Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and wanted to see if anyone had any advice on working on my Subaru. It's a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback with the 2.5L DOHC engine. Of course I had the head gasket go so now it is sitting in my driveway as I get ready to work on it. What I wanted to know is there anything else I should be looking at and replacing while I am working on the engine. I know the timing belts are known to have some problems so I was going to replace that. Anything else I should keep an eye out for?

Search this form, lots of info out there already.  

 

The other option is to drop in a 95 2.2 with EGR.  

 

Usually cheaper and you have a better engine when you are done IMHO.

 

Again lots of 2.5 to 2.2 engine swap info is you search.

Along with the timing belt, I would recommend changing the pulleys and tensioners associated with the timing belt. Also, change the water pump.

 

I hope the car was not driven much or multiple times to allow the motor to over heat. Subarus can't take much of that. The block and heads warp, and connecting rod bearings become damaged.

 

Use only Subaru head gaskets. Other brands will not hold up as well or as long.

Thanks for the advice guys. In regards to the parts should I try to go with all Subaru parts or is there anything I should steer away from and get from another manufacture?

Do all the seals. Take the engine out and reseal the crank case breather baffle plate (oil separator)

 Do not service the rear main seal if it is not leaking profusely. A little bit of seepage is fine, More likely to fail if not serviced correctyly than to just let it be.

Thanks for the advice guys. In regards to the parts should I try to go with all Subaru parts or is there anything I should steer away from and get from another manufacture?

Recommend a timing belt kit sold on e-bay motors. Kits include belt, pulleys, tensioner, at a good price, and of good quality. That's what I put on my 99 OBW, when HGs went south about 3 years ago. All has held up well. Subaru OEM pulleys and tensioners are expensive.

Hey guys finally got around to working on my Subaru. Disconnected pretty much everything from the engine and will be removing it from the car on Monday. While working on it we noticed that both CV axles need to be replaced and the exhaust should probably be replaced. I want to make sure that everything I get for this car is good but I know OEM parts can get pretty expensive. Should I dish out the money for an OEM exhaust and CV axles or does anyone know a reliable alternative?

I also saw that it is suggested by some to stay away from the OEM water pump and get a Japanese after market one. Anybody have any ideas if this is true or not?

If an oem pump lasts more than 200k, what's wrong with oem other than the price?

IIRC Aisin is a well made unit. Look at the impeller. The fan looking type is not the better unit.

Better to reboot the axles if they are not clicking. Another oem unit that is better than most 3rd party.

Hopefully it's the outer boot that's torn. A messy job, but very doable.

 

O.