Do 2005 and Later Outbacks Get Piston Slap?

[snowfiend131]

My 2005 Outback 2.5i doesn't like starting up in the cold. It makes a very noticable knocking or tap-tap-tap sound, and shifts very sluggish (automatic tranny). 95% of the taping noise goes away when the engine is warm.

 

I have read a ton of posts here and elsewhere on piston slap, but most of those posts seem to be on 2004 and earlier Outbacks. Anyone know if piston slap is a common thing on 2005s and later? Anyone had their 2005+ car fixed to make the piston slap go away?

 

I've also read about valve tapping. How do you know if a sound is piston slap or valve tapping?

 

Anyone else's car have a sluggish tranny in the cold?

 

I bought this car used in January, so don't know what oil is in it. What oil is best to reduce the tapping noise?

 

Any info appreciated.

[AShoe]

This probably has more to do with the automatic trans than the engine. there are lots of threads around here about the auto and cold starting. I don't think the stock engine should be having any piston slap. Did you get a compression test on it?