Jump to content
Ultimate Subaru Message Board

bad leak HELP!!!!


Recommended Posts

I was filing up the coolant in my EA71 when all of a sudden, foamy water/oil mix started coming out of the valve covers. I can only speculate that it is a blown head gasket or worse....... After checking the forum, I found that is a fairly common problem that this will happen when the freeze plugs blow out.

 

Are the freeze plugs under the valve covers? I checked the haynes manual, but I can't find their location.

 

Can this problem actually be freeze plugs, and if so, where are they and how do I get them back in?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yep, sure sounds like the freeze plug(s) popped. They are located in the head, under the valve cover. You'll have to remove the one that popped and replace it with a new one.

 

Haven't had to do this on a Subaru, so can't tell how easy it is. But you'll have to pull both valve covers to find the bad one. Remove it and install new one.

 

You'll need to flush the oil system out after you get the repairs done. Rislone makes a good engine flush, but I just use a quart of fresh oil, new filter, and 2 quarts of kerosene, run engine until it gets warm, drain. Do proper oil/filter change.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks. Man, I sure was afraid that it was the head gaskets....

If only one pops, would water come from both valve covers, or is it just the foaming action that is making it appear that it is coming from both?

 

Anyway thanks. I sure am relieved. I'll get to fixing that first thing tommorrow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...