03 Forester head gasket need help

[tnjauto]

need help ive replaced the head gasket twice this week. the head was machained and new gasket installed and new head bolts. and torq. to spec. with the extra degrees. now the head is leaking through the exhaust. is it common to have a warped block? useing felpro gasket theres only one way to install and now im pulling out my hair.

[WoodsWagon]

Did you check for a cracked head or cylinder wall? It's rare but depending on how badly overheated the engine was when the headgasket went, possible.

[mr.radon]

I vote for a cracked head first. The place that did the head would/should be able to get it pressure tested and might be able to fix it. Don't know of a good way of pressure testing the block.

To see if the block is warped, get a good metal straight edge and measure the clearances. Haven't see many warped blocks, most of the time there are other issues along with a warped block, like seized pistons and such.

[tnjauto]

i had the head checked by the machaine shop no problems with it. thanj you for your reply

[idosubaru]

okay i'm going to be blunt just to make sure you're headed in the right direction. you're getting hosed and not doing things right. whoever is giving you your information i would quit listening to them and spend more time here. unless you like doing jobs like this over and over and paying for parts you don't need. not trying to be mean but save yourself some hassle.

 

fel pro gaskets are known to not seal well. this engine is notorious for leaking headgaskets, why not use the ones designed and redesigned by Subaru? mdjc has had numerour Fel Pro headgaskets come back with leaks. Use subaru.

 

Buying new head bolts for this car is a complete waste, you gain nothing. You don't replace head bolts on all cars, only some, depends on the design.

 

This engine also requires the special Subaru additive. Was that installed with the new coolant after the headgasket change?

[mdjdc]

Gary is correct, I went with non subaru gaskets for four engines and had them all fail. Never again. Also, did you thoroughly clean the block surface before replacing the gaskets? The little things can make a big difference.

[tnjauto]

thank you guys for your thoughts i will use your knowlege and yes i did clean the block and bolt holes and oiled the bolts upon installation. i will change the gasket to a differant one.

[WoodsWagon]

Is it leaking on the exhaust, or is it steaming out the tailpipe?

 

If it's steaming out the tailpipe, it may take a bit for any coolant trapped in the exhuast to evaporate.

[bheinen74]

You need to use OEM head gaskets from the Subaru dealer. thats all.

you will be fine then. BTW Felpro for a subaru is BAD.

[idosubaru]

Felpro for a subaru is BAD.

for EJ engines, not all Subaru's.

 

I'd keep a keen eye on where/how the headgasket is failing when you take it apart.

 

And dont' forget the Subaru coolant additive that's required by Subaru on 03 EJ25's.

[svxpert]

need help ive replaced the head gasket twice this week. the head was machained and new gasket installed and new head bolts. and torq. to spec. with the extra degrees. now the head is leaking through the exhaust. is it common to have a warped block? useing felpro gasket theres only one way to install and now im pulling out my hair.

 

 

depends on how bad you overheated the engine.