FYI: Another 2004 STi Oil Pickup failure = blown motor

Discussion in 'Modifications & DIY how-to' started by Trey, Jul 17, 2010.

  1. Trey

    Trey Active Member

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    The guy that bought my car called to find out what rims I had on it because one was cracked and not holding air. I told him then in casual conversation he mentioned that he just had the engine and turbo replaced and was lucky he had added an extended powertrain warranty when he bought it. He didn't have to pay a penny which was a relief.

    The car had 53,600 miles when I sold it then he drove it to San Diego back in Feb so maybe 70k miles now.
     
  2. Kokopelli

    Kokopelli Active Member

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    When you redid the head gaskets did you also pull the oil pan ?
     
  3. Trey

    Trey Active Member

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    Prob not, didn't think about it. Was that three years ago? I guess at the time I thought it was a fluke and not a major issue. Would have been a good time to check it out though. Oh well, he's all set for a long time now.
     
  4. Alex

    Alex Community Founder
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    Well thats good to know. I thought the failure rates on the 2004s were particularly low in comparison to the rest?
     
  5. Trey

    Trey Active Member

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    I slept on it and *think* Mike and I looked at it when he was over while the engine was out. Dunno for sure...been too long and I'm old.
     
  6. Kokopelli

    Kokopelli Active Member

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    I couldn't remember either. But I'm old too so no surprises there.

    I have noticed when I put together a block that sometimes the oil pickup tube doesn't sit flush . If you just torque it down it puts stress on the pickup up tube and the brazed joint is the weakest link. If its sits flush there is no reason the pick up should break.
     
  7. mckenzietj

    mckenzietj Member

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    Sooo... are the new pick up tubes redesigned to prevent this issue from reoccurring?
     
  8. Matt@Topspeed

    Matt@Topspeed Member

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    No.
     
  9. mckenzietj

    mckenzietj Member

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    Any after market alternatives to upgrade the part?
     
  10. Matt@Topspeed

    Matt@Topspeed Member

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    Yes there are a couple, we keep them in stock at the shop.
     
  11. mckenzietj

    mckenzietj Member

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    Well I guess if I end up in an STi that wil be a priority.
     
  12. Alex

    Alex Community Founder
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    Killerbee has a popular one currently. IIRC, he was second to market behind Morroso with their complete pan setup. Now I think there are at least 6 companies making the p/u tubes. I'm stock still and have had a killerbee on my desk at the shop for quite some time. Not sure if that's a good thing or not.
     
  13. Kokopelli

    Kokopelli Active Member

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    I just pre bend the support on the pickup and get it to sit flush. That way there is not any load on the braze joint when you bolt it up.
     
  14. STillGruven

    STillGruven Member

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    Is this an issue that affects a certain serial number range of 04's or is it Russian Roulette?

    I do have a 100,000 5yr warranty that should cover the issue and I am in year one with 27,000 miles.

    Still, If it is an easy preventative fix I'd head off the problem early. Unless that would void the warranty!
     
  15. Matt@Topspeed

    Matt@Topspeed Member

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    It basically effects every STI to date
     
  16. Alex

    Alex Community Founder
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    The problem here is that the effected % is still quote low. Everyone continues to wig out about it but its only a small few that have been affected to date. Nevertheless, the fact that this type of problem is occurring to begin with should prompt all STI owners to consider the idea of replacing their pickup tubes.
     
    #16 Alex, Jul 25, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 25, 2010
  17. MrCoffeeATL

    MrCoffeeATL Member

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    Did you have to bend anything to get the Killerb pickup tube to fit properly when you installed it in my Legacy? Just curious as to the fitment of the piece. No issues whatsoever with it :)
     
  18. integroid

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    and it is not only on STi motors. I believe this is happening on all 2.5 liter turbo motors. I know a few LGT owners having the same problem.
     
  19. AtlxPat

    AtlxPat Active Member

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    this makes me want to get a killerB motor oil pickup tube more and more
    these stories scare the crap out of me.
     
  20. Matt@Topspeed

    Matt@Topspeed Member

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    There is a much more affordable oil pickup tube option on the horizon, so save your money for the time being, It will be exclusive to us for a while.

    Should be right around $140.00 dollars.
     
  21. AtlxPat

    AtlxPat Active Member

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    seriously interested :wavey:
     
  22. Matt@Topspeed

    Matt@Topspeed Member

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    Ill be posting a group buy soon
     
  23. integroid

    Supporting Member

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  24. Matt@Topspeed

    Matt@Topspeed Member

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    Sorry I can't release pictures yet, I'm waiting on a phone call about it now.

    Ill post pictures and specs as soon as I can
     
  25. Alex

    Alex Community Founder
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    TS brand?
     
  26. Matt@Topspeed

    Matt@Topspeed Member

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    No Sir, Can't say yet
     

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