I have the EJ25D (Phase 1, DOHC) out of my '98 Forester. It went thru 3 sets of head gaskets per the previous owner - the original set and 2 replacements. They used a local mechanic, in the middle of nowhere MT, who actually knew Subarus from our brief discussion. Supposedly the heads were machined and OEM HG used. But the fact that the HG blew twice leads me to think something else is wrong.

 

The car ran, but not well, and I didn't do any compression tests, etc. before removing it.

 

How do I test / verify / ensure the block is still good before getting the heads done and putting it back together for another project? Can the rod bearings be visually inspected (by a mechanic - not me)?

 

Thanks,

Td

Edited October 19, 201015 yr by wtdash

It can't be inspected without a complete tear-down. And with that much overheating going on I wouldn't even consider using it without a full rebuild.

 

GD

a machine shop could resurface the block or you could try a home made resurface, that might help it hold. like GD said seems like it's had a tough life though, not sure it's worth the effort.

Yeah 'not worth the effort' is what I'm thinking now, too.

 

Thanks!