ccrinc

Those break all the time. They're a fill in for where the head is line bored for the cams. Since the plastic is hard, they get brittle easily and can break any time with no warning. If the guy had known they were there, he probably would have suggested replacing them as most shops do. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

One thing we learned from a dealer service guy who I truly trust: since the timing chain tensioners and idlers are lubricated by the engine oil, do 3,000 mile mile oil changes religiously, and never let your oil get low. If one starts making noise, it's going to be cheaper to replace it than to replace the engine. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Dang. I used to love to drive the Rampart Range Road! I'd go down 25 to the Springs, head up the pass to Woodland Park, go in the back way, and head back to Denver. Made for a nice day (or night). That was in a Pontiac LJ6 or a Toyota Tercel back then. Now I guess it would be the Legacy Turbo Touring Wagon. Wouldn't trust the SVX on that road (Glances meaningfully at Jeffast ) Can't anyway. Got grandson's graduation to get ready for weekend of the 19-20th. AND, have to try and get over whatever crud I've got. Have fun and think of me guys! Emily

Yep. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

You assume that I know more than I know . That said, I'd have to research pictures, years, etc. Right now, I just don't have the time guys. Sorry. I'll try to get to it at some point and post it. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

GD, We've never used the Fel-Pro gaskets, but I'll ask Rick. Maybe we'll order a set to check them out. These gaskets were "the last, there aren't going to be any more". The water and oil pumps are getting hard to find too. :-\ Decent blocks to rebuild are very hard to come by, especially considering the 7 different configurations of that engine. Findings to come. Emily

Sadly, we will probably not be rebuilding any more EA71 engines. We just bought the last set of 1600 head gaskets in the USA and we won't use aftermarket as most of you know. I still can get rings and bearings but all the other parts are disappearing and won't ever be available again. Farewell to a reliable, solid little engine. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Automatic or manual transmission? Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

FWIW, I won't use any axles but Marshall's on my own Subarus. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com (And no, he's not part of CCR or professionally affiliated with us. Just a good guy who happens to be in our building.)

Are both 8 bolt patterns on the bellhousing? If the engine is only 4 bolt, you won't have enough holes to mount your starter. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Water cross-over pipe o-rings Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

The "vibration dampener" IS the front pulley on these engines. With all the other stuff that connects, it would be highly unlikely that you would be able to move it by hand. You can only see the damage by the wobble when it's running. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

If you're seeing the front crank pulley wobbling soon after a timing belt change, it wasn't torqued enough. Should be torqued to 125 ft. lbs. The original manuals said 90 lbs. in error. Unfortunately, this results in crank walk, which permanently damages both the crank and the case. The sound you're hearing is the crank beating on the crank journals. Sorry. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

The '94 Alpine does not. '95 was the first year of the EGR set up. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Tim, You are a sick, sick man. With an addiction to boot! Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Didn't you know? Carburetor is a French word meaning "Leave it alone"! Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

We've replaced several of these relays for friends/customers in the past few weeks. It's not an expensive part: roughly $20+ from the dealer. And it wasn't dirty contacts either. Until you can get one, take the relay out. You won't have ABS temporarily, but at least the battery won't die and leave you stranded. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Check to see if your fans are working when you're at a stop. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Skip, The FSM is wrong. SOA corrected that, finally. Torque to about 125 ft. lbs. No locktite necessary. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Since we're having a very cold winter here in Denver, I'm hearing this a lot. Both of my cars, '92 SVX and '92 Legacy Turbo Touring Wagon LE have exhibited this. (Not every day though ) Other people have had this happen on Legacys, Outbacks, Foresters, etc, etc. I don't believe there's any real failure involved. This is a hydraulic system, and it's just too darn cold for the fluid to act normally until it's circulated a bit. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

As I have said before, I'm no expert on the actual engine rebuild process. BUT, we use a proprietary torque procedure that seems to work well. (It's a bit different than what SOA uses.) I believe that procedure may be what keeps the movement you mention from happening (or at least to an absolute minimum.) Just my .02 worth Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

There are more differences than just the 8 bolt bell housing. That block is rear thrust vs. center thrust in the 4 bolt. There are also about 6 different types of pistons used between late '95 and '99 in both the DOHC and SOHC. (Don't quote me on "6"...but I know it's more than 2 or 3. We have different shelves for each style.) If I could get away from the front desk and the phones for more than 3 minutes at a time, I might actually get some hands-on time like I used to. I miss it. :-\ Between '90 and '99 there were only 5 different blocks, if you don't count late Loyales: EJ22 EJ22 turbo EJ18 EJ25 DOHC center thrust EJ25 SOHC rear thrust Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

The '99 Forester was the first to get the EJ25 SOHC. That is most likely the one you have. The formula of 2 cams per side = DOHC, 1 cam per side = SOHC is the easiest way to tell. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Yes, it's a belt alignment issue. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

You know, sometimes trying to over-analyze something is just a total waste of time and effort. It was designed that way. It works that way. I'm no engineer, but it seems to me that the fact that the 2 belts are different lengths, and the fact that the crank goes side to side to drive the rods and pistons might have something to do with it. They would only align if all pieces were equal, which they ain't. Geez guys...lighten up. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com