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I have been through my entire cooling system and have come to the conclusion that the problem is indeed the head gaskets . (thank you for all the guidance to get me to that conclusion) I plan on starting the project tomorrow morning . . . . hoping it isn't more than I can handle . My question is, are Felpro gaskets a good replacement part , or much like the t'stat do I need to go OEM here also ? What brand of gaskets would the dealership sell me if I went there ? I plan on doing the complete overhaul while I'm at it , I figure that as long as I'm in there I might as well .

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everything you've asked is covered. do not consider fel pro head gaskets, Subaru only for EJ engines.

 

practice with the search engine and spend some time reading. notice at the bottom left of the screen there is a list of similar threads to yours.

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As grossgary said, spend sometime researching here on USMB. There's tons of helpful info and experience from the past.

 

And it helps to identify your year/model/engine when asking questions.

 

If cost is a factor (and when isn't it?) put together a list of your needs and check prices at some of the online dealers. Might want to call Jason (Parts Manager at Mike Scarff Subaru) at 866-528-5282--very helpful and always has excellent prices.

 

Good luck, ask questions and keep us up on your progress!

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spent ALL afternoon driving around town looking for a dang chiltons with absolutely no avail . finally had to order one from the bookstore . looks like my project is off to a grand start . i read somewhere on the site about downloading the manual from subaru , i guess thats my next move . i've done a small amount of searching on here and been very sucessful finding the info i need . my symptoms are the very infamous overheating - 97 legacy outback with the 2.5 L . already replaced the thermostat twice . once with an after market and then with an OEM . i have also replaced the rad cap , flushed the radiator , replaced the ECTS , and had the check done to my radiator ; amazingly it came back that my gaskets were ok . i pieced together however that something wasn't right when every bit of coolant i put in the radiator mysteriously disappeared . at first i foolish thought that this was because i had HUGE amounts of air in the system and i burped it for 2 hours . obviously its the head gaskets , am i right to think that ? man , i really want to get my car back on the road ! i bought it to be a "project car" but this isn't exactly the project i was planning LOL . my ultimate goal is to lift her up 3" or 4" , put a breather on her and make a fun little toy for myself . the problem is right now its my main form of transportation . my wife has a nice new durango and i got my little soob about a month ago . before that i had a 87 f 150 (a true piece of crap) . any ways i'm just rambling . . . . i'll keep you up on my progress , wish me luck ! i need it LOL and yes , as of right now cost is an issue .

Edited by curtisbad
left out a sentence
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On a phase I EJ25 engine, head gasket leak is usually internal with coolant flowing from rad into overflow tank.

 

This can be confirmed by checking coolant for combustion gases while the engine is operating.

 

If the above test passes, perhaps a restricted or blocked heater core could be the cause of your overheating?

 

My vote is head gaskets but I would confirm that with a block check (chemical tester from NAPA or online) before you change the head gaskets.

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SEARCH for links here and you can probably download the Factory Service Manual for free. And way better than Chiltons or Haynes.

 

Also my local dealer will give me the latest Head Bolt torque instructions when I ask nicely. Again better info than any aftermarket manual.

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thank you all ! i found the haynes and downloaded the files . now if i could just find the right torx head to fit the dang head bolts . i have all the others in my box but somehow i have managed to either lose or never bought the one i actually need . the engines out , stripped down ready to take off the heads and then . . . . . . . . yup , don't have the correct tooling . i guess a trip to sears is in order .

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The socket is a 14 mm 12 point not a torx. Use a good torque wrench. The click type not the one with the arrows. Be sure to folloe the torque sequence. If you are unsure you can call me. 804-393-0516. I have done many of these and I have the torques values in my head and the sequence too.

 

Mike

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