#Subaru jdm 2.2l engines for sale how to#

#Subaru jdm 2.2l engines for sale how to#

Both oil and coolant Tips on how to avoid or decrease the chance of failure are as follows.ġ. This design has had mostly problems with external head gasket leaks. In mid-year 1998 Subaru redesigned the 2.2l and 2.5l, most of the changes were in the cylinder heads and camshaft configurations. Subaru has come up with an updated head gasket design that seems to be holding up well. What we typically see with these gaskets is that the film between the combustion chamber and the cooling jacket or passageway is compromised allowing coolant into the combustion chamber and exhaust pressure and temperature into the cooling system. And this is where the problem has started. Starting in 1997 and used through 1999 Subaru began to use a multi-layer steel shim head gasket with a graphite type outer film. In 1996 on the 2.5l engine Subaru used a composite type head gasket similar in construction to the head gaskets found in the Subaru Legacy & Impreza 2.2l engine. Here is some of the technical information related to the gaskets used. And we feel that when the repair is done completely, it is a bump on the road to 300,000 miles. We have yet to see a repaired and properly maintained vehicle have the same problem twice. This is where All Wheel Drive Auto can serve you better. If the problem isn’t properly understood, then some of the advice as to how to avoid the potential failure or reasons as to why this happened may be incomplete. Unfortunately, a lot of automotive professionals do not truly understand the potential causes of the failure. The problems are fairly well known, and the internet is a great tool for information. Typically speaking when the problem is diagnosed and repaired at the earliest signs of failure the potential for additional damage can be held to a minimum. We have seen some of the same intermittent overheating symptoms, but the bulk of the issues seem to be external leaks.Įarly detection of failing head gaskets is the key to keeping the repair costs down. The second group is the 2nd generation Subaru 2.2l and 2.5l engines found in the Forrester from mid-year 1998, Impreza from mid-year 1998, the Outback and Legacy from 2000.The early symptoms that occur in the 2nd generation engines is usually an external oil leak at both head gaskets and an external coolant leak at the left side head gasket, we have seen coolant leaks at the right side head gasket as well but at a much lower failure rate than the left side. From there what typically happens next is intermittent higher than normal coolant temperature gauge readings, followed with intermittent overheating especially during a long freeway trip or a drive up the mountain passes. Shop 6 Star Head Gaskets from AWD Today >Įarly signs of head gasket failure in the 1st generation Subaru 2.5l engine will include an oily residue found in the coolant overflow bottle also possible is an exhaust, fuel or sulfur smell in the coolant overflow bottle.

This group usually, will develop an internal head gasket leak ultimately resulting with an overheating engine. The first group is the 1st generation 2.5l engine found predominantly in the 1996 to 1999 Outback, Legacy G.T., Forrester (up to mid-year 1998) and Subaru Impreza R.S. The following information is aimed at educating our customers about the problems, what to look for, tips on how to avoid future problems, and what to if your Subaru has developed problems with the head gaskets. There are two separate groups or years of production that the failures fall into. Some answers to the Subaru head gasket problem.Īt our Subaru shop we see a fair amount of Subaru’s with failed head gaskets.