So in short this is a road trip thread, and a thank you to all the forum members who have helped me  keep this car alive, and prepare for this trip. 

 

She has gone from Montana to Arkansas to kentucky, To california, then to Washington, and most recently  from washington to Alaska! 

 

Please note I only got pictures from Cali to Alaska , and neglected to take pictures from Cali to to wash while in my 98, ( this bit to address the trolls and knit pickers) 

 

Again. Thanks to all for the help I have been given keeping this car alive,

 

 

Lots of mountains and snow. 

end of BC, the Yukon  and first bit of AK

Last little bit of Alaska from my trip. 

Just for fun Update, Tried the same trip with my 98 / ej25, ended in head gasket failure and a u haul tow into Alaska :0P  If anyone lurking has a end all Brand for the 2.5 l  I would be thankful to know the brand so as to avoid this job a second time ( My old plans for ej22  swap may be off due to cost of getting good JDM shipped up here)

Edited April 6, 20169 yr by legacy93wagon

Enjoyed your pixs from trip to Alaska. With the 4 spare tires/wheels, CB antenna on roof, and small trailer totally filled up, you looked very prepared to take on Alaska, and the rest of the world. With the bullet proof 2.2 motor in your '93, you could be assured the Subie would get there and back.

 

On the other hand the '98 comes inherent with the 2.5 with bad head gasket issue. However, if the HGs, are swapped out before over heating damages the motor, it can be a very reliable motor. I was fortunate enough to do just that, and with 233K miles on the odo, my 2.5 is running strong and reliable after swapping out HGs at about 190K miles. Would recommend using Subaru OEM replacement head gaskets. Subaru has improved the HG design for better reliability over the years.

evidently, proper prep of the head surface helps a lot. Milling or 'lapping' on plate glass.

 

here's some info from fel-pro (of course, they want to sell you their gasket) about failures; http://www.felpro-only.com/blog/sealing-subaru-2-5l-engines/

Enjoyed your pixs from trip to Alaska. With the 4 spare tires/wheels, CB antenna on roof, and small trailer totally filled up, you looked very prepared to take on Alaska, and the rest of the world. With the bullet proof 2.2 motor in your '93, you could be assured the Subie would get there and back.

 

On the other hand the '98 comes inherent with the 2.5 with bad head gasket issue. However, if the HGs, are swapped out before over heating damages the motor, it can be a very reliable motor. I was fortunate enough to do just that, and with 233K miles on the odo, my 2.5 is running strong and reliable after swapping out HGs at about 190K miles. Would recommend using Subaru OEM replacement head gaskets. Subaru has improved the HG design for better reliability over the years.

 

 

evidently, proper prep of the head surface helps a lot. Milling or 'lapping' on plate glass.

 

here's some info from fel-pro (of course, they want to sell you their gasket) about failures; http://www.felpro-only.com/blog/sealing-subaru-2-5l-engines/

 

Don't have a place to work yet, and in break up there is nothing but mud and ice. So bit the bullet and took it to a locally recommended subaru mechanic. $1700 later I have it back but smell coolant burning on the 50mile drive home :0/  will keep you all updated.  

 

Also have some awesome Northern light photos to share when my card reader comes in the mail :0D 

 sometimes the initial burning is just residual fluids burning off from tear down - ATF, oil, and coolant can all drip down in the exhaust.  that should subside pretty soon after the initial drive though.