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

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----I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. I recommend safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself.----

[@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

[@donaldgeorge6656]

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

[@o0oCircleso0o]

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

[@tylerkcadell]

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

[@ramtruck2011able]

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

[@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!

[@user-vs7ec1wz5d]

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!

[@sneakyfoz3692]

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

[@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

[@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%).

[@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

[@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

[@user-dw2iz2bj1j]

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

[@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)

[@dieselbassohyah1533]

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

[@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?

[@wendys-uy7wc]

You do a good job you would make a good teacher

[@wildmanofthewynooch7028]

as much as I love your channel this is a Hello Subaru Service dept! job for this guy. Still love how you teach us about our Subarus

[@ryanhoge]

As always - you are awesome! Thanks for the knowledge

[@1atinlove]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@bmwrules28]

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

[@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.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Excellent video! Thanks Mr Subaru!

[@nhubui1602]

Thanks for the videos. You the best ❤.

[@raygarceau7782]

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

[@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.

[@tonym893]

Man what a great video, thank you! 🙏

[@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

[@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?

[@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?

[@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

[@lil-chevy8487]

wow what a great video,you are the man,you have a new sub here .

[@user-wl7my7ic8g]

Very very good thanks 👍❤

[@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.

[@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. 😊

[@user-wl7my7ic8g]

Very very good thanks ❤

[@jorgeleon3675]

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

[@baretael]

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

[@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?

[@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?

[@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.

[@gangstafish25]

Can't you use gaskets instead of silicone to put cover back on?

[@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😢

[@nootynoot6210]

@MrSubaru1387 I am currently in the middle of replacing timing chains, guides and tensioners. Do the chain guides need to be covered in oil pre installation or can I put them in dry

[@eknapp70]

Have you experienced a lot of issues with the rtv sealant and cam carriers with these engines?

[@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

[@bullnukeoldman3794]

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

[@huafist01]

I can’t seem to find a kit for a 2016 forester (fb25bc); all kits I find are 2011-2015. Any advice?

[@armandodiaz67]

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

[@user-is1qo7lb1r]

Спасибо 🤝

[@stevefirth2013]

Could I interest you in doing a video on output shaft seals? My 92 EJ22 equipped Legacy is in need of one and it looks daunting

[@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.

[@sarcotexas]

Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thank You!

[@awsomeness9901]

Do you have part numbers for the orings?

[@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?

[@rilloslayerproductions]

Sir what engine oil should I use for my gr86 with the new fa24 I live in florida its usually around 90 degrees I'm thinking I should use either 5w30 or 5w20 possibly 0w30 please let me know owners manual says 0w20 but it says it is for more flow in cold weather, but it is hot where I am?

[@averyrc1634]

I agree with these others I like how you do things I like to chat with ya sometime for info sharing I in the nc mountains so there’s a lot of subarus that’s bout all I work on anymore thanks for your videos

[@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.

[@TobyJacques]

So I'm gonna be getting a 2005 Subaru legacy 2.5l. I'm not really a Subaru fan but it's the best thing I can get to cart my newborn around in. It has a slight rod knock I guess so I'm thinkin of putting a 2.0l motor from a Baja in it cause I know those motors are more reliable. Will the 2.0 bolt right up to the trans and everything in place of the 2.5l?

[@alhajri851]

I have a problem with the Subaru Forester 2015, I replaced parts inside the engine Ringe piston, connecting rod bearings, crankshaft bearings and gasket full. after repair and installation, when the engine is started, vibration occurs when the car is parked or when the speed is reduced at 10 km/h. What is the reason?

[@josephlownes5138]

Is there any gears in the oil pan for the oil pump

[@SportcarautopecasBr]

Explicação bem detalhada ótimo pra entender , parabéns e abraço aqui do Brazil

[@rrowe3774]

My '19 Impreza (82k) has started a leak from this cover. Is there any reason to replace the cam drive pieces or are they scheduled to be replaced at certain intervals?

[@wespotter6985]

I need viewers inputs. My brother has an outback 2019 and on start up. It does have a rattle car has twenty five thousand miles. Does this indicate a problem and will the dealership fix Under drive train warranty

[@vortecturbo]

Great video! Are 5he timing chains themselves left and right side specific or just use the colored links for the timing alignment?? Thanks again for a great video!

[@michaelrathman7305]

how do you take off the heads?

[@Nomoreidsleft]

How would you charge for a timing chain replacement like this? Looks like a lot of work.

[@Xxxman1111]

When I’m turning it over at the crank to check it over is it normal for it to occasionally spring back counterclockwise as I’m turning it clockwise? Rotates smoothly but at times there is some spring tension that makes it all want to spring counterclockwise. Is this normal? Also my engine is the fb25 and my lower cams on the LH side & RH side are just sprockets, they aren’t identical to the top like in your video. Do I still follow the same process? Hoping for some guidance thank you

[@cheffy101]

Do you have a video on replacing the cam phasers?

[@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.

[@Sirjohn13501]

When should you get it done I just got a Subaru it’s a 2012 Impreza with $128,000. I changed transmission and oil in it.

[@carlosnagursia5865]

Really excellent help , thank very mucho

[@zyuans]

I was wondering do you do resealing? Because talking to other owner whom had it done I realized it could cost my whole engine if they didn’t put enough or too much RTV.

[@frankkasirye4200]

Nice video ,thanks

[@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.

[@dansmacuisine]

How and when should I notice it is time to change the chain timing belt? My Outback is a 2015 and has 97,556 miles

[@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.

[@wafel19781]

Thank you

[@julielabelle6339]

im doing this job and im having isssues with one of the cam phasers that keeps shifting position. is it gone bad?

[@chrisv6008]

Mr Subaru Sorry for bothering you but I just changed my engine in my 2009 forester that ran but burned oil badly With a 2009 outback that ran and drove right in the shop before pulling Now that it's installed it doesn't have spark Any idea if it has to do with senors or is it the crankshaft timing gear possibly?? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@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.

[@gonpostal1971]

Is the right and left chain the same?

[@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

[@restonpat]

I thought timing chains last life of engine.Is there an interval that Subaru reccomends at changing these?or is this if chain is damaged?

[@amysmith1513]

Sorry to be a pain but could you list the part numbers for the 5 o-rings that are needed? I've looked on Subaru Parts online and I don't see them in the diagrams. Thanks

[@kohort1]

Is there a sign when a chain needs replacing? Or will it throw a light before anything catastrophic happens on the road.

[@aelas65]

Does it mean that engine has to removed to change timing chain ? Or it could be done with engine in place and it it is removed here to make better video ?

[@_whiteshoedrew]

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

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@turtle1723]

Whats the typical lifespan or maintance schedule on the tensioner and chain?

[@hackiess8146]

So um I broke the back piece where subaru don’t really recommend you pry 9:01 could I possibly buy that?

[@Savannahjbo]

what do you mean its not 41 or 42 allan head bolts holding the chain cover on... (still have nightmares of that 3.0L cover)

[@ruggv6217]

How do the chains get oiled?

[@SpeedRacerx89]

I pulled my 2.5rs engine out. Then realized my impact doesn’t have enough a$$ to loosen the crank bolt? Any tips on getting this off when the engine is on a stand?

[@josephlownes5138]

Could you use antisezies to prevent it from that

[@annamusically8224]

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

[@user-lm8jn5pw8v]

Do you have a list of the o rings please