I really HATE having to ask a question that the answer to should be found all over the place; I get the feeling that I really missed something obvious, but...

 

We recently bought a used 2000 Forester. I am entering it's info in at an auto parts website. The site is asking if the engine is an EJ251 or EJ252.

 

I have been to a multitude of website providing a mess (an alternate word for "multitude") of data, but not one of the idiot things has told me where I can find the identifier nor what the identifier would be! Yes, there is mention that the 252 (I think) was not sold in the US and one uses a MAF vs the other with a MAP and so on and so forth, and IF we got this thing new I would have confidence that yes, the entire vehicle was from the US, but as I am not certain and I have been burnt making presumptions like this in the past (Like my 1999 Nissan Quest that was built with parts from a 2000), can anyone tell me hoe I can be certain of my engine type???

 

Thanks guys, and nice to be a part of your community - I am certain I will be back asking for repair help!!!

 

-Bruce

 

P.S.: If there is no easy way by examining the engine, then taking a bit of a chance, the VIN is: 4S3BH6656Y7605943

there should be an ID tag on the driver side strut tower under the hood with the engine ID number.

 

i think the difference between the 251 and the 252 is the manual trans.

the manual trans version has a timing belt guide at the crank sprocket.

 

sorry i don't know which is which.

 

check out http://opposedforces.com/parts  for more info.

The 252 supposedly only came in the '00 and '01 legacy and outback cars.  It was never in the forester.  

 

Also, the 252 is basically identical as far as gaskets, etc... go to the 251 or 253.  There is very little difference.

Check the ID tag on the strut tower, or maybe on top of the header panel.

Also check the emissions label on the bottom of the hood.