mwatt Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 ......to replace head gaskets. And after 167K miles on our '98 Legacy Outback LTD, I'd say it's about time, judging from other posts I've read over the years. The coolant level in the overflow container keeps rising, the telltale odor of exhaust in the coolant, and the color of the coolant has suddenly changed. There's no overheating yet, but I think it's a matter of time before that begins. Better to catch this early.... So I'm contemplating doing this myself. Heck, I'm "reasonably" handy. What could possibly go wrong? (don't answer that ) At this point I should admit that the last engine I pulled was that of my 1970 GTO. Damn, those 400 c.i.d. Pontiac motors were heavy.... I'm at the "fact gathering stage" right now. I'm looking for a post that describes the process from beginning to end, I know there's one on the USMB but I can't find it. A few years back, someone wrote a great post thoroughly detailing all the parts that were required. So I'd like to find that post, as well as some step-by-step details. My biggest concern is not having special Subaru tools, like the ones that hold the camshaft sprockets while installing the timing belt. Anyone willing to tell me about their own experiences doing this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOthis Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I just picked up and read this post...So I decided to google a search on HG replacement for the EJ series engines was in order to see what kind of credible sources of info. I could find...(fore Ive seen tons of write ups on here as you mentioned and they all seemed pretty decent) anyways I came across this.. http://home.comcast.net/~skipnospam/Head_gasket_replacement.html ...granted I don't really follow this EXACT procedure and it would take me a good hour or so to type every step/procedure I go through.. so I thought I would provide this link which seemed to be pretty decent...You could also buy a Haynes/Chiltons manual i believe they go over it in there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdjdc Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Are you in Rockville MD? If so, come on down one weekend and I'll help you do the change. It would be nice to work with another hands on guy. I can usually do the entire job in 5-7 hours and you can be on your way. I have all of the tools necessary and I have done many of these. Call me if you want 804-393-0516 Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwatt Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 EVOthis: that's the one I've been looking for!! Thanks for doing the research to find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOthis Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 No problem man....If its your first time doing HG's, even on a Subie it can be done yourself (I don't know your mechanical aptitude) however, it helps a lot when you have someone there that has done them before...Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 At 167,000 miles do a compression test, wet and dry first. Yes one of the cylinders may fail, even two. What you want to see is the other bank of cylinders. If the numbers are good thej you are good to go on a HG job. if the numbers are low then you may want to thik about a used engine. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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