How to Replace Headgaskets on a 2006 Subaru Forester

Come along as we replace headgaskets on a 2006 subaru forester I purchased at copart

[@spelunkerd]

I've watched a few Subaru head gasket videos and this is the best I've found. One guy talked about having to loosen a motor mount to lift up the motor a little to get one of the heads out, but you managed to do the job without doing that. I wonder why that valve was open, maybe a broken spring or bent valve? The timing belt looked new.

[@gagandeepminia]

you saved me alot, did at home myself . I was scared first, but its running really smooth now . Thankyou

[@zsproshop]

Thanks 👍

[@jacobums4538]

Thank you my friend, my 2008 Subaru Forester sport (non turbo model) decided to give up on life and gifted me with 2 blown head gaskets, now I just need to order the head gaskets and hope for the best🙃

[@TheKitMurkit]

Nice, but the video ends so abruptly. I was waiting for you to show how to replace the gaskets, not just remove them. One of the best explanations on KZbin buy the way.

[@zsproshop]

Thanks for the advice there should be another install video somewhere on my page

[@Treeves30]

I've done this job about six times on all of my Subby's. I've done heads with and without pulling the engine. They both have their pro's and con's. It comes down to more of a personal choice in my opnion. Pulling the engine makes installing the heads and removing them much easier. But there's more work to do it that way. Potato.....Puhhtahtoh.

[@sigbn]

Big time kudos to you. I have owned many Subarus and it's a love hate relationship withe them. Great AWD, but good lord, the head gasket, timing belt and water pump is a major set back for these cars and cost of repair is outrageous. I mainly drive Toyotas now for past 20 plus years. I admit, you made it look acceptable to tackle.

[@zsproshop]

Thanks for the support I agree parts for Subarus for some reason or a little more expensive than other imported cars but once fixed correctly they are great vehicles

[@mikefrech1123]

That "15 or 20 minutes of work" will save you a couple of hours of work and it makes torqueing the heads much easier and more accurate. You can also address possible oil leaks from the rear main seal and the separator plate. It makes for a much better job.

[@zsproshop]

Thank you for the info just wanted to show that it can be done in the vehicle

[@TheMemo1776]

So is easier to remove the engine to do the job. i want to do my head gasket on my tribeca

[@zsproshop]

@@TheMemo1776 like someone mentioned above yes probably better to pull the engine makes it easier to torque head bolts and while you're at it can replace oil pan and rear main seal

[@OHydroTsunamiO]

@@zsproshop how long did this take you?

[@andrewloveless4779]

Thank you for posting this!

[@davebracey7790]

Videos help me so much I on the fuel disconnect used my girlfriend's hair clips they're flat and they're sort of bow shaped and push them in there and it is just enough curve to it to get pressure on those clips and it pops right off I did it and probably 10 seconds FYI

[@zsproshop]

thanks for the tip

[@HorizonFarming]

Awesome video! Good to know, since i will probably buy a Subaru in the future. I need a good AWD system where i live.

[@2002MX5]

I love guys who just attack a tough job with total confidence that he can, and will, accomplish it.😛

[@zsproshop]

Thank you working on cars always trying to have an open mind

[@45AMT]

Every Subaru of this era will need head gaskets at least once. I've done my fair share. I always pull the engine. It's just easier to do on an engine stand. Don't have to worry about nicking up the head or gaskets

[@zsproshop]

This is very true I agree much easier with the engine out to torque everything down but me and my friend had a bet going he thought we could not do it in the car had to prove them wrong LOL

[@rivernet62]

Disagree. Our '06 XT is pushing 300k miles and the engine is still solid.

[@rivernet62]

@Squirrel_McNuts Sorry to hear. With the head gaskets and oil consumption issues, I feel we got lucky.

[@rivernet62]

@Man Of Chai Tea is it an XT? How much? Edit: oh sorry I see you said NA. Still interested in what they’re going for though.

[@rivernet62]

@Man Of Chai Tea that does sound a bit high unless it’s immaculate, for a non turbo

[@davidparkerson9194]

Excellent video Thank you

[@zsproshop]

Thanks 👍

[@bornfourthis635]

Take the air filter housing out of the engine bay and you'd have room for those bolts to come out

[@Nicatlotus]

10x easier to just pull the motor. Especially to get the right torque/degree sequence on those OEM head bolts

[@craigfrancis9578]

Boss video

[@SmokeyBear363]

Nice effort

[@zsproshop]

Thanks

[@roberthasserd513]

Awesome, thanks for the video! I have a question, what is the most common oil leak for this year model? I have a fairly heavy leak on the passenger side dripping from under the valve cover area or head. Could it be a cam plug? Thanks again.

[@MotorisedMechanix64209]

solid video!

[@zsproshop]

Thanks 👍

[@OHydroTsunamiO]

I was following along all cool, then you mentioned loosening up the crank pulley bolt ...🙄🙄dang subarus😭😭🤣

[@eze8024]

So I was looking at my Forester, and watched a few videos online, and wondering, can you not pull the heads out the bottom without completely removing the intake manifold?

[@zsproshop]

Honestly have never tried but you would still need to remove the intake manifold as it is bolted to the head also once the intake is removed it is a lot easier to get valve covers off

[@RamonGonzalez-lb5of]

Where are you working? I need you do that work for me! I have a 2004 Subaru forester with the same problem! I live in Texas, how i can contact you! Thanks!

[@zsproshop]

Thanks for the interest but I am all the way across the states in Washington also do not do customer work anymore as I stay super busy with my own vehicles thanks for the support

[@redbug3777]

@@zsproshop ---Arent these vids Used Car Flip Repair? That was my search query, and this came up. Great stuff btw! 😆👍

[@zsproshop]

@@redbug3777 yes I own a small car lot just quick flipping cars to make some cash

[@redbug3777]

@@zsproshop ---good stuff. I've enjoyed your vids !

[@HS-sr9ww]

is this EJ25??

[@keivanabdollahpour8737]

Trash of cars, Subaru. However, you did a great job on that managing all with the engine still in the bay

[@zsproshop]

Not my favorite car either but very popular over here as we get around 8-12 inches of snow a year for a few months

[@killuaxd1387]

now how do i put it back? i just did it in my subaru first car and i cant afford to pay for a repair or get a new one. i tried to do it now I have a car with no head and no everything. help lmao

[@zsproshop]

there is a part 2 if you search how to install