Engine overheated - help!?

[idosubaru]

here's the easiest EJ22 for the EJ25 swap:

1-603-424-6122

they're in NH and have a 1995 automatic EJ22 113k miles for $450.

 

these guys in RI have a 95 for $250 but it needs to be an automatic, you'd have to ask: 143,000 1-401-766-5422

[The Dude]

here's the easiest EJ22 for the EJ25 swap:

1-603-424-6122

they're in NH and have a 1995 automatic EJ22 113k miles for $450.

 

these guys in RI have a 95 for $250 but it needs to be an automatic, you'd have to ask: 143,000 1-401-766-5422

 

I thought that we had pretty much established that blown 2.5L SOHC Phase I engines properly repaired with the latest rev head gaskets had a very good success rate. Don't forget that dtaffe is not a mechanic- professional, shade tree, or otherwise. What is he going to do if he gets a bum used 2.2L ? I'll tell you, he's going to be paying to have the engine de-installed, repaired, and then re-installed on all his dime at full shop rates.

He does not have the options of a Nipper, Grossgary or a Msmith. When he's screwed mechanically, he's screwed at $75+ per hour. If the engine in his car is otherwise solid, I say that the risks involved in putting new head gaskets in it are less than the risks involved with screwing around with an unknown used engine. And I say less risk, because there are risks involved no matter what route he goes.

If he gets a good used 2.2L, great, dtaffe comes out of this smelling like a rose. But if he gets a bad 2.2L he's totally screwed.

CCR excepted, I don't care much for the general "ethical standards" in the used/rebuilt engine business as I have experienced it. My advise in general to someone buying a replacement engine-buy an engine from in state company because it makes easier to sue if necessary, and wear a cup. I am sure that there are plenty of good engine rebuilders besides CCR. But I would go very slowly and insist on seeing a ton of local references. Just my personal opinion based on my personal experience and observations.

[msmithmmx]

I agree, have the HG's done if you have the flow, don't go with an engine swap. Use a known subaru shop and use OEM gaskets. If you can't do the work yourself you are really up the creek on the engine swap if something goes wrong 7 months later.

[idosubaru]

He does not have the options of a Nipper, Grossgary or a Msmith.

i would have the EJ25 repaired, but $1,500 is nothing to me. what i know is that not everyone has the same financial situation, so i'm providing him with an alternative. i buy cars for people that can't afford them, about to get another tomorrow, i help people and i know what it's like for those that can't afford good vehicles to be stuck and not be able to go with the best option. i'm giving him an option, i never said it was the best one.

 

EJ22 $500 + install $750 - sell EJ25 $500 = $750. you can get EJ22's cheaper and find mechanics to do it for $500. i'm estimating high and that will make up for new timing belts, etc. and he's still saving $1,000 over the head gasket repair. i'll let him decide if that's in his financial interest.

 

there are success stories on here of guys having mechanics do the swap after providing directions from this board. it's quite common. "Yeti" username i think is a recent example, he was very pleased.

 

it's not all that hard to find a good used engine. yes be cautious, yes it's possible, but don't bargain shop and get a warranty. if the very odd happened and you have a bad motor you're still cheaper installing two engines - $750x2 = $1,500....but that shouldn't happen if you buy from a reputable place that compression tests the thing or verify it came out of a running vehicle. lots of people have known good motors sitting in their garages too, he could post here in the parts wanted forum and get one cheaper from a known running vehicle...or buy one from a pull it yourself yard for $150, or buy an entire vehicle for $300....there's lots of options. i'll put them out there and let him decide what works best for him.

[tcspeer]

I still think the air needs to be bleed and coolant filled proper before changing head gaskets, why not try the simple first.

[JT95]

I know next to nothing about the EJ25s, and only limited experience with my EJ22...BUT, your situation sounds like an experience I had w/ my EJ22 Legacy when I first got it. Now, I did the thermostat swap myself and later the enine still overheated. Did it another thermostat, (and was irritated that the thing wasn't on top of the engine...) Perplexed, I figured out that squeezing the upper hose actually worked out air from the system and lowered my coolant level as I did so. Turns out, there wasn't as much fluid in the system as I thought because of the air pockets. I think folks here refer to "burping" your coolant system.

 

Now, your problem probably isn't that simple, but it wouldn't hurt to as a Subaru-experienced mechanic to double check.

 

Anyway, as far as an engine swap...if you can find someone you trust for a reasonable price, the EJ22 is an amazing little engine. And, somene mentioned a '95 2.2 and that engine is te design where if your timing belt snaps while driving it won't fry your engine. If you go the swap route, most places will give you 60 to 120 days guarantee on it. My EJ22 is pushing 230,000 miles and still runs smooth and peppy, so it's an amazing engine design.

 

Now, you might want to consider going the cheapest route and trading the car in for something else if you don't feel that attached to it. Not sure if that would be better than selling the car as-is or not. Anytime you drop a couple thousand into an older car, you'd better make sure you love the car because you probably won't get your cash back if you needed to sell it right away...