knocking from valve cover
 

My SR has a knocking noise that comes and goes from the valve cover. It will start up fine, the knocking sound will come and go from my head. Any ideas on what it might be? I'm trying to figure out how to upload the video off my phone to my comp so I can post it up.

A few things to check:

- Oil level: I know it sounds basic, but I saw a case where the guy swore up and down the oil level was fine. Once he finally checked it again, he found it was very low.
- Pull the valve cover: Check for excess slack in the timing chain as well as anything that is loose or broken in the valve train.

I'll double check when I get home, but thier is no slack in the chain and the rest of the head looks fine.. its wierd haha

stuck lifter, excessive lifter clearance etc.

Didn't I hear somewhere that SRs have a knock? I thought someone else said it was pretty common. I'm gonna check.

I thought the same, but so far nothing has come up in my search's.... I'll check zilvia when I get off work. I'm hopeing its something in the head, I don't feel like pulling the motor

SRs are a tad noisy but they aren't more noisy than subarus at idle... When mine starts up there really isn't any ticking per se but there is injector noise and just general engine racket. Put up a video...

They are known for timing chain rattle on startup. At least as they get older and the tensioner wears out.