Subaru FA/FB Series Engine Timing Chains: Removal & Installation

[@MrSubaru1387]

‼️⚠️Correction in the video! The RTV silicone bead goes just outside of the groove, not in it. Place the bead on the flat mating surface between the groove, but inside of the bolt holes. The groove is there to catch the squish out when the cover is reinstalled. ‼️⚠️

[@lacrease6517]

Should remove the dipstick also, seen it get pinched between the cover and upper oil pan if you reinstall it with it in the tube.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@lacrease6517 yup!

[@jedwin4816]

@@MrSubaru1387 can't someone like FelPro make a real gasket set for these engines?

[@SniperSwarm]

Glad I read the comments. 😳

[@rakesmathilakam]

​@@MrSubaru1387 Hi

[@joepluchta4594]

By far the most comprehensive video on FA timing chain R&R available that I can find. I'm in the process of rebuilding one of these engines right now and I wanted to find something clear and understandable by a professional tech. Thank you!

[@WarrenB.]

the best youtube mechanic.

[@zachsummers3321]

Ya him,car wizard, car care nuts and Ford boss me.

[@supermotos]

​@@zachsummers3321 No way car wizard is going to be mentioned before Eric at South Main Auto.

[@MrSubaru1387]

*Scanner Danner is typing…*

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

I agree.

[@mrphiscal]

@@supermotos Eric the car guys deserve a mention. ( Rev up your engine aka mr bad hair day get a perfect rotten tomato 0%).

[@tylerkcadell]

You’re 100% right I searched for hours before coming across this video! So helpful and very well done! Thanks a lot

[@o0oCircleso0o]

You sir are a wealth of knowledge. You are good at what you do.

[@sneakyfoz3692]

Now I know why I love my old EJ257, life was so simple back then, proper gaskets are my hero.

[@donaldgeorge6656]

It really makes me appreciate these engines. Incredible build. Thank you for showing this

[@sarcotexas]

Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thank You!

[@ramtruck2011able]

Awesome job showing us the ins and outs of the front end

[@MartinStockel-k6f]

You are a walking Subaru Service Manual. An excellent job on explaining engine timing chains removal and installation. Nice tips on how to use silicone sealer, where to use it and how much to apply. When reinstalling parts with O-rings, why don't you put a little engine oil on the O-rings? I would think it would help them seat better between the two parts. Seems that three or four alignment bolts besides the dowels would make it easier to install the cover without messing up the silicone placement. Thanks for another great video!

[@brandonharrop7723]

thank you so much, pulling the engine next month myself at a privately owned shop I work at. Noticed the same lack of quality videos with thorough explanation bc I've been trying to research how to do it for months now hahah. This video along with my mentor at work makes me extremely confident in our success :) going to be replacing valve seals as well as I believe they're starting to leak

[@jonathanhumphrey6503]

How did it go?

[@dancassidy7471]

update?

[@demonchild-wj1mw]

mr.subaru you are a god i love you. ive been doing an fa20 build for my car and the other night i was trying to get my timing cover on and i kept hitting the side of the cover on the cam gears and getting rtv on them and it was annoying me. even tho ive put these covers on quite a hand full of times i still just couldnt get it, you showing me that they have these alignment tools just gave me a bright idea to basically make my own out of old/spare bolts and my trusty dusty welder hahaha thanks mr.subaru

[@jnrtonisegraig3177]

I got the same problem watching your video now gave me the confident to fix my subaru myself just dont have the tools

[@morgsytheman2840]

This is also such a good guide for EE20 diesel variants (the chains start to go anywhere from 140000km upwards. Engine removal in diesel is not required for diesels btw, you can get away with fans out and bottom splash guard off if you take your time. You will know if your diesel chains are due if it stalls on cold starts and disconnecting the cam sensor cable stops it happening (it will throw a code and limit rpm, not drivable)

[@Quite6ee]

Yess I greatly appreciate this. I am in the midst of replacing a cylinder head, and intake cam. Found one of the rockers broke free during a clutch and engine reseal job. No check engine light of any noticeable mpg loss, nothing.. But Im kind of new to the cam clearances and adding the correct caps the the rockers. Ill get it done. But I do appreciate the timing chain video. Ill take all FB20 videos. THanks

[@carnaubawax9405]

Great look at the FA/FB timing chain setup and servicing. Not a DIY project for anyone but a car mechanic, and not even a service I'd be confident of getting done right at a dealership with their "factory trained" technicians. There's a lot more that goes into doing this service right than knowing your nuts and bolts, as MrSubaru clearly explains.

[@averywellsand888]

IMHO, if you're going this far to change the timing on this engine unless it has been done recently, it would be a good idea to reseal the cam carrier also. And labor wise, I'm sure if you're doing the cam carrier, it's a good idea to just do the timing stuff anyway or do a good inspection

[@ShortysTRM]

As someone who has the rattle on cold start, may be worth changing tensioners while you're in there, depending on how much they are.

[@dieselbassohyah1533]

Thank you. Planning on short block for my 2012 Forrester, refurb the heads. Torque sequence is funky though. Really enjoy the channel

[@JoelMartinez-u4f]

Thank you for blessing every Subaru owner now i know what i have to do With the engn

[@rashidtayidi8370]

Thank you for all the clear details you provided. This makes it a lot easier to tackle this project. I have to reseal the cam carriers on my 2015 Legacy FB25. I wonder if you have a video on the subject? Thank you.

[@joeythedime1838]

Really great content. It was a bit funny half way through your calming voice reminded me of Bob Ross.... I think, on these longer videos, you might be the Bob Ross of car care.

[@JorgeRosado-v1o]

I replacing a tensioner. I’ve removed all the screws. Haven’t removed the cover yet . Just wondering if removing the alternator and ac compressor are necessary. I don’t think I can reach those pry spots with them still attached?

[@2004hondacivichybrid]

You don’t have to remove them but it will make it 100x easier to take off and put the cover on. Idk take maybe 20 minutes to take those off. It’s 4 bolts and 2 wires

[@JorgeRosado-v1o]

@ thanks for the reply. I just removed everything. There is a screw behind the tensioner that would be near impossible without removing it. You’re right, only took 20 min. Thanks again

[@1atinlove]

Awesome vid! This helped a lot, I have to fix a little leak on the bottom of the cover.

[@ryanhoge]

As always - you are awesome! Thanks for the knowledge

[@colemandeitz7302]

When should you change the chain ? Or just run it till it stops like I am thinking may be cheaper to get a reman engine if you had to do this

[@DurangoBango]

You're a Godsend, brother. Thank you 🙏

[@jeffreygoss8109]

How many mechanics do you think will immediately grab a sanding disc do exactly like Mr Subbie said NOT TO DO. That’s why if my shit needs work I’ll take it down to him. It’s an 8 hour drive but worth it.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Excellent video! Thanks Mr Subaru!

[@bmwrules28]

What an awesome video!!! Thanks for sharing and posting!! Happy Memorial Day!!

[@6spd85notch]

The Toyota 2.7 2trfe has a very similar oil pump design. I did the head gasket on my Tacoma and it wasn’t easy. Head gasket went at 235k miles. Ran good when I finished it but ended up going and buying a 23 wrx which seems like a really cool car. I had about 40 hours into that head gasket. Pretty much what Toyota calls for to fix it.

[@bullnukeoldman3794]

19 minutes in and I'm already glad I have a couple old EJ253s...

[@derekwhite1462]

Great detailed video! Curious why Subaru would choose RTV over a gasket.

[@joeythedime1838]

Cost...

[@MrSubaru1387]

RTV works better than a massive gasket for the timing cover.

[@volks-jager]

anaerobic sealer like Locite 518 or Permatex 51813 is the way to go with these timing covers or cam carriers. it is much easier to deal with and has zero chance of plugging anything up. i hate RTV the only thing i use RTV on anymore is tins.

[@Shiftheads]

This! Volvo makes a great one too

[@thewiredfox2691]

How easy/hard is it to get undone for the next repair? Is it comparable to RTV during removal or might it increase chances of breaking the cover?

[@volks-jager]

@@thewiredfox2691 it comes apart no problem.

[@guess1866]

Did you use the 518? I am considering it. I've had good success in industrial applications with it. If you used it, how has it held up over time?

[@volks-jager]

@@guess1866 ive used both the Locite 518 and the Permatex 51813 - they work awesome

[@waltertavcar7059]

Having a 2018 Outback 2.5 Touring for a few years now, I hit upon your channel and it is IMMENSELY informative. Can you comment on the small battery dilemma ( class action lawsuit )? I live in Canada and my car has sat quite a bit during covid in the last few years. It gets to -25C (-13F) during winter in my neck of the woods. I NEVER had battery/starting issues. I looked a replacement choices if I need it. I am told that the type 25 can be replaced by a type 75. Some youtubers have suggested type 24. They are obviously larger. The battery blanket is, of course, smaller. Is there a bigger one? All youtubers did the cut/patch method. Can I assume either the 24/75 can do the job? Thanks

[@The9meister]

Great video, I have just replaced my timing chain kit on my 2013 subaru xv, followed your video, and all is good, but I just saw in the comments that you state, not to fill groove with rtv, I filled , but I was not heavy with it, and let it set for 24hrs before adding oil, should be right, no leaks, sounds quiet for a subaru fb20.

[@lantern214]

I'm a Honda guy who is converting to Subaru. I used to think boxer engines were intimidating, but this is a dream compared to cramped transverse engines.

[@simd510]

They are. The rtv is a pain. If you arnt extremely careful its debri can cause lots of issues. Most mechanics won't be so careful

[@JF0913]

You’re amazing Mr. Subaru! This looks like a brain scrambler to me 😂

[@jvs25]

Hey Mr. Subaru I watch you on a regular bases. I have a 2018 Outback 2.5 touring. I don’t know what it is if it’s a ej aj if it has a belt chain I have been out of the shop many years can you please inform me. I fixed small airplanes in the army and served in Vite Ñam 1969-70. I use to fix cars too but can’t remember what I had for breakfast. I tried to do tire rotation. Once I got the tires off I could not get them back on without help. I am old and decrepit. Any way I like your youtube videos. Reminds me when I use to fix things. Pay no attention to those negative comments lots of haters out there. Have a great day keep up the good work.

[@kevinsiggins623]

Obviously they're not as sharp or durable as steel razor blades but I've found the plastic razor blades can work well for removing RTV sealant on aluminum because you can be more aggressive without worrying about scratching the aluminum. Just make sure you have plenty of them because they won't last long.

[@feelingsugoi]

Between the timing chain and timing belts I do prefer the timing chain cause they are lifetime and you very rarely have to change timing chains they last forever but… the simplicity of the timing belts and maintaining them and changing them is a lot easier than dealing with this timing chain setup.

[@theboo4u]

I took my frs into dealer with p0018 code. 3 weeks later they told me the camshaft had broken in half. He thought this because when he relieved tension the camahaft moved. Had them put back together took too another mechanic that tried starting it. Dealership didn't do valve timing after reinstall, and now the motor wont fully free spin with crank, fml. Any advice on the motor? Just sell it as valves prob hit the pistons? You are my new favorite mechanic btw

[@mdonola]

Excellent video, everything is very well explained in detail, just one question: is the chain not checked to see if it is stretched or if it has looseness between links?

[@Thunderroad8517]

I am working on one of these engines. My job was to re and re the transmission for bearing failure. The trans mated up fine. Put the first converter bolt in and turned the crankshaft clockwise to install the second bolt and the crank stopped and wouldn’t go any further. Stuck I turned it back to get the bolt back out of the torque converter and pulled the trans back out thinking something was wrong with the trans. I tried to turn the crank clockwise again and it got to the same spot and it stopped again. I pulled the cover expecting it to be out of time. Marks on rh good marks on Lh one tooth off. Took off rh chain and follow your guidance and could not get the crank to go to the second position to remove the second chain. Is there a position for both banks to be neutral to be able to get the crank to the second position. I have tried everything that I know. I would pay you for your advice and information. Just need to get this car back to the customer asap. Thanks in advance for your videos and help.

[@edwardclark7670]

There be dragons! The late model 2011 Forester with the NA FB25 (first generation) dos not have VVT on the exhaust as mentioned in the video. The LH intake cam will be under tension to align the marks. The service manual does have a bulletin, however I found them to be less than clear. In the end, the timing marks do line up the same.

[@nhubui1602]

Thanks for the videos. You the best ❤.

[@joecorrie1]

Can’t seem to find a video on doing just the rocker to head gasket? This is a good video though thanks

[@greg6229]

What was the change interval for the FB25 engines? Ive got a 22 outback. Not something Im thinking about now but couldnt seem to find out if there was a change interval for it

[@MrSubaru1387]

Chains are lifetime. No service intervals.

[@wendys-uy7wc]

You do a good job you would make a good teacher

[@JesusMRivera-r8x]

Very well explained Thanx

[@jorgeleon3675]

What do you recommend for a DIY mechanics tool set? Thank you have a nice day Sir.

[@edwardmyers8782]

So I have a 2015 Forrester with the fa20 however it started having a loud valve tap before I could get it into the garage the rocker fell out long story short I had my wife start the car with the cover off the rocker section and where a fountain of oil should have been spewing out of the open rocker less lifter/pivot and not a drop comes out of the lifter however all manner of oil comes out of everywhere else. How can this happen

[@raygarceau7782]

Great video thank you, question, Can these tensioners fail? Does it sound like a rod knock when/if they do?

[@МаксимИванов-ш3ь5й]

Спасибо 🤝

[@justzayit5082]

I have not seen a removal on the chain section for the 11 forester. I have only seen the belts. I do have a question about the rocker arms since I am doing the heads on this one.

[@89supra4]

This was a great help but im getting P0018 on the Left side intake. For the crankshaft mark, the front(or right side) is clear to me where the link should sit. What is your reference point for the rear ( or Left) side? I noticed there's a mark on the back of the gear i could use or does it go on the same tooth in line with the visible mark of the front(Right) side? i suspect I may be a tooth off but it does run.

[@suneday2]

Hello! How do I find out which series my 2015 forester is? Thanks!😀

[@gonpostal1971]

Is the right and left chain the same?

[@dbeckMSP]

I know this is old but hopefully you still get comment notifications from it. What causes the timing chain tensioners to not get oil pressure to cause the rattle? by 2016 outback sounds just like that and usually with an oil change it gets a lot better. do oil deposits just get stuck in the tensioners? I want to do that but i'm worried about the cost since it seems engine removal is the easiest way to do it and at that point i'm sure there are a lot of other maintenance items to do "while you're in there"

[@orgwizard2000]

Any chance you can provide more info on that chain tensioner rattle? How serious it is, and7is it normal for it to make that brief sound at startup and only an issue if the sound of lasts longer than the brief second or so after start up or does even that indicate the problem that I would require what looks like a major service?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Its pretty normal to hear with age. If it lasts more than a second or so, likely time to start thinking about tensioner replacement.

[@griffinmead934]

Under what circumstances or mileage requirements would you be replacing the timing chain?

[@BoNosKG09]

@MrSubaru1387 regarding the PCV system, is it more beneficial to run a catch can/AOS on the F series rather than trust the PCV valve? I have a 2022 Crosstrek 2.0

[@rbailey225]

Grind a small groove and fill it with paint on the outside of your crank socket to correspond with the key way, that way you know where the key way is all the time. Great video! Thanks! What RTV do you recommend?

[@danderson200]

silly question probably. what is the 0 to 30 degree markings for on the case covering the timing chains?

[@EdgarGonzalez-m8y]

Hi I do have a good question I do have a 2013 Scion frs and I know have a fa20 engine know my question it’s if I can put a 2019 Subaru crosstrek it’s a fb20 engine that’s my question I hope I can

[@ericarg]

Question: My drivers upper cam phaser is barely off before removal. Double checked the markings and chain and it was good. Is my phaser going out? Appreciate you. Great video

[@Kacpa2]

I always thought was very similar to EZ30/36. Since it looks like all the main design elements come from EZ36(angled conrods)

[@baretael]

Es recomendable cambiar todo o solo el tensor si esta malo mi mi forester suena en la mañana y después se calla

[@mountainmandavis7744]

Hello, So I bought a kit that has 11 parts in it and only 3 gears. (2013 Crosstrek Limited) I know the one gear is on the crank. the other two are cam gears. 2 gears are not in the kit. But when I look for them they are expensive Lol 🤔Any info would be appreciated.

[@brettforsberg1798]

Any chance you could do a video on cam carriers for the FB?

[@tonym893]

Man what a great video, thank you! 🙏

[@scotteverest4847]

I have a 2018 2.0 naturally aspirated in a Crosstrek. I do not have triangles on the phasers. There are six bolts on each cam phaser and every single one between two of the bolts has a small hole. Is that my timing "mark"

[@robertm7043]

What would you charge to change tensioners and guides on a 2012 Impreza sport premium?

[@jonclassical2024]

If there is any question one might have warped the timing chain cover, is it better to just go ahead and bite the $400. cost for a new one?

[@610jrod]

Is there a recommended interval on the newer timing chains? I was under the impression that they were "lifetime" chains barring some other issue

[@MrSubaru1387]

They’re lifetime. Only replace if there are issues.

[@610jrod]

@@MrSubaru1387 thanks

[@jeremybirdwell2623]

Lifetime is, of course, subjective. Most car makers consider lifetime to be 100k-150k miles. Every part on a car will wear if you drive it long enough. Chains can stretch, guides can wear or break, tensioners can go bad.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@jeremybirdwell2623 I’ve heard lifetime in Subaru terms being 300k miles for chains. That said I’ve seen FA/FB engines reach well past that without chain issues.

[@jeremybirdwell2623]

@@MrSubaru1387 Greatvto know as I have a 2014 OB with 172k and a 2014 Forester with 85k. I was able to do the timing belt in an old EJ20 with v the ringing still in the car. I seriously doubt that’s something I want to do with an FB.

[@jonathanbitter8533]

Is there any other place other than subaru to get the timing cover install /alignment tool?

[@Braapcity]

Do you have a head gasket installation video for FB engines?

[@frankvespalec3830]

@Braapcity did you find a video on doing the head gasket? Currently doing my Subaru now and trying to do it w/o pulling the engine out.

[@Braapcity]

@@frankvespalec3830 pull the engine out it's easy. Headgasket job is best done on the engine stand

[@karimhassanelbanna5216]

i have FB20B engine and when i start it morning its sound is high but when the oil warm up its sound goes down so what is its problem ?

[@annamusically8224]

Hi, this timing setup it's also for ee20z diesel engine, because timing kit I order is also for f20 engine. Thanks

[@odeciop]

Hi Mr Subaru, nice video!!!!! Thanks!!!!!! Is it too expensive to leak the 2015 Subaru XV 2.0i-S (AWD) G4X MY15?

[@RockyLasseter]

I have a 2012 forester. Just got the engine back from the machine shop. Brand new engine rebuilt heads. It wouldn't start so I checked the timing chain . It was off. I reset it and the motor sounds better but won't start. Has 4 codes. P0102,p0113,P0328 and p0430. Any suggestions?

[@armandodiaz67]

Would you say the engine should be out? Also are there any milage intervals, where the chains, guides and tensioners, should be replaed?

[@MegaMrTiger]

Question, bought a 2016 Subaru Levorg it currently has 190000km(118k miles) and I didnt find a intervol/service amount for the chain, is it a must change when you reach a certain amount of KM's/Miles? Thanks a bunch.

Do these engines bend valves when a tensioner fails and the timing jumps?

[@JAY-mb2rb]

Great information,,a lot of interesting details

[@jedwin4816]

The labor to do this right - assuming I can find anyone competent- would be so expensive Im thinking a new Factory engine swap might make more sense. 🤔.

[@possiblycurryddork]

As long as you change your oil regularly, you shouldn't have to change your chain. The serpentine belt after 100k miles is another story.

[@ruggv6217]

How do the chains get oiled?

[@timbrown9731]

Sorta suprzed that chain guide isn't bolted on one end...on the tentioner side... maybe the front cover holds it....

[@anthonyseeulater]

2013 Outback 3.6 R is a chain correct? So it's for the life of the vehicle? 140,000 miles on it so far...

[@Alohahomeautorepair]

Question..can you change outer seal for the oil pump drive seal without taking the timing cover down? I have a oil leak behind my crank pully😢

[@Leo-pb9bj]

I have a question for a 2007 Subaru Tribeca B9 if you could help. H6 engine

[@ryonreginato6242]

I know this is a little off subject but it seems they have discontinued the OEM alternator for my 2006 Subaru outback. I oem part number is 23700AA55A I am looking for the best quality replacement? Can Mr Subaru or anybody else knowledgeable point me in the right direction? Thank you.

[@austinmiller417]

Hey there, currently putting back together by FA20DIT after building it with forged internals and all the goodies. I'm doing the timing and followed this video to the T as well as following the Subaru service manual information regarding the timing assembly and every sixth or seventh full rotation of the crank is producing a ping sound that almost sounds like a valve hitting the piston. Threw a bore scope in my cylinders and I'm not seeing any damage to the pistons that would indicate timing failure. Any idea what could be happening or what I missed before I tear it all apart again?

[@Stanleytone-04]

Use good oil and filter, change at specified intervals. Simply the best insurance for your engine

[@IM_EX3MPT]

Do u have a video on the 2019 Subaru crosstrek 2.0 f4 non hybrid engine timing marks?

[@noelwarner1235]

I was not aware that Subarus use chains I thought all of them still have belts. Do all of the current Subarus use chains and when did they stop using the belt setup?

[@eddiehun4255]

Hi, I am from Malaysia. I did asked 2 of the workshop mechanic and both of them told me Subaru engine is expansive to maintain and common issue is oil leak on the FA and FB engine. Once it happen need ti bring down the engine and also hassle to service as well on other issues. I am interested into Subaru Levorg 2.0 with Turbo but would prefer a car with less hassle to maintain. Levorg is come with FB engine if not mistaken Need to advise on this, thank you in advance.

[@aaronwilson4579]

Great video! I am not a mechanic so the answer is probably obvious to most. What is the reason for lining up the coloured links to the marks? is the chain not the same all the way around? Thanks

[@toddb930]

The colored links help you establish the correct relationship between the two cam shafts and the crankshaft.

[@josephvue9580]

Hey Mr. Subaru, would the yellow marks that you use to indicate if the cams are in time. Would it be safe to mark it if you were doing a costumer car or like a personal car juat so you don't forget? Also marking it to help identifying it would it cause any oil contamination by any change? If it doesn’t do any oil contamination what would you recommend of a marker to help easier identify the marks?

[@johnbellman7912]

A quick question, bye the way I truly appreciate your detailed explanations. Having replaced a short block on a FA 20 2019 WRX turbo I would like to know what your best practice would be in priming the oil system prior to firing the engine. Hope your enjoying SEMA, spent 20 odd years as a manufacture ( Flowmaster) there. Looking for some insight

[@_whiteshoedrew]

Hey man, I’m getting ready to put heads on my BRZ FA20. Would you make a video on this please!?