tkrug21

In searching I have not found any reference to this, so sorry if it has been addressed already. I am finishing up a head gasket replacement in a 97 2.5. I pulled the oil pan off because this engine came from the junk yard and they drill holes instead of pulling the plug. Both oil pans had not gasket, sealed with goo only. I bought a gasket from AutoZone and it fits, but the box states it's only for 1.8 and 2.2 engines. The oil pan itself has a passage that comes from the block and goes down into the pan like a tube. It has an O-ring around the point where it mates with the block. I got thinking that if I put a gasket on this pan, it will seperate the pan from the block farther than it was originally. This would mean that this tube would not be sealed to the block anymore. The first question I have is what the heck does this tube do? It is not the oil pickup from the pump, that tube is bolted to the bottom of the engine and is not part of the pan. So what is it? Second question, does it matter if it's sealed with the O-ring? I like the idea of having just a bit more oil in the pan, and also the idea of the pickup screen being just a bit farther from the bottom of the pan, just in case the pan ever gets hit. I know this seems like a minor point to be concerned with, but you never want to cause problems with your engine getting oil correctly. Any ideas?

Yes, removing the battery will clear the codes.

Having changed head gaskets on a 97 2.5 DOHC, I did a fair amount of research. The Phase II 2.5 engine, which started in 99 or 2000, is a SOHC. The DOHC version ended at Phase I. The belt change procedure is essentially the same, but you have to line up marks on 4 cam gears, not just 2. The left side cams are under tension when lined up and if they move just a little they will spin. It is a real pain to get them all to stay in the right place and get the belt on, it usually takes me 3-4 attempts. Make sure you double check before letting the tensioner loose. I thought I had it a couple of times only to find out I was one tooth off on one gear. Good luck!

I did it with the engine in, not to bad. It is much easier to get to the head bolts if you lift the engine up a little bit. I raised it until the motor mount bolts are almost out of the holes, then put a small piece of wood between the mounts and the crossmember to hold it there. The dealers only stock the newest head gasket, they should not have anything else. Got that from the Subaru help line. 1-800-SUBARU4 Good luck!