New subaru, and a question about head gaskets...

[samisunjp]

So after about a year of being out of the loyale game, I picked up another one! 

 

I am planning on pulling the engine and pretty much doing a reseal of the engine, as well as many other things while its out. My main question is if the head gaskets are not already blown is it a good idea to change them, or will it be not worth it? I've never done a head gasket before and am wondering if its more trouble than its worth if it is still holding fine. 

 

Are there any other seals that I should just avoid if they are still holding strong?

 

Thanks,

Kyle

[DaveT]

I'd run it until the oil leaks get bad enough to annoy me, or they begin to fail.

 

There are a lot of threads on here with advice on what to watch for to know when it's time. And how to deal with the bolts, which are most likely pretty sticky.

[idosubaru]

I would drive it a bit first and see how it drives/leaks before making any decision.

 

You're pulling an engine to replace a few gaskets/seals, but not the headgaskets?

 

I wouldn't replace headgaskets preemptively on EA82's - they don't leak very often if they've never been overheated - though that fact is probably nearly impossible to prove/disprove on most EA82's with hold old they are now.

 

I'll evendo EA82 headgaskets in the vehicle - they're so small and easy to do, it's not even worth pulling when I can have one EA82 head off quicker than than the engine pulled.  Without air tools or with a bad back that's less desirable. 

[samisunjp]

I have driven it a little bit and the car seems to have a hesitation/ or stall when it is cold. I'll need to do some more testing to be sure.

As far as leaks go it is apparent that it leaks quite a bit of oil. A lot seems to be coming from one of the valve covers.

 

I should say that this really is a project car for me. I am really okay with letting it sit un-drivable for several months while I really build it up to make it very reliable. I have the time and a steady enough income to be able to get parts for it. In the end I would like the engine to be in really good shape, and most importantly very reliable. 

 

Hopefully before the summer this thing will be one badass battlewagon!

[DaveT]

Typical oil leak points:

Cam cover seals
Cam shaft seals

O ring for the small piece the cam seal presses into.

There is an o ring for the oil channel to the camshaft & lash adjusters between the head and the cam carrier.

Oil pump seals and orings

front main sometimes, not as common as the above.

[DeltaWye]

I have driven it a little bit and the car seems to have a hesitation/ or stall when it is cold. I'll need to do some more testing to be sure.

As far as leaks go it is apparent that it leaks quite a bit of oil. A lot seems to be coming from one of the valve covers.

 

Be really, really careful tightening those valve cover bolts back up. 

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/160895-managed-to-bust-out-part-of-the-casting-on-the-cam-tower-not-sure-whether-to-replace-or-repair/

Edited November 26, 2016 by DeltaWye

[samisunjp]

I'll take my time and be extra careful. 

Has anyone heard of DNJ engine components for gaskets. I was thinking about just buying an entire gasket set to save some money, unless buying them individually would be preferred?

 

https://www.amazon.com/DNJ-Engine-Components-FGS7026-Gasket/dp/B00TLG5SI8/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Subaru%7C13&Model=GL%7C59&Year=1988%7C1988&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive

Edited November 26, 2016 by samisunjp

[DaveT]

Fel Pro or oem for headgaskets. Oem only for intake gaskets. I've only used Fel Pro kits. The oem intake gaskets are a must.