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The widely accepted norm from people that have done *many* Subaru headgaskets (and not just 1 or 3) is no spray and to do the following: Subaru gaskets or possible MLS equivalent Resurface the heads (it's pointless to "test them" and you can resurface yourself - it's insanely easy) Clean the head bolts and receiving holes in the block Lubricate the head bolts None of that really costs anything to do it the same way the most prolific and highly rated Subaru speciialists have been doing this for many years. So there's almost zero reason to not follow that protocol except laziness, lack of planning, anecdotal types who just like to think they're finding some new trick to solve a well known quarter century old question. I only do that so I can't comment on trying to deviate or follow some other method except that it just doesn't make sense to do so.

Click and Clack once recommended a new driver be given a nice square car like a Volvo (or Forrester?) so they can turn it into an oval.;-)

the 4spd autos are pretty robust, and have been for many many years.. the 5spd autos are not as robust.. i had an 02 Forester auto and it was a great little beast. got many miles out of it.

Yes i have cleaned everything and even fixed the wires that are broke still just trips out and moves all over the place

Absolutely. Nobody here thinks any less of you for asking. For my part, I too first came here with a "stupid question" that I couldn't get a straight answer to elsewhere, and I stayed because this is where I found clarity. So forget the greasy kid stuff. Get over your nerves and do it the way they tell you to do it. If you start winging it, that's when you're going to be stepping outside of established parameters and getting into trouble.

back in the very early days, they did not have thermostats, lol thermostats came about as a way to warm the engine block a bit faster, which could then produce heat for the passenger compartment a bit faster. was not completely necessary at this point, but it was nice to have. Modern cars - no way i would run without a t-stat because so much else depends on the system being at a specific temp range - as mentioned above. using the correct t-stat for your vehicle is also important. using the wrong one can also produce issues.

Failed and/or aftermarket timing belt tensioner 1. Install all new Subaru timing belt, tensioner, and lower cogged idler. Or just get an entire AISIN timing kit (OEM parts). Or, if you're unlucky and the valves were bent: 2. Install used heads if the valves are bent. No need for a valve job, just resurface the heads and install with Subaru gaskets. If the engine does happen to be toast - I wouldn't get that turbo for a variety of reasons. The install would be insanely complicated, best facillated with an aftermarket controller due to the cross generational aspect...and the unknown history and risk of a 15 year old turbo engine leaves a lot to be desired.

I'd at least pull the timing belt covers off. I picked up a 2001 that sounded like a rod knock. It turned out to be the timing belt cogged Idler bearings were gone! I'm still driving that $400 car.

Bad idea. Way to much work. www.car-part.com

Under bonnet brown fusible link fuse box is what I think @Blackroses34is talking about. Cheers Bennie