Used heads for a 98 outback 2.5 DOHC ?

[phil527]

I need to do my HGs again at 194K. HC test confirmed what I was assuming this weekend. First time was done at 135K by a shop in the Boston area while on a trip. I wanted to do the HG and clutch myself the following spring, but my hand was forced. They buggered a few things up with the job - mainly a cam cap bolt on the driver side lower cam. The cap at the very front that holds the seal. They must have broke or stripped an bolt and put a bolt and nut through it, the seal has been weeping oil ever since.

 

One option is to pull the engine, get the head milled, do a check of valve shims and put it back together. At 194K is it worth it to do an extensive valve job? The car was running great this past summer. Downside is the wife's car will be out of commission for a few days, more if I need to do more valve work. Also, the unknown about fixing the broken bolt on the cap area.

 

Second option, that I am starting to lean toward, would be to pick up a couple of used heads. They seem to run about 125 each, do a more thorough rebuild then swap the heads over a weekend. The added cost of the used heads would offset the cost of renting a car for my wife (or having to deal with the in-laws for a week:)) Downside would be the unknown condition/history of the used heads.

 

What years will be compatible, I have a 01/98 build date?

I have seen some sites refer to casting numbers, where can I find that and what casting numbers should I look for?

How much material can be removed from the head surface? Chances are any used heads I get probably have had at least one head job?

 

Thanks for any input.

[GeneralDisorder]

Don't bother doing the valve grind. Just resurface the heads on a sheet of glass with some 220 grit and WD-40. Reshim the valves. It will easily go another 100k if the bottom end doesn't take it out first.

 

GD

[idosubaru]

+1 to what GD said.

 

i have a set of used EJ25 heads if you want them for far less than the $125 a piece you're seeing. these are low mileage, PM or email my username here at yahoo.com.