Subaru i AVLS Explained and Demonstrated

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Subaru i AVLS Explained and Demonstrated

[@drhillier]

I'm a professional mechanic, I've done probably 40 or more head gaskets on subarus over the years. I have never run across this particular setup before until today. I dropped on of those metal pins. luckily I found it. But the information that I pay to use (pro Demand and Identifix) does not give much information on putting those rocker arms back together. This video was VERY helpful. Thanks for posting!!

[@stephenhunt6253]

You, sir, are EXTREMELY skilled to be able to do that with merely 2 hands! As much as I tried, I just couldn't muster enough coordination to get those pins set in position, push down on the lifters, and tighten in the bolts all at the same time (kudos to those that can). :-)

[@Snakeplisskin440]

My first car was a '91 Legacy L, now car number 4, I have a 2011 Legacy 3.6R. 2nd Subaru. It's been my favorite car. I love how the hood is lower, I can see over the dash and hood better, like a commanding view of the road. The AWD, I could never go back to FWD. Not spinning out at every stop sign or light has been a joy. I've been trying to soak up as much info as I can. Your videos are very helpful and entertaining. Keeping me from making mistakes.

[@jomangeee9180]

Brian you never disappoint, I had the head on my dinning table, put it together and for the live of me could not get the cam to turn, then i watched this video, Brian to the rescue!!!

[@jmlo96]

This video is awesome! I'm trying to put together the heads on an 09 Legacy and for the life of my could not figure out how to reassemble this. Thanks for the awesome Subaru videos Brian!

[@taoh780]

Thanks again for another Subaru demonstration, Brian. Keep the videos coming, I'll be sure to watch them!

[@Maerlyn1101]

Thanks for another great video. Been watching u for years. Keep them coming.

[@baja-automotive]

@9:30 before i unbolt the roacker tree I'll use a 5/32 socket (inplace of the $400 ST) to unlock the two spring loaded rockers. During installation you don't have to fight the springs, use the same socket to put the spring back

[@kylen.6742]

What I do is unlatch the lever that the spring is attached to, set the rollers on the cam correctly, torque the rocker shafts down properly then with a strong pick tool pull the level (it's under spring pressure) then get the lever to latch on the pin it's then it's good to go.

[@originalmetalhead73]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU... I thought I was losing my mind when I went to reinstall the intake side of the valve train and saw this abomination. One of the oil actuated spring loaded cylinders had already fallen out in the plastic storage box, but I managed to locate its proper place ( I hope). The oddly shaped "spring stopper" that is "Y" shaped and fits over the adjuster pin ( Fig. ME-02744 in the Subaru shop manual, page ME(H4SO)-47) was stopping me from properly locating the rockers so I could place the intake rocker assembly in place and install it without forcing it in and damaging something. I saw that you were able to do it without unhooking the spring stopper from the adjuster pin. The manual directed me to unhook it and then install the assembly and then rotate the spring stopper back over the adjuster pin ( their tool is the 18258AA000 SPRING INSTALLER = $100.00+) An internet mechanic suggested using a small nut driver on one of the prongs to rotate/push it back and then onto the pin (it worked). And thanks for explaining how it is oil actuated, very informative. I saw Eric's videos too and noticed that it was a much older valve train. Thanks again, I'd still be out there looking and scratching my head if it wasn't for this video...very good!

[@STREETSTANG07]

Great video! I'am working on a 2006 Forester head gasket. I bought the special tool to hold the rocker at $60.00 for a pair they helped but when I took them off to remove the other head and rocker all the spring tension just released like if no tool was used. I think if I had the money two sets would have worked. I will use your method for reinstalling the rocker assembly unless when I start pushing down I can reinstall the tool to help hold the rockers in place. Thanks again.

[@1oldteck]

Thanks for the info. I am a retired mechanic. Still doing as much as my body will allow, and I have my sister's car apart, same heads, she broke the T belt, and I SWAPPED out all the valves, yup, all.. Exaust was pitted, and intales were bent. , so I lapped them in, and they loog great. I am looking for torque specs on the rockers. And valve clearance specs.... Thanks again

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome- good luck!

[@pbcanal1]

I know this is 2 years later but thanks for posting about this mousetrap of a head. There is nothing else out there on this. I was going to leave it alone, but I took your advice and peeked at the valve guides and said oh crap. It had to come apart.

[@wysetech2000]

Nice job Brian. Great explanation of how it all works.

[@duncanyourmate2433]

My EJ20 , has 457,000 klms on it thanks to youre advice , and regular servicing , Cheers , Thanks Mate ,,

[@occamsrazor1285]

0:54 The 3 in EJ253 is the generation (roughly). There are EJ251s, EJ252s etc. The 7s (as in EJ207 or EJ257) are always STI built engines and have forged internals and nitrated cranks (for the most part. Early EJ207s didn't have the nitrated cranks), so it doesn't correspond in that case, BUT generally the third alphanumeric character indicates the block generation and specific design. Another example would be the EJ25D (notice I said the third alphanumeric character): the D indicates it's a Phase 1 engine (Phase 1 and Phase 2 engines use different head gaskets).

[@baja-automotive]

the subaru special tool that keeps the rockers stable so the pins don't pop out, is cheap, I'm surprised no one is 3d printing these. Over the last 10 years I've bought three sets because I keep misplacing them.

[@IntegraDIY]

this is similar to hondas vtec, except this runs on an "eco mode" then adds more power when needed. vtec always runs on 4 valves per cyl but opens them up longer and more when vtec hits. honda had something similar to this called vtec-e

[@Trades46]

Informative video thanks. Interesting in how it is marketed similar to a valvelift system (a la VTEC or VVTL-i) which increase the intake lift at high rpm but in reality is really a fancy intake swirl effect generator by altering only one intake valve.

[@stonetoolcompany3649]

Thanks for this.... I'd assumed the Subaru system involved phasers and variable valve timing. This is just a basic dual plane system obviously designed to keep air flow velocity high at low RPM for good swirl & mixing similar to what Ford did on some of the so called modular engines.

[@briansmobile1]

Glad it helped

[@KALI1080]

Awesome video Brian! My family has three Subaru wagons. One of them is mine! Have you ever worked on the twin turbo boxer from Subaru?

[@Gamilus]

Great video. Very helpful with some nice deadpan puns

[@MissouriOldTimer]

I like subarus ,the one I have now is my 4th, it's a 2003 and that gadget you have there looks like a lot to go wrong,

[@BlueDually4x4]

Thanks for the vid, I was having a hard time getting the intake rockers on.

[@30215PAPE]

I got a motor from Japan for my 10 Forrester problem is it's non avls and mechanic says it can't be used but had another mechanic about 5 states away say it can be swapped 🤷🏻 what do u think

[@bartgordon6036]

Nice work! Best video yet!

[@curtisloewen2545]

Lost me after " my name is Brian" but still liked the video

[@looselugnut697]

so can you take cylinder heads off of a 2002 2.5 and convert them to fit on a 08 2.5 with the avls system? (have a 08 with warpped heads but can get a set of rebuilt heads off of a 2002 for real cheap)

[@TakeDeadAim]

Here's the trick to the mousetrap. Unload the springs. Bolt the rocker assembly down. Use a small punch with a concave tip, push the two spring locks into their retaining pin(easier to show than explain). No wrestling around or bending the rocker shaft. Easy Peasy. You can also set all of the valve clearances at this cam angle...although you do need to slightly rock the cam to get a couple to fully go to 0 lift.

[@James-oh4xd]

Can you show please?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Neat setup.

[@keepitfixit2736]

So from my understanding(I’m not very automotive smart)could you use a long enough pin to permanently lock the long lobes on the variable timing

[@1hateeverything]

All the threes on the block are the main crank journal sizes , normally a 3 or a 2 , I think 2 is bigger than 3 , its so they know what size bearing shell to use on assembly . , but the difference is very small

[@geriatricginger]

Brian, I have a question, if you may know. 2010 AVLS Forester 2.5 NA. I am working on one for a neighbor, as her car started making noise. Idles like a sewing machine (super smooth). slowly rev to ~17-1800, a tick from the 1/3 valve cover starts.. slowly continue up to ~2200, and it becomes more prominent.. continue up to ~3300 and like a light-switch, it stops making noise, but has a slightly rough feel, like a tiny miss.. ease the throttle back down slowly, and the process goes in reverse.. Only get a P0302 (permanent) and a P0301 (pending); the 301 clears itself on key cycle. Thoughts? I kinda think the AVLS, but not 100% sure on how to diag/repair. Just figured I'd ask you. Thx!

[@briansmobile1]

Have you checked and wrote down all the valve clearances? I'd do that first. Loose valves make a clatter. Tight valves from valve/seat wear don't close and cause misfires. Good luck! Keep me posted on what you find!

[@geriatricginger]

@@briansmobile1 intakes, i set to .006" or .152mm. Exhaust was set to .008"/.203mm. Made no change. They were just slightly more gapped prior to adjusting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/emeXqqerrah8oM0 is what it sounded like, before before I adjusted. Adjusting made no change. I'm going to try to get a better quality audio clip of it.

[@geriatricginger]

@@briansmobile1 update.. checked valve adjustment again, still .006/.008. swapped oil pressure switches and solenoids between banks; no change. misfare was bad set of wire, so i replaced wires/plugs. still chasing down the ticking. pulled oil solenoid block off and pulled screen; it was clean. I'm at a loss.

[@joshjacob149]

On avls engines over time will the rocker arms need adjusting because of lash? Or Will the avls always keep them on the correct position? I am doing my headgaskets soon on the subaru and i was going to readjust my valve gap while I was going that far anyway, thank you!

[@rescuebox7]

Wouldn't that engaging cause a shear load on that pin being that the rocker is in motion. I'm guessing it engages them at just the right time when they are lined up? Seems like that would be to difficult, I'm probably missing something.

[@benjammin6220]

Any videos on the EZ30D AVLS? It's a different set up than the 4cyl and I can't find anything detailed of its proper operation.

[@mfreebush]

cannot find a part number for the tiny spring that goes in those spring loaded lower pins. Any clue what I should be typing in for that part number? I was attempting to reassemble my cylinder head today and noticed one of my lower pins was not spring loaded and sure enough its missing that tiny spring.

[@DrewDiddy7703]

Hey I know this was an oldie, but if you see this can you lmk if I will need 2 gaskets for the sensors on each head when doing a head gasket job? Thought I noticed 1 in a head gasket Kit, but actually would need 2. Just not sure if I would NEED to remove em if I send the heads to get machined.

[@JohnC1910]

What happens when the speed sensor isn't working? Does the ECU Not tell the oil pressure activator to work?

[@STREETSTANG07]

I used the method by TAKEDEADAIM a few post down really works just release the spring tension and I bought the specialty tool by Kentmoore no. 1825aa060 best fifty dollars spent holds the spring loaded pins in place so one less thing to worry about. I took a flat blade screw driver cut a small notch in the end and this worked great for installing and unloading the spring tension.

[@yijianggu5203]

Great video, but I am confused.when low RPM, one or two valves work in a cylinder? at the beginning of video,two.but at the end video ,only one.

[@joshuacatron2]

It seems as though upon power demand, the solenoid engages allowing both intake(per cylinder) valves to open all the way. So when you mash the pedal the cpu knows this and tells the solenoid to allow oil to pump through the ports which in turn engages the "pins" causing effect.

[@thesniperofcs]

briansmobile1 Hi, I need your help please, I have a Subaru Legacy 1998 with ej20 sohc, spark plugs wires sit directly on the cylinder head, not the one with spark plugs wires through the valve cover Throttle with pulling wire and throttle position sensor not the fully electric one Running with obd1 computer ( Black and green Plugs) , and it has the plug for the obd2 It is front wheel drive not AWD Can I put on an ej25 on my car? And which ej25 will fit in direct without replacing parts and without modifications on electrical harnesses ?

[@grumpyjuicetrucking]

I have a question, can u put a jdm 09 2.3 forester motor in a 2010 or 2011 forester?

[@JaimeAlegria-80]

Dude my cylinder head had some fine cracks by the spark plugs tread. What is the best choise buy another motor or get a set of heads?

[@istratemarian6548]

Buy a used one...

[@ofalejandro12]

can you adjust the valves on bench ?

[@Mike_44]

I realize this is an old video, but does anybody know for the ej25 motors, if the AVCS cam gears need to be serviced?

[@adamkikiarab]

GOOD EXPLECATION THANKS

[@torifan1976]

Brian, In your opinion do you think the FB25 engines will have the same head gasket issues that are common on the earlier Subaru engines??

[@9freelandk]

Hover mode, well I wont forget that now !

[@hddm3]

good job

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

only 90 000 miles and pulling heads? Lead foot or what. I remember car manufacturer used to put a intake runner for each intake valve, and close half of them at low rpm, opening them up with a vaccuum valve hooked to the ecu

[@michaelherbert8213]

Awesome video. I keep tryin to sneak a Subaru into my driveway but the wife would make me sell one of my cars for it. I choose my battles wisely. At work we send the heads out like Eric O. But if I do get one, now I know. Thanks.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Michael Herbert I do send the heads out but they have to be stripped of all the cams and rockers so you are still responsible for setting up the cam and valve timing. Some machine shops will do it all but they charge a bit extra I am sure.

[@michaelherbert8213]

Yeah, none of that happens at my job. It kinda embarrassing to say but I don't call the shots. That's why when I watch your videos, I wish I worked for SMA.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh I see, they send the heads out complete then?

[@michaelherbert8213]

Yup, I pull the heads off, check/clean the block, then move on to the next job. Usually get the heads back the next day.

[@dozza202]

Some cars you need to remove the cams to gain access to the head bolts

[@mb4lunch]

You actually can install the little cylinders, barrels and springs wrong. Pay close attention to how those go.

[@santiagogarza5149]

Oh my god please tell me what solanoid is not on the right but the back left of the engine

[@Gamilus]

back left? from what persepective? Do you mean Cyclinder #3 or 4#? by "back left" I would guess you mean next to #3. That would be the controller for the AVLS system in this video. It reads RPM of the cam wheel to actual the oil pressure which triggers the AVLS to start opening both intake valves 100%

[@IntegraDIY]

the intro music is not good, the last intro was great! sounded something from the game metal gear solid ;)

[@briansmobile1]

Integra DIY The dryer lint video one, or the impact one I've worn out and drug through the desert?

[@MOREGORE2745]

Is there any way to tell if my ej253 has avls or non avls?

[@johnferguson7235]

Get your VIN number and call Subaru.

[@kish-river]

Look on your heads and see if they have actuators on them

[@kaulincurtis9665]

This system is almost exactly the same as Honda VTEC-E.

[@overgee7307]

late comment great video

[@Mebob2001]

so this is like VTEC in a sense... i much rather cam phasers hahah

[@msengineeringdavid3702]

They don’t do the same thing so you’re rather incoherent..... I-vtec does both.

[@MODNTUNE]

I lost the spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MoneyMarcMes]

Complicated shit to me!

[@smileyrod11]

HEY BRIAN WHY DO YOU LIKE 2 WORK ON SUBARU ENGINE IF YOU ALLWAY HAVE TO PULL THE HEAD OFF THOSE CARS LEAK ANTIFREES BUT I LIKE THEM THER GOOD CAR LIKE HONDA THANKS BRIAN 4 YOUR VIDEO

[@briansmobile1]

pedro rodriguez I love the way they perform. They've got low center of gravity and they're all wheel drive. If you drive in the sand, greasy mud, or the snow they're tough to beat for speed, economy, and fun.

[@smileyrod11]

THANKS BRIAN

[@Avery752]

Wow this is complicated, someone hand me a V8 lol!

[@contact4mwy7]

Hello Brian, excellent video even if it was late in the day. I have a question about this system on a 2006 Outback with 120,000 miles. At coasting the lifters are quiet. If I give it just a little gas they start clicking, reaching a loudest point as the accelerator is pushed, then quieting back down as the car starts to pull just a little bit. It's like a wah wah peddle for a guitar, gradually gets to a louder ticking then quiets right back down. Same thing letting off the accelerator, it goes through this ticking phase. Also, the ticking comes back around 3,000 rpm and up. Could this be the oil pressure from the solenoids is weak, or that the valves need to have clearances re gapped? Can the valves be gapped while the engine is in the vehicle?