I've got a clattering kind of noise coming from somewhere around the engine of my 97 Outback Wagon. It happens at high RPM, in two situations. Most often, when I am up at the top of 2nd gear, and press on the clutch to shift. As I take my foot off the gas, it clatters for a moment until the RPMs drop down. It also happens at the top of 2nd or third gear when I am going downhill and take my foot off the gas, and stay off the clutch. With the engine RPMs held high by the downhill, it starts to clatter.
I've made various attempts to get this diagnosed. First, early this past summer, they told me it was my catalytic converter heat shield rattling. They put a clamp on the shield, but the rattle has persisted. Then, last week, I took it in, and they found an oil leak, and said the clatter was from the valves rattling because there wasn't enough oil in the engine. They fixed that ($1200), and the rattle may be better than it was, but still there.
I am aware of the chronic heat shield rattles in these cars, so I spent most of this afternoon under the car, trying to tighten the shield up. I tweaked one section of the shield, but found nothing else that seemed loose enough to rattle. Nevertheless, the rattle is still there. I am a bit fearful, because it does not sound to me like something as simple as a heat shield.
Could the valves be damaged because of the oil leak? Or, am I underestimating the possibility that the heat shield is rattling. I suppose I could take the shield off just to diagnose it. Not going to leave it off though.
Anyone had this experience? Any advice?