Hey Guys just purchased a 99 outback (138,000). i live in se wisconsin and this is my first subaru. I have had it for one week and already I have ordered parts for it. Timing Kit and Head Gaskets. Everything runs fine but I have read these motors need alittle tlc. If anyone has any other suggestions for replacement or maintenance i would appreciate it.

Welcome Squint--great place here for everything Subaru. Just an observation, hope you ordered genuine Subaru head gaskets.

I havent ordered the head gasket kit yet. they have two, graphite and multi layered steel. cns auto parts on ebay

I havent ordered the head gasket kit yet. they have two, graphite and multi layered steel. cns auto parts on ebay

 

Strongly suggest you use the search function on here and read up on head gaskets. The EJ25 engine is very picky about its HG needs.

Welcome to the board! Hope to see you on the road sometime.

 

Since your going to do a timing belt, I would also do cam and crank seals so you don't have to get in there 20,000 down the road.

 

-Tom

The timing kit includes crank and cam seals, water pump and tensioner. I purchased a engine hoist and stand

as well as a new torque wrench and disconnects today. the plan now is pull the engine and check valves, head gaskets and all the seals. and anything else I come across. This will be my first time removing an engine. I have a healthy budget and 2 weeks. My head gaskets, new seals and head bolts should arrive on wed. until then I will start the disassemble. btw I will be using the haynes manual (fingers crossed)

not much to it - you're doing it right by tackling the timing belt at the same time. sounds like you're well on your way to doing it right.

 

adjust the valves. it's rare but they occasionally burn exhaust valves if not adjusted. you're at the right age/mileage to nip that.

 

might want to be prepared to do the rear separator plate. they are often leaking, prone to cracking if they're plastic (which i bet yours will turn out to be). Subaru sells metal plates and screws (of course the screws are different for the metal plate - but you could just go to lowes and get some too). since the engine has to come out to replace it and they frequently have issues most of us replace them any time the engine comes out.

 

valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets and reseal the oil pump while you're at it. require one oring and tigthen the screws on the backing plate of the oil pump when it's removed.

 

1. best bet is to get Subaru headgaskets. folks on here that do a lot of these have seen aftermarket headgasket failures. there is countless information about this all over the internet, the engine you're working on is a headgasket eating phenomenon. unlike some other engines and even other Subaru engines, i would highly suggest doing it with the recommendations of those here that have done a lot of work on these motors.

 

2.. Subaru engines do not get headbolts replaced, that incorrect philosophy is borrowed from elsewhere. they might as well tell you to fill it up with diesel fuel while you're at it since some cars use that too :lol: Subaru always reuses headbolts - %100 of the time. a kit that includes headbolts suggests they're into marketing more than quality and proper repair/parts - they want to sell you something you don't need. i'll pass.

 

whether head bolts are to be replaced or not comes down to whether or not torque to yield (TTY) headbolts are used. you can google or wikipedia that for further information.

Sounds like you're really serious!

 

Did you get new idlers for the timing belt? If your water pump is not OEM, at least get an OEM gasket for it. Head gasket bolts are reusable so you probably didn't need new ones. Hope you got the right head gaskets.

 

Not to be a nag but again I encourage you to search here on USMB and read up on HG and Timing Belt jobs. There's a wealth of information that can save you time, money and heartbreak!

 

At any rate, best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes.

You do not need an Genuine Waterpump or gasket, the ebay kit provides everything you need and will work just fine. I would use Red RTV on the waterpump gasket to ensure a long lasting seal (I always do it that way) and also put anti-seize on all the bolts you take out (Except head bolts) Just dip the head bolts in oil before screwing them back in - just a little fyi

 

That Haynes book is pretty good with specs and tear-down process. You're in good hands.

 

But if you do run into an issue, feel free to ask us. Thats why we're hear.

 

If you need a quick answer on anything, give me a call at 262-349-6488.

 

Cheers,

-Tom