Subaru Head Gaskets -Part 1: Teardown

[@dalefaught7661]

The ground straps are there for a purpose. One thing Subaru found was more grounding was introduced help keep the radiator coolant from becoming acidic. Its the acids that are eating at the head gaskets causing failure. Along with the open block design allowing the cylinders to move slightly. You can check that potential with your volt meter and placing red lead on the battery red post and the black lead in the radiator fluid. There will be a potential there. They have grounded the system in multiple places to help stop the the corrosion attacks to one area.

[@leethax26]

Ivan, I do a lot of these cars, in fact almost exclusively. The best solution, I've found, is to is to use an OEM EJ255 head gasket, which is the MLS one from the turbo cars. The part numbers are as follows: OEM SLS Gasket: 11044AA633 OEM MLS Gasket: 11044AA770

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Cool! So it's an exact fit then? Good to know :)

[@joepinehill]

I just did my 08 2 weeks ago with the new OEM MLS

[@wysetech2000]

WoW....Can't believe all the KZbin certified Subaru experts here.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

lol many ways to skin a Subaru!!

[@tracydiller4492]

New and approved design until they leak again.Great video Ivan keep them coming.

[@louisnemick317]

Thank you Ivan for all you do to make these videos.

[@ZX14er]

I think DIYers love your take on jobs when you do them from your garage. Though I think everyone considers you a pro, they also feel the kinship as you crawl under something on a piece of cardboard!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I think in many situations it's handy to have the vehicle close to the ground. Like when you have to alternate in working from up top and down below...

[@ZX14er]

Roger that...until you're 68 years old. Now I let the work go up and down!

[@jimjones6657]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics, I have a 01 forester. Would you recommend changing the tensioner and water pump? They also said something about changing the head bolts, should i do that?

[@viewmaster6949]

Indeed whenever he do the job he makes the DIY feel very much hopeful because he doesn't use a lot of social tools that the DIY guys wouldn't have. Unlike some of the youtubers who are using some much specialized tools so they are not really helping the DIY guys a lot. Thanks Ivan

[@Questchaun]

More power to you doing this on the car! Im doing this to my wife's car next week I plan on pulling the engine. Well worth the 30 min to pull it.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I really like how you think about what you are doing. I really think if you understand what's going on you are going to be able to fix something in a way that's going to work. Thanks for the videos.

[@jdtractorman7445]

That's crazy seeing the valve guide like that. The owner should be glad you are doing this job and saw that, if not could have had catastrophic results.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

If it migrates far enough it will keep the valve from sealing and cause a misfire...

[@Allen-bm6tz]

Sorry if I already ask you this question. How do you keep the mating surface and gasket clean when you leave the engine in the the car? How do you prevent the oil used to install the head bolts from leaking while trying to alight the head to the block? Thanks!

[@wyattoneable]

Nice organization of the parts and tools. Having watched the video I would feel comfortable tearing this down as well. I'll be back!

[@pierredesroberts8985]

Thanks for all the great information! i have a 2011 outback limited and i am about to do my HG replacement, but i don't know what EJ25 exact model is, and i don't know where to look for this information... My other interrogation is: what replacement HG should i install? i have read that the OEM gaskets won't last, and have read bad things about FelPro... What would be a good suggestion for other brands? Should i re-use the same head bolts? Thanks for any information!

[@scuba422123]

hey ivan I did that job once....but no guides common on subie oil and coolant external.... good eye! on the guide... hope the valve cover bolts go ok....you can use erics new gun and shoot them off! I do a lot of timming belts it is always a pain with the new belt its like its a little too short dave

[@gregory891]

The ground straps should be added back, they add addition grounding for the engine electrics as well as possibly for electronic interference. You can find other mechanic bad experiences and fixes when they have disintegrated away, there’s one that Eric O specifically did.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Interesting! Which video was that car on?

[@45AMT]

The ground straps prevent electrolysis in the cooling system. One of the main reasons for the head gasket failures.

[@kingbilly7986]

Sorry to be off topic but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I would love any assistance you can offer me

[@louiscollin5773]

@King Billy instablaster :)

[@kingbilly7986]

@Louis Collin Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im trying it out atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@edwardmartinez199]

Hey Ivan good to see you. Back with fur no less.

[@DylanRabier]

Every time I see you doing big jobs like this on the floor with jackstands I'm thinking waw that guy is motivated 😁 👍

[@opl500]

Subarus and head gaskets. Sorta like peanut butter and jelly.

[@jg7041]

Removing (ej22) exhaust nuts from studs was the first job I ever attempted with an air impact. It was enlightening. Most of the nuts were seized and pulled the studs right out of the head. After getting used to cheap hand tools rounding off most fasteners, I was amazed. And hooked!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Seems nothing is reliable, or bulletproof anymore these days! I cut my teeth wrenching on Japanese motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs/trikes. Loved how you could do anything with just a 8, 10, 12, 14mm sockets & wrenches, and a phillips screwdriver ... and maybe a small flat blade pocket screwdriver for adjusting mixture screws on 4-strokes. Wish the rest of the automotive manufacturers would use this well engineered and simple system! Looks like you've got a small battle ahead of you. I'll have to pick up Part II tomorrow. Great vid so far!

[@anthm76]

Good to see that I'm not the only one that has my old Subaru head gaskets hanging on the wall in the garage.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I need more wall space for those xD

[@lorrinbarth1969]

My Lancer Evolution has a ground that attaches to a bell housing bolt. Do a clutch and fail to reattach that ground and the starter will ground through a small ground wire in the main harness and fry it.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Oof that would be a bad day lol

[@zx8401ztv]

I like the instant beard :). The good thing about leaving minor mistakes in helps us not to miss the 'Got Ya!!' bits when we are doing the same job. If you didn't forget anything on all the cars you have repaired over the years, i would think you are not human ivan. That job looked like a pain in the bum, and i know that's the easy bit. Run away screaming if anyone wants another one done lol :-D

[@Norsology]

I think the engineers started to put those two ground straps on at around 2006? Was meant to prevent electrochemical galvanic corrosion of the head gaskets as the coolant got older? But does not seem to have prevented that in this case.

[@Tedybear315]

Have a chance to buy one of these locally. Shop that sold the car to the current owner did this same 'job'. 6 months later the guy wants to dump the car. (Looks fantastic from the chassis/body point of view...) I'm wondering if it might have a cracked head or block. 6 months after the head gasket job it runs for a few minutes 100%..and then it starts to blow compression out the radiator and overheats. It's cheap enough, but might be easier to find a P&P engine that is compatible and out of a rear end accident subby... Thoughts guys? I can turn a wrench fine, so that's not an issue.

[@fredberfal1246]

good job Ivan as always

[@zmasta101]

Love the diagnostic vids! keep up the awesome content. Hopefully include some stuff from your new job if possible :)

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks, Nick! I wish I could include some stuff from my new job, but some of that stuff is proprietary so I don't want to take the risk lol

[@Eric_the_Hiking]

Leaking Head Gaskets. It’s What Makes a Subaru a Subaru.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Amongst other things...

[@pirihern9329]

Much thanks for video . Head gaskets and piston ring together with filter screen on banjo bolts big issue with subaru which they downplay.best to swap out with felpro headgaskets no go on subie headgaskets.

[@Ivan-ry7vm]

Hi Ivan, thanks for the videos. How long did it take you to change the head gaskets while the engine is in the car ?

[@jomangeee]

Thank you for the video can not wait for the next part

[@Micko350]

It'd be interesting to see how much the compression will drop using those cometic head gaskets!

[@Illtakewhatsleft]

You make it look so easy.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

It's not a really hard job, just have to stay organized and thorough :)

[@determineddad7935]

How long did it take you the first time?

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

Subaru head gasket lol we call them a chocolate engine over here

[@Diagnosedan]

bodgit and leggit garage so here you Are!

[@mrb1864]

2L and 3L is fine. 2.5 is the bad apple but not a hard fix . Subarus after around 2006 not as good as earlier stuff. The 98-2000 forester was bulletproof, went down hill with SG SG9 SH etc

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I love the 1st gen Forester...very solid vehicle.

[@mrb1864]

I got a 99 and in 12 yrs hardly had touch it besides routine stuff and rear brake line and hoses and rear struts springs. Rear subframes can rot bad but I rust treated mine every 2-3yrs and kept crusties away . Got a 03 SG but want swap that out for another Gen 1 SF when find a tidy full winter pack one. Wanted to love the diesel but that thing a proper lemon .

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

The 2009 Forester in this video is a "proper lemon" as well hahaha

[@Y10Q]

Yeah, but if you don't do this on your car, you won't learn a darn thing. I just did this last month on my 300k mile 2001 Legacy which had an oil leak since forevers. Anyways, just had enough time on my hands and since there were so many videos about it on youtube, I went ahead and did it. And now I am glad I did it, because it was so easy and love the car even more now that I can do this kind of work on it. Best part is, I fixed all the oil leaks and so far some reason the engine is now so quiet and runs like new again, no oil leaks or leaks of any kind. Even the knocking and rattling is gone. I guess it gets enough oil pressure to where it can run quiet.

[@michaelbergman4508]

How did this gasket hold up? I need to do this job and I’m not sure if I should go with OEM turbo gasket, six star, or Felpro.

[@zoidberg444]

Very interested to see your take on a Subaru headgasket job. I think Eric O has the defining video with his EJ253 5 part series. I've done two of these myself for people i know. I can't believe Subaru could make an engine that in of itself easily has 300,000 miles in it and yet also couldn't make something with a decent headgasket and then gets their problem solved by the aftermarket. Only other engines i see eat headgaskets like Subaru's are Rover K series engines and at least they solved that problem before Rover went the way of the dinosaur. ALSO. When is the beard making a return?

[@alanhester9984]

Subaru's have the same problem as Vanagons with head gaskets. From everything I have read is electrolysis is responsible for head gasket failures. The two ground straps is to take stray current back to the body for ground instead of flowing through the heads to the engine block. VW some what solved the issue by going to phosphate free antifreeze though not a total fix. (at least it got them off warranty) I would have thought Subaru would have figured it out by now.

[@baxrok2.]

Yeah, as much as I'd love to have a WRX I've become more and more inclined to just walk away because of things like this. Thanks Ivan!

[@niuhuskieguy]

Baxrok2 The good news is the turbo models don't really experience that issue. It mainly affects the NA 2.5 engines.

[@baxrok2.]

How can that be? Aren't they essentially the same engine with the same weaknesses?

[@enginehead9966]

Baxrok2 they built the turbo engine with stronger headgaskets since it will experience more pressure and heat from the turbo.

[@niuhuskieguy]

Baxrok2 If you are looking at an ej25 powered turbo, those engines also and a slightly different internal construction compared to the NA ej25. Subaru extended that design to the last NA ej25 used on the 2010-2012 Outback and Legacy. Those models have far less instances of hg failure.

[@baxrok2.]

Very interesting. Great info. Thanks all!

[@06acc]

Do you think the chronic head gasket failures could be due to the fact that the heads hang on the side of the block. As a result gravity is pulling the head away from it's sealing surfaces causing a compromise in sealing?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Nah, just a crappy gasket design. Never seen a single-layer steel gasket used on anything other than a lawnmower hahaha

[@jimjones6657]

Another question, when I was looking up my gasket set for my 01 it said they recommend changing the head bolts too. Is that legit?

[@joepinehill]

Nice video. How many miles were on the car? I just did my 08, 180k miles. I used the Subaru MLS gaskets, and Subaru seals. FELPRO Rocker cover seals. Aisin TB kit, Exedy clutch and new flywheel. I replaced the two o2 sensors while the engine was out. New head exhaust studs and nuts. New rocker cover bolts. I do wonder sometimes why we love these cars. I'm probably going to pick a CRV or RAV for my next car. A head gasket job on a new Subaru with a timing chain would be a bigger job.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Sounds it will drive like new and last you a long time after that job!!

[@joepinehill]

i think the hardest part of this job is removing the corroded fasteners, if you are patient , and willing to buy or rent a hoist and stand, its not beyond most DIYers.

[@joepinehill]

ALL your videos are great, please keep them coming. I'm going to be doing a wheel bearing on 08. I did one front 2 years ago, the other side is ready. I like your video. I'm planning ahead and ordering longer metric M12 1.25 bolts from McMaster incase the bearing separates, rather than resort to cutting down the hub like your video.

[@oodles86]

Is it ok to reuse a brand new MLS gasket that has been torqued down but not heat cycled? I want to pull the head back off to fix an exhaust stud...

[@tamiibrock6176]

Ok I have 2004 Subaru Baja. It keeps overheating as soon I start driving. I changed water pump, thermostat and coolant temp sensor. Nothing changed. It keeps boiling water and lower hose is cold all the time. I did pressure test but it not dropped at all. I even removed thermostat but still overheating. The engine oil is clean and I don’t see any coolant in oil.

[@JulioTheGamer3]

Is the 2012-2017 STI afected by this problem? The engine of this Impreza is the EJ257

[@watermanone7567]

Is the labor time figured on doing the job on a lift?, and are you going to get a lift in the future? Thanks for the video.

[@zoidberg444]

One thing about working on your back, as long as you keep your tools organised and close to hand. I think its easier on your back, neck and shoulders than working on a lift. I also prefer to be on my back when doing clutch jobs. I find it easier and safer to wrestle the gear boxes in and out by hand.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

In this case a lift wouldn't save any time, since 90% of the work is done from up top :)

[@robertopenheimer1451]

Ivan, you should have a kid hanging around, mentor a neighborhood kid, they could learn a lot from you.

[@halleffect1]

how does multi layer steel solve coolant leaks? it looks like those felpro gaskets have a similar coating as the original

[@jomangeee]

LOL you have to love Subaru. It is a DIY heaven

[@jimjones6657]

What about the water pump, would you change it while you have the motor apart?

[@wallyg.2409]

Hey Ivan, how many gallon air compressor do you have ? Seems to do the job quite well.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Just a 30 gallon belt-driven unit. Perfect for a small shop :)

[@kellyspeppers]

Subaru head gaskets..... done several in the car, last time I pulled the engine, think the next one I will also pull the engine, nicer to work on that way.

[@edwardmartinez199]

Kellys Peppers I have not put my hand on one yet I am a DIYer. I play machanic on my time off from work I am a MD.

[@jamespn]

Changing oil and coolant on a regular basis will help head gaskets last on Subaru’s.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Guess it can't hurt. This engine was spotless inside. And yet the gaskets were leaking. It's a Subaru thing lol

[@naokimatsushima4979]

Not changing the water pump? It's part of the timing system. Hmmm? I would not take the chance. It is an interference engine, even when they say it isn't. Maybe I should say it will bend valves at higher RPM. Above 1500. Also there are 2 different thickness head gasket used during mid 90's to early 00's models.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Never seen a Subaru water pump fail before 200k miles...so first t-belt change I leave them alone :)

[@paulkirkland1535]

Ivan:. Have you ever done any HT6 Subaru engines in say the SVX,HT or HD6? I'm guessing that it's just like a Porsche flat 6. Any info would be appreciated.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Honestly I have never worked on an H6. Actually never even touched one! They are very rare.

[@BJPr12]

I have to do a HG on my '01 as well and since the motor has to come out, I and was planning on doing a complete engine overhaul replacing every gaskets, seals, and grommets. Subaru has an engine rebuild kit Part Number 10105AA310, but beware as it contains the old HG which is the one that fails. Since the HGs comes in a kit, Subaru won't be separate it, one has to buy the FelPro or SixStar HGs separately..

[@jeremyking3986]

How much does this job run on average? I have a chance to buy one with low miles that needs it. Thank you

[@wacio]

Ground straps are to make sure current doesn't travel thru bearings

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Which bearings? Maybe you are thinking of AC induction motors?

[@wacio]

Trans and wheel bearings. Drive train mounts are mostly insulators so the only path to chassis might be thru trans and wheel bearings.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

If you have such a bad ground problem, the engine simply won't crank over since the starter won't work... But that is an interesting theory!!

[@wacio]

Its not theory - life experience. I had Fiat 126p (Polish). Rear engine car. When ground strap broke all current was going thru emergency brake cable. Cable was getting hot while starting so it froze and broke too. Current than was going thru wheel bearing which failed promptly with signs of electric erosion apparent during disassembly.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Wow that is cool! In this case I meant those "extra" ground straps don't matter at all because there is a good solid ground cable attached near the starter :)

[@TheVcasf]

A used Subaru pre-2012 with no Head gasket symptoms Is it wise to replace the gasket as a preemptive measure? or wait for failure?

[@gregmccarter5386]

My Subaru forester 2.5..dont have any rust..north Fla car..im doing a in car head gaskets repair..not hard if you jack the engine up.

[@touyou4321]

I heard head gaskets problem is common for Subaru but I also heard that this problem has been resolved for newer Subaru cars. Can someone tell me if this problem still exist in 2017 and 2018 Subaru Forester? Also does this only affect the 2.5L Subaru engines but not other Subaru engines?

[@roblord7610]

Has the head gasket issue been resolved yet on the newer models ?

[@opl500]

Would just swapping in a new engine be cheaper?

[@zoidberg444]

If it was a Toyota or Honda engine probably. Problem is these sort of issues are almost universal on Subaru engines. You'd be doing all that labour for only a couple more years if you were very lucky.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

"NEW"...that would be cost-prohibitive! Not sure you can even buy a new SOHC Subie engine anymore...they were discontinued after 2012.

[@frugalprepper]

Hey Ivan, Unrelated Question. What kind of shop press do you have in the back ground? It looks small and compact.

[@throttlebottle5906]

pretty sure it's an older 12-ton "harbor freight" aka "horrible fright" :)) actually, that may be the 20 ton model, lol... ( slightly later in video, I caught a better view, it's the 12 ton) they're not orange anymore, they changed to silver and maybe put a different brand/name on them

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Yup Harbor Freight 12-ton, slightly modified. Has held up through a lot of abuse! Only thing it couldn't handle was pressing a seized CV axle out of a hub on a 1998 Mazda MPV. Took it to a buddy with a 20-ton press and torches. Well he got it out, but also snapped the damn knuckle in half xD

[@davidhollfelder9940]

They’re so proud of their Boxer engine .. It seems “not if but when” (head gaskets) from you and Eric O. .. but good for business...

[@curtis1951]

What year did they stop having head gasket problems?

[@AP9311]

Ivan. Great video! I've never done suby engines. But seems like easier to take engine out and do the heads? Is that you're planning to do? This is something to learn here! If I ever do one. Ill know what to do lol!! Great job :)

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I've always done them in the vehicle, just because I don't have an engine stand or a hoist lol. It's easier to torque stuff when it's attached to the rest of the car ;)

[@AP9311]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics good answer lol. Most of us don't have the fancy stuff like Eric O does lol. But we do make the best of the situation. I'm in the same boat as you are. I don't even have a hoist or a lift lol. But i agree with about torquing stuff on the ground. No worries about the car falling off, hahaha!

[@deepsquat600]

Briansmobile one usually pulls the engine..he has a video ..it takes him a little over an hour to pull it ( granted he has done a tome of um ) ..he feels the time is a little quicker to R and R the engine versus working with it on the car where you struggle ... also in case of the rusted valve cover bolts would be much easier ( BTW I have NEVER pulled a Subaru engine I am just quoting an expert ) :)

[@naokimatsushima4979]

Not everyone has a engine hoist.

[@deepsquat600]

Solid point.. but I THINK I van does ..didnt he use one several times in a few videos?? Or am I confusing with other channels.. I also said BRIAN prefers it that way ..and he is the only one I have seen do it.. but in this case is especially seemed relevant with the rusted bolts

[@somerandomguy3868]

That's a tough job on the floor, that's a tough job on lift

[@jeremyanthony9300]

how long did take you just to get the heads off?

[@stevebucuris8420]

I think if the coolant was changed on shedual it would help prolong gasket life.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Common myth. Wouldn't change a thing. Coolant is OEM Subaru Long Life good for 150k miles or 10 years...

[@roblord7610]

Agreed in theory except where electrolysis exists in the coolant, and for that reason it has been recommended to change coolant more often to help eliminate the condition. It has been suggested that the electrolysis. contributes to HG failure. Apparently that is also the reason the ground straps are fitted underneath to the cylinder heads. Not my personal opinion, but something I have read on several occasions when researching the Subaru head gasket issue. Keep the videos coming Ivan, you and Eric are my favorites, - looking forward to part 2.

[@jeremyanthony9300]

where did you get the head set? felpro

[@bborkzilla]

I'm actually just about to start tearing my own 2005 Outback apart to do just this!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Good luck and have fun!

[@freebird1ification]

just for giggles how much to do a job like this your total charge out the door ?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

If it's JUST head gaskets with no machine shop work, then around $1500. In this case the cost almost doubles because of the labor and parts involved to rebuild and resurface the cylinder heads, including pressing in new upgraded exhaust valve guides.

[@freebird1ification]

that car shouldnt bluebook for that much i wouldnt think -may be better off parting the car out and putting the cash towards something else i would say

[@opl500]

I dunno, I bet the oil acts as a dielectric. As long as the contact to the spark plug is good, the oil shouldn't cause any short circuits.

[@Blazer02LS]

Pure oil with no additives wouldn't but once it's in the engine and picks up carbon and acids from the blow-by and condensation it becomes a good conductor for high voltage. Then you get intermittent misfires and every time the voltage discharges through the oil it creates more carbon.

[@throttlebottle5906]

would need highly pure mineral oil or similar. engine/other oils are somewhat conductive at high voltage, add in air exposure, carbon, moisture and acidic contaminates from running engines and it becomes overly conductive fast!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

The oil also compromises the insulating nature of the coil boot, destroying the rubber...

[@jeremyanthony9300]

did you replace the cylinder head bolts ?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Yup brand new from the dealer!

[@sambirtwistle]

great vids. you are probably the most educated mechanic I know. Do you ever feel over qualified?

[@ItsAlwaysRusty]

People complain about BMW's and how much work they need. Looking at this Subaru's can't be far behind. Gaskets, bolts and all the rest. Plus a lot of disassembly.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I think every manufacturer makes a few lemons here and there haha

[@Diagnosedan]

There is something growing on your chin and face buddy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@opl500]

Now all he needs is a black hoodie and we can start calling him Eric

[@Diagnosedan]

opl500 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@deepsquat600]

dirt does NOT grow ..it accumulates over time :)

[@bigmac965]

He's being a manly man! My wife always comes around looking when I watch Ivan's videos. She calls him "The Russian Bear", and shouts for him to take his shirt off! Should I be worried?

[@Diagnosedan]

bigmac965 I'm not sure if he's still a bear when ivan takes his shirt off😂😂😂 So you shouldn't be worried to much😂😂

[@randyhughes5160]

I thought you considered a oil leak rust protection

[@davidhollfelder9940]

Now we see the “Forest thru the Trees”

[@majetoJESUS]

Yeah!

[@chadharmon5716]

You should of said "before you get to far you will need to perform a exercisiom and bless it with holly water" 😆

[@espnocho7904]

How many miles does it have? I have the same one with 50k would you recommend selling it? What's the best reliable brand you recommend

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

This one had 100k miles at the time of repair. It is now at 130k and engine is healthy and dry :) If the car has treated you well, I would just plan ahead and budget for this repair when the gaskets start leaking. Some make it to 150k before the repair!

[@richardcranium5839]

gotta love that rust and corrosion

[@Longtrailside]

I thought you forgot to post this,,, talk about making us wait in suspension....lol.

[@Romulan112]

I am 6 mins into the video and see the new valve cover bolts. He says the old ones will get destroyed and will show tricks/tips to remove them. Thats what I want to see. All the other channels say to just remove them. Mine are all frozen. some with heads stripped off. They wont come off.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

You won't be disappointed ;)

[@TRTCHEIFVR]

awesome videos

[@charlesmiller5078]

You should come up with a cool opening like Eric O. You seem to be getting comfortable in front of the Camera lately, congrats ( took awhile ). Ive never owned a Subaru Never known anybody who owned a Subaru. Never been in a Subaru. Dont think Ive ever seen a Subaru in Person. Thinking about buying a used one, just so I can change the Head Gaskets....NOT Scotty and Eric O will tell you....Toyota Baby........

[@edwardmartinez199]

Charles Miller Nope Eric love Honda. To me I will keep my Silverado been good to me.

[@charlesmiller5078]

Wasn't sure, So that is a full size Honda Pickup he bought, thanks for clearing that up.

[@Micko350]

Charles Miller Tundra

[@ELJORGE1]

Michael O the joke ----> You

[@Micko350]

Jorge Carbajal Muppet

[@mrb1864]

1 2 another subaru baby . not bad to do in car on the single cam engine, easy enough raise and move engine to one side for more work space on side you working and do less restricted side first . I can do them quicker in car over pulling engine but not a lot in it really . Pretty easy fix if do them early stages and not been cooking engine with overheating issues .

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Ivan, we have a Subaru specialist out here in Phoenix named Subaru Mike Bauer who has several excellent KZbin videos on Subaru engine repair. His view is that anytime you remove the heads you should pull the engine as it's faster to do it that way. Did you consider just pulling the engine, putting it on a stand and doing it outside of the engine bay.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Hye Dennis! Well if I did these every day, maybe I would invest in an engine stand and engine hoist. But they are just as easy to do with the engine block in the vehicle :)

[@mikeholt3545]

Yeah those dewilt tools will grow up to be a real tool someday

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

It's an older beat-up 12V...at least it doesn't overtorque small bolts lol

[@mikeholt3545]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics tell you what I got a nut buster I'll trade you for that scan tool!

[@joshrobinson856]

I have done head gaskets in the vehicle. It is much easier and faster to pull the motor for the job.

[@dalefaught7661]

It's not that the Turbo Subaru's use better head gaskets, it's the difference between the open block and the closed block construction. The open block used on the 4 cylinder does not have as much support on the cylinders as the closed blocks.. Thus the cylinders move slightly and create leaks. The turbo charged models have a semi open block construction this less cylinder movement. There is no truth in Subaru telling potential buyers that the leaks were occurring in the early models not in later models.

[@MrBuddysAdventures]

Tapping fingers, where's the rest?! you're messing up my binge watching habit. Note to MaxJax, BendPak etc send Ivan and KY home garage a lift already, I can't imagine a better marketing/PR op.

[@opl500]

Not your first rodeo, I see.

[@jackwood8307]

Wow this really seems to a common Subaru problem. No thanks!

[@opl500]

Head gaskets eventually fail on every engine but you'll notice how much stuff he has to take off to get to the heads. That, is speshul to Subies

[@mrb1864]

only on the 2.5, it like a service item on them lol . pretty easy once done a few .

[@throttlebottle5906]

nearly better pulling the damned engine lol

[@fuckjewtube69]

No they do not. Head gaskets dont ever just fail. They should last the life of the engine. They fail for a reason. Usually over heating or bad design.

[@opl500]

And you will ultimately be doing a few if you own one

[@jackshimano1994]

I would pull entire engine myself,(although I have never pulled Subaru engine) where boxer mill cylinder heads need "seating in" or failure certain and I would remove WATCH when working around ANY mills

[@freebird1ification]

those arnt ground straps ivan thats subarus engine safety straps to help hold in all that torque from that monster when the motor mounts rust away lololol

[@user-oz3kt8mw2j]

Subaru = Yugo

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

A striking resemblance! haha

[@SuperM1687]

Hi Ivan