Getting my 92 Loyale back into action

[JJoshua]

Hello All!

 

A little backstory:

 

I bought a 92 Loyale a few years back, low miles (94k) with a great body and the usual lifter noise, small gasket leaks and a few electrical issues between the blinkers not working, stereo cutting out and driver door seatbelt working on and off.  I've run it for about 30k and finally the head gasket failed, or so I thought.

After removing the engine and taking it apart I found that the head were cracked and figured I'll either do the EJ swap or try and find a reman engine or something in good condition.  Searching through CL I found what seemed to be too good to be true.  A brand new 94 crate engine that has been sitting in a crate since.  I am not the most knowledgable on these things but figured it was the right choice and picked up a new EA82 what I presume is direct from Subaru.  

 

Now here is where I need your help.  I know there are many issues with OEM head gaskets among other things and figure while its all out I might as well do the clutch kit, try and clean up the engine bay (since she was squirting all over), hopefully figure out the electronics.  I am hoping to get the most out of this engine before having to pull it again and having the issues that routinely occur to these engines.  

 

Here is my plan so far:

 

Pull apart new engine and replace head gaskets with better ones (Fel Pro?)

            -What else can I do to help with other issues ie. lifter tick that will occur over time

 

Replace all exterior components of engine that should be done after 120k, ie. water pump.

           -I am not exactly sure what all should be replaced or if there are better components to use for this.  

 

Replace clutch with new clutch kit

 

I am not really sure what is worth doing and could really use some help so I don't end up pulling the new one out sooner than I have to.  I said I would like to help prevent the lifter noise if I can but in reality I would rather have everything working better and I am not as worried if its just a noise that doesn't effect performance.  If I can get a little more power out of this engine, I would be happy as it was a bit rough trying to accelerate, or even maintain speed, going up hills with the old engine (which I am sure wasn't running nearly 100%).

 

I am sure I missed something and I really appreciate you all reading through this!  I am greatly looking forward to finally getting her back up and running and the feeling of knowing it was done the best way I could have on a reasonable budget.  I love the car, as I know most of you do, and cant wait to be on the road again!

 

Thanks!

 

Josh

 

 

(I will try and get some photos up later today)

           

[MR_Loyale]

Where did you hear the head was cracked? Cracks between the valves are normal. Most machinists unfamiliar with the Ea82 will say they are no good. But these do not affect them.

 

Please post images of the cracks so we can evaluate.

 

Chances are the crate engine heads have the exact same cracks.

Edited August 8, 2016 by MR_Loyale

[robm]

Also, unless you run the coolant dry and overheat it, the head gaskets are pretty solid.  Not usually a problem.

[JJoshua]

It looks like each head is cracked between the valves, one on each side.  You can see the pistons have a bit of wear on the sides also and they could certainly use some TLC.  I have already acquired the new engine and plan to put that one in, saving the old for parts.  Glad to hear the heads might be salvageable for the future just in case! I hope the pictures give a better idea what is going on.  Hopefully the pictures are what you were looking for otherwise I can take some more.  Trying to get all the new parts I need ordered, including a timing kit. 

 

Thanks again,

 

Josh

[MR_Loyale]

Please see below

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/54087-ea82-cylinder-heads-cracked-between-valves/

Edited August 9, 2016 by MR_Loyale

[DaveT]

Those look like the normal cracks.  Almost every one I've disassembled and rebuilt has them.