ex-demo from the dealer. It was registered Jan 2010 and has done less than 50000 miles. I've had no problems until this year and I love driving it. This year I've had a couple of minor, could have happened to anyone issues; a faulty fuel filter fitted at a service and then a problem with a seized brake calliper. Last Wed, I noticed a knocking sound, which was worse when the clutch was pressed down but was there all the time. It got worse during my 40 mile commute home, so I took it into the garage the following morning. They felt it was likely to be a gearbox or flywheel problem. However, after replacing both the problem is still there and they now feel it is a problem with the engine; likely to be bearings in the head gasket. I am gutted; this is going to cost a fortune and it could be even worse, so me and my Impreza are going to have to part. My question is this; is it common that boxer diesel Imprezas that have done less than average mileage and are only 5 years old, commonly have such a major fault? Or have I just been very, very unlucky? Sorry to say that I won't be replacing with a Subaru.

I had a similar problem with my Impreza, seemed to start after refuelling, with hesitation at 2000rpm, then started having problems with cold start. Always started on 2nd try. It turned out to be a faulty fuel filter that had been fitted at a service 3 months before and had gradually leaked air.