So here is my question. I have a 92 Loyale sedan (EA82 Pushbutton 4wd 147k) and I found a guy up here selling another EA82 motor out of a 93 Wagon(135k). My idea is to pick it up get it all resealed and drop it in my Loyale and keep my current motor as a backup. Mostly because its going be a lot easier (obviously) to work on a motor sitting on a stand vs trying to reseal my current one while installed in the car. My current motor runs just fine just leaks a good bit and has some TOD issues. Also he said he would throw in an additional Pushbutton trans for and extra $100. So what do ya'll think? Is it worth my time/money? 

That's how I do it. Spare engines, spare transmissions.

Fair price in your opinion?

Yeah. I pay more than that for motors out of a junkyard. Usually $250. at pick n pull. Great price if it's a runner.

It is a runner.

How do you know if the engine you want to buy, does not have the same or even more problems than the engine you already have.  The seller would not be parting out the car if it worked properly.  Until you figure out how to fix the TOD, then you are not going to be able to fix the same TOD on the next engine.  And you are not going to find that out until you install it.  By the time that you need another engine, you will probably have lost interest in keeping your current subaru, unless it's interior and exterior is in tip top condition.  Engine interiors will rust unless you store them in a warm dry place.  Which takes space.  Fix the one that you got first.  Oil leaks are normally camshaft cover seals, front camshaft seals, and loose oil pan bolts.  TOD can be fixed by reinstalling the camtower properly.  Others have different solutions like new mickey mouse gasket on oil pump.

pshhh, im so cheap, i think $200 is too much only because i got a whole 1990 subaru loyale wagon mid trim with power windows for $200, drove it about 180miles from where i bought it and its just sitting outside as a parts car. her name is Blue

The unknown history is the downside of an engine already separated from the car. 

I can swap an engine easily over a weekend.  I cannot [well, maybe, if I only did that, and spent every minute on it.  But that's not going to happen] do a complete reseal in that time.  I don't like time constraints.  So a spare is more than worth the space.  But I have heated space to store them.  I have also used an engine or 2 that sat outside for 6-12 months, with no issues.

 

Each way has it's advantages, it's what works for you.

How do you know if the engine you want to buy, does not have the same or even more problems than the engine you already have.  The seller would not be parting out the car if it worked properly.  Until you figure out how to fix the TOD, then you are not going to be able to fix the same TOD on the next engine.  And you are not going to find that out until you install it.  By the time that you need another engine, you will probably have lost interest in keeping your current subaru, unless it's interior and exterior is in tip top condition.  Engine interiors will rust unless you store them in a warm dry place.  Which takes space.  Fix the one that you got first.  Oil leaks are normally camshaft cover seals, front camshaft seals, and loose oil pan bolts.  TOD can be fixed by reinstalling the camtower properly.  Others have different solutions like new mickey mouse gasket on oil pump.

Way to be a debbie downer. First off I'm no rookie. This may be my first Loyale but its not my first car and certinly not my first Subaru. I know the TOD is not a big deal its just more annoying than anything. The reason these motors do that is because they do leak oil and that causes air to get into the oil and lowered oil pressure. Thus they tick. The only reason this guy pulled the motor is because he bough this car as a donor for his 3AT car. Now hes moving to ME so hes selling off his extras.

Edited April 13, 201510 yr by josiahm91

The unknown history is the downside of an engine already separated from the car. 

I can swap an engine easily over a weekend.  I cannot [well, maybe, if I only did that, and spent every minute on it.  But that's not going to happen] do a complete reseal in that time.  I don't like time constraints.  So a spare is more than worth the space.  But I have heated space to store them.  I have also used an engine or 2 that sat outside for 6-12 months, with no issues.

 

Each way has it's advantages, it's what works for you.

I feel the same way about spares. I'd much rather have extras than not enough. I also do not like to be pressed for time. That leads to rushing and rushing leads to simple mistakes. I also have ample room in my garage to accomidate an extra engine/stand. I wouldnt dare leave it sitting outside through an Alaskan winter.

Edited April 13, 201510 yr by josiahm91

I was going to buy the car this motor came out of plus a running 3AT. But the wife said it was a no go 

Edited April 13, 201510 yr by josiahm91

I usually buy whole cars.   You would be amazed at the stuff you end up picking off to keep your ride going.  It's also nice to use a parts car as reference to see how stuff goes together.

I usually buy whole cars.   You would be amazed at the stuff you end up picking off to keep your ride going.  It's also nice to use a parts car as reference to see how stuff goes together.

like your drum brake shoes on the back, screwed up bad when i took it all apart thinking, how hard can it be, i don't need no stupid pictures

like your drum brake shoes on the back, screwed up bad when i took it all apart thinking, how hard can it be, i don't need no stupid pictures

That is why when there are two such as brakes, do one side at a time, to have the other to refer to.

That is why when there are two such as brakes, do one side at a time, to have the other to refer to.

yeah, didn't know any better back then, stubborn me always wants to do it my way and just take it all apart at the same time

yeah, didn't know any better back then, stubborn me always wants to do it my way and just take it all apart at the same time

I have been known to do the same kind of thing, then later I'm cursing myself to no end.  

 

Case an poin the 91 Loyale wagon that I pulled the engine on 2+ years ago, I am just hoping and praying that I can not only find all the parts but put them back in their respective spots they go to.

I have been known to do the same kind of thing, then later I'm cursing myself to no end.  

 

Case an poin the 91 Loyale wagon that I pulled the engine on 2+ years ago, I am just hoping and praying that I can not only find all the parts but put them back in their respective spots they go to.

i dont like big projects either, i try to organize where all the bolts go but once its about 30 or more i just mix them all together and just try every bolt when im putting it back together, ofcourse im always left with a bolt or two and ask myself, where does this go? oh well lol