Bought 00 OB w bad/2.5 -opinions sought

[3Pin]

Just Bought a 2000 Outback (automatic)with the original 2.5 SOHC engine. Car has 212,000 miles and recently one of the pulleys near the Timing belt broke at 75mph and now the car won't start. The genereral concunsus is that the valves are shot and potentially some pistons as well.

 

I have not picked it up yet, so do not know, but I am looking for opinions on whether I just pluck the engine and replace it or repair the existing one if the pistons aren't blown to bits.

 

If I do replace the engine, do I have any easy direct 2.2 options like the 95 2.2 auto was for the 96-99 Gen 1's. I did a couple of those and they worked out nice.

 

Does anyone have a matrix or list of which 2.2 and 2.5's would be an easy transplant for this 2000 OB automatic so I have more options than the 2000 2.5?

[Gloyale]

The SOHC 2.5 can bend valves, but doesn't always.

 

It would proably be worth it to get a new timing belt set and install it. Then run the car, do a compression/leakdown check. I know of several people who have had SOHC 2.5 belts break, and still have fine running cars.

 

If there was collison, and damage that needs repaired, it would likely be cheapest and most straight forward to repair the heads, and maybe replace pistons(prolly not). Pistons can be replaced without splitting the block.

 

You will need the new belt set for whatever engine you reinstall, so you might as well try it.

[bheinen74]

but if he finds the 2.5 has bad pistons etc after trying a new t belt, then his 2.5 new belt would not work on a 2.2 which he would ponder to replace with. so he would have to let the 2.5 new belt kit sit with a bad 2.5 block.

not sure here.

[idosubaru]

if you have the time, it's worth a shot to pull the heads and have a look. if the pistons/cylinder walls look damaged then i'd pass. if it just needs a basic head job (and a couple valves), then that's not that big of an expense.

 

i'd rather have yours repaired than an EJ25 with original headgaskets. although 212,000 miles is a lot for a motor that has a good reputation for loosing rod bearings.

 

you'll need Phase II EJ22's and it's not quite as simple as the earlier stuff. fewer folks have done it so there's far less info about it. My memory is vague but I think you need to swap the cam sprockets to make it work.

 

The Phase II EJ22's I believe started in 1999. Thing is they were dwindling significantly in useage by then so they aren't necessarily all that easier to find but they are a better motor in terms of fewer headgasket, piston slap, and rod bearing issues.

 

might want to price it out and see where you're at - assume machine shop work for heads, couple hundred, and parts.

 

compare that to the cost of an EJ22 with new timing components and see where you're at.

[3Pin]

Thanks for your 2 cents.

 

I have always pulled the engines in the past (1) 95, 96(2) 1 98 Forester

for HG work, any chance it is possible to leave the engine in for head work with a 2000?

[idosubaru]

i haven't done a Phase II but I think folks have said they are easier to do in the car than the Phase I's.

[Gloyale]

but if he finds the 2.5 has bad pistons etc after trying a new t belt, then his 2.5 new belt would not work on a 2.2 which he would ponder to replace with. so he would have to let the 2.5 new belt kit sit with a bad 2.5 block.

not sure here.

 

It would work on a Phase II 2.2, which would be his easiest bolt in option anyhow

 

If there is an Independant suby shop around there, they could test it using an old belt an pulleys.

[3Pin]

Great idea. I will my mechanic try that. I use an local independant suby shop and I am sure they will try all the cheap easy stuff fisrt. I bring them lots of business and the have treated me well over the years.

 

Thank god this suby isn't green. That would be my fourth green one.

[J A Blazer]

When my 2000 4cyl OBW had its head gaskets done last year I'm sure the mechanic did not remove the engine, and when I was in his shop recently I saw him working on an identical car. Looked to me as if he disconnected the engine mounts and lifted the engine up slightly to gain better access to the heads.

[3Pin]

Would any 2000-2004 2.5 transplant work?

 

Also will heads from a 98 or 99 2.5 work on a 2000 2.5?

Edited April 25, 2009 by 3Pin
forgot to add this ?

[3Pin]

So the valves are bent for sure. I will either put new heads on the existing motor or will put in a new motor.

 

I can get some heads from a 2.5 99 SOHC motor. Will those just bolt on after clean up and any bench work?

[johnceggleston]

if you don't get a definite answer, look here:

 

http://opposedforces.com/parts/