I've been lurking & searching for awhile - I was referred here by "Yogi" at Checker in Lakeville... I've got 2 Subies: a '92 Legacy Sport (2.2L Turbo) w/205k miles, and my wife's '98 Legacy/Outback Limited (EJ25, DOHC) w/212k miles. Love 'em... most of the time. I've done a fair amount of service on both cars lately (timing belts, cam/crank seals, water pumps, & more), so I'm not too concerned with the actual work. We've always had trouble with the MY98/OB throwing a P0302 code (misfire on 2)... it's been happening with more regularity over the past 30-40k miles (it used to be rare - now it happens constantly at idle). I've done plugs, wires, & coil with no improvement or change - so I'm assuming a burnt valve (From what I've read here and on NASIOC). Then to top it off - I discovered oil mixed with coolant in the overflow reservoir... so it's got a leaking head gasket to boot (the original was replaced at 165k miles). I was going to do a compression test, but with the HG clearly leaking... I'm not sure it's worth the time. So (like it or not) I'm now at the point of doing the head gaskets on the Outback if I want to continue using the car (and the everything else is too nice to throw away for pennies on the dollar). A couple questions: 1) I'd like to rebuild or replace the heads in the process - is there a good place to take them for a rebuild (more-or-less stock, not looking for performance) or even an exchange? 2) I've seen quite a number of references to what is needed (part number shopping lists) for the entire head gasket project... can anyone point me to a "definitive" one? Specifically including the "New Design" head gasket itself (I've heard it referred to as an STi gasket) for the EJ25 DOHC. Any links or directions would be appreciated for a "newbie" :eek3:
I would say find a local shop to do a basic valve job and shave them a few thousandths to make sure they are flat. North of the cities I like B & A Cylinderhead. In the cities Cedar Machine has always done well. 2) I've seen quite a number of references to what is needed (part number shopping lists) for the entire head gasket project... can anyone point me to a "definitive" one? Specifically including the "New Design" head gasket itself (I've heard it referred to as an STi gasket) for the EJ25 DOHC. One of the guys who works at a dealership( there are several on here, www.mnsubaru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23307 ) should be able to answer this for you.
I recently had some work done at AutoRepair Service right next to Raymond's Autobody. They seem pretty honest and tend to get a lotta Subies in there. Here's their Number: 651-487-1431
the DOHC head gasket is different from the sti gasket, you could of course use the sti gasket if you wanted to, but the dohc gasket is probably 3 times as thick, and may need premium fuel and may have timing belt fitment issues, the "updated" 2.5 DOHC gasket is one beefy SOB, it will not likely blow again. PM me and i can price you everything you need
If this is who I think it is, welcome, and hurry up and get your Fiero out. I love that thing. :biggrin:
Thanks everyone for you info & recommendations - definitely keep 'em coming! AWDimprezaL ~ PM sent! Wow... I guess I may not exactly be sneaking around here as an "unknown" then huh? ~but I can't say I know who you are by your profile? Going to need a hint! I'll have the Fiero out soon enough... although I think I broke a couple of vacuum lines last fall (it likes to die at stop signs now) that'll have to be taken care of along with replacing one of the quarter window scoops that was destroyed on the road last year (came off & was run over down on Hwy 52). Also, I'm hoping to get the V8 swap started (at least get the engine torn down & rebuilt) this year... but my wife's daily-driver is definitely going to be a priority for at least a little while longer.
