2006-2010 Subaru Forester Head Gasket Replacement Removal (How To)

We are replacing the head gasket, timing belt and water pump on this 2009 Subaru Forester. This is the EJ25 non turbo.
🛒PARTS LIST:
▪️ Head gskat set: amzn.to/3Whjfsb
▪️ Head bolts (one side): amzn.to/4bJ1PJw
▪️ Timing belt with water pump OEM: amzn.to/49JRsV4
▪️ Thermostat: amzn.to/3T6gMiD
▪️ A/C belt: amzn.to/49oW9ny
▪️ Serpentine belt: amzn.to/3I6mf2C
▪️ Antifreeze: amzn.to/3UJh8Nz
▪️ Dielectric grease: amzn.to/3HDPTMw
🛒TOOLS NEEDED:
▪️ Crank pulley tool: amzn.to/3pWaeEi
▪️ A/C belt tool: amzn.to/3MQYIUT
▪️ Breaker bar: amzn.to/42eP7Pq
▪️ Coolant funnel:amzn.to/4bfMaCk
▪️ Electric ratchet: amzn.to/3Sw4W12
▪️ Flashlight: amzn.to/48OaGJi
▪️ Impact socket set: amzn.to/3Hy3fKi
▪️ Impact wrench: amzn.to/3Sfmiht
▪️ Pick set: amzn.to/3u9AdNZ
▪️ Plier set: amzn.to/3uhTvRi
▪️ Screwdriver set: amzn.to/4b6BZ39
▪️ Socket and wrench set: amzn.to/4b6K8ob
▪️ Torque wrench 1/2: amzn.to/3AgaOB2
▪️ Torque wrench 1/4: amzn.to/493Xr70
➡️I am part of the Amazon affiliate program and get a small commission when purchases are made through the links provided.
😎If this video has been helpful consider supporting us with a cup of coffee! 🙂
www.buymeacoff...
🔺DISCLAIMER
The information provided by Valley Mobile Automotive (“we,” “us” or “our”) on this video is for general informational purposes and entertainment only and does not replace professional advice.
All information is provided in good faith; however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the video.
By working on your own vehicle, you take responsibility for the outcome.
Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use or reliance on any information provided on this channel. Your reliance on any information on the videos on this channel is solely at your own risk.

[@MechanicalJayTheyAllSaid]

this was a treat to watch. my friend has an 07 and said the head gaskets needed replacing. i wanted to see the procedure before i offered to take it on for him. i haven't done a head gasket in years, and never on a horizontally opposed engine like these subarus. i've got a much better idea what's involved now. thank you for taking the time out of your work to help others. cheers from alaska

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@MechanicalJayTheyAllSaid Glad this video was helpful 🙂. If you have any questions during your repair feel free to post them in the comments 👍

[@JimmyLeachMusic]

A pleasure to watch a professional with experience and patience. My Subaru dealer said I needed this done, so I wanted to see how difficult it is. Good work; thank you.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@JimmyLeachMusic You're welcome! Glad this video was helpful 🙂. It is a big project for sure.

[@PJM454]

Nice job. Biggest thing I learned from this vid is I’ll never buy a Subaru again. Too big of a job for a four cylinder engine and Subaru has not fixed this issue like they have claimed. The fact you can only get CVT transmissions with Subarus now pretty much sealed I’m done with Subaru.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@PJM454 Thanks! In theory a CVT transmission will keep the engine at optimal RPM for horse power and torque while increasing fuel economy in a smaller overall package. I love them on paper. Unfortunately I haven't seen a manufacturer produce one that lasts 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Maidoumurnot]

Thank you, great video and very helpful

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@Maidoumurnot You're welcome!

[@SadeqMoradi-j9q]

Good job. Tnx

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@SadeqMoradi-j9q You're welcome! Glad this video was helpful 🙂

[@didimilano2438]

very good video!

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@didimilano2438 Thanks! Glad this video was helpful 🙂

[@ernestogonzalez2185]

I’m drinking a beer having McDonald’s. Thanks

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@ernestogonzalez2185 That sounds better than doing a head gasket on a Subaru 😀

[@aaronblake7331]

How long did this take in real time?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@aaronblake7331 A little more than 1/2 a day to remove the heads.I had to wait a couple days for the machine shop. Then almost a full day putting it back together and taking it for a test drive. If you want to save time you can purchase refurbished heads ahead of time and have them ready to install.

[@aaronblake7331]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive oh thanks for the info.

[@Officialy_Sketch]

Where can I access that manual

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@Officialy_Sketch I use a professional subscription but for diy I would suggest AllDATA DIY online👍

[@timwilkins962]

What is a fair price to replace the head gaskits on a 2008 Subaru Forester? I have a feeling the repair cost eould be more than the car is worth.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

That's a tough question. I don't believe a car's overall value is based on it's resale value. So to me it all depends on the vehicles overall condition. Subaru's are generally very good cars with little issues. If this is the only repair it needs then it could be worth it. As far as costs you would need to take it to a shop for them to give you a quote. I would get a quote from a couple different shops and go with the one that makes you feel like you can trust them. Sorry it's not a direct answer but hopefully it helps.

[@FreshMikeable]

Hey man i have a 2009 subaru forester . I heard these vehicles leak oil externally only not coolant? Or do the HG fail also that they leak internally? Coolant or oil . I seen ppl go 200,000 mile on a subaru dealing with just seepage hardly lose oil or coolant. is it possible ?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

That is mostly correct. It's not common on these to fail internally mixing coolant and oil but it can happen. One thing you'll experience with an external leak is a burning oil smell from the exhaust and it's not the best to breath in oil smoke. But a lot of people drive it that way for a long time. Because I work on my own vehicles I would fix it as soon as possible, I hate how burning oil smells.

[@ToxicMacCheese]

What is the tool you are using on the pullies?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@ToxicMacCheese I have a list in the description for all the parts and tools used 👍

[@ToxicMacCheese]

@ValleyMobileAutomotive I saw that I will order a couple of tools you have listed thank you for posting this video and the tools list.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@ToxicMacCheese You're welcome! If you have any other questions feel free to ask 👍

[@ToxicMacCheese]

@ValleyMobileAutomotive it's a big project but I think I can do it with the halp of your video. If you have any other tips or tricks to help this newbie out let me know.

[@geoffthomson6602]

I bought a used 2009 Forester 2 years ago and paid way too much for it and put loads of money in repairs. Just been told my car needed new head gaskets. Mechanic told me it wasn't really worth it. REALLY disappointed with this car but what does this usually cost to have repaired?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@geoffthomson6602 Typically 09 Foresters are excellent vehicles. What is the overall condition of it? Does it have a lot of rust or body issues? If it's in good shape otherwise then I would think about getting it done if you plan on having it for a while longer. I am an advocate for keeping used cars running vs buying a new one if at all possible. But there is a time to cut your losses. As far as price for repairs you'll need to shop around. I would contact a couple different reputable repair shops and go with who you think will do the best job. Hopefully that's helpful 👍

[@geoffthomson6602]

​@@ValleyMobileAutomotive Bought the car for 10 K during COVID insanity and probably put in another 5 K. This repair would add another 5+k to repairs so cut my losses and sending this car off to automobile heaven.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@geoffthomson6602 I understand. You might be able to trade it in or sell it for a good price. Subarus are pretty popular vehicles 👍

[@MilesWhite-v6z]

Where is part 2 at?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@MilesWhite-v6z It should be either at the end of this video or in the suggested videos section. Or just click on this link... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-xg4ukjtyloZIsi=uG8Qll40KXN5NUEA

[@BlackHawk-yl5gu]

Fully Confident i can get to it and chsnge absolutely not confident i can put it back together

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@BlackHawk-yl5gu Lol that's how I feel everytime I work on a car... "I hope I can get this back together" 😅

[@MrGsxrme]

So why didn't you pull the engine? It's honestly not hard at all. Now you have no visibility when reinstalling and you also can damage the head by impacting something on accident. People just pull the engine. If you can pull the engine, you shouldn't be doing the job.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@MrGsxrme Thank you for your comment. I personally prefer to pull the engine. It makes it much easier and less bending over when it's on an engine stand. It's interesting the manual has you do this in the vehicle so not only is it doable but it's suggested. Another reason I like to pull the engine is to reseal the oil pan and change out the rear main seal.