Hi all,

 

I'm a newbie and have been lurking the past few days...... anyways I just picked up an 89 GL 4x4 5 speed for $600.  I basically bought it sight unseen because it's a sweet old subaru and I'm looking for a winter project to work on.  This thing leaks a lot of oil and coolant so I figured I would pull the engine and redo the seals and gaskets etc... I am by no means a mechanic but I figured fixing up an old car would be a good way to learn.

 

Then I noticed this hole in what I believe is the cylinder head on the passenger side.  It's right next the exhaust pipe connection.  Do I need a new head?  or is this repairable?  I hate to get too involved in something that will end up being junked.

 

Thanks in advance!

Looks to me like the casting has broken away. There are a few ways to fix that since it appears to be an oil drain passage and would not be under pressure. The first would be to have it TIG welded. That will probably run a $100-$200 depending on the shop. Second would be to JB weld it shut if you have the head off and can clean it up inside and out. Last would be find a used head from someone here or at a PicknPull. Depending on shipping, it may be cheaper than welding.

I think that's normal. I just checked and those holes are on my heads too.

Great, you made me go out in the rain and look.... Yep, there's a hole there.

 

Scratch everything I said. DOH!

Edited October 19, 20169 yr by skishop69

That's a drain hole in the casting to allow water or other fluids to drain away from the spark plug concave's.

Those drain holes are way up on the front and rear sides of the heads.

The funny looking ones near the exhaust ports are just weird casting artifacts as far as I know.

Those drain holes are way up on the front and rear sides of the heads.

The funny looking ones near the exhaust ports are just weird casting artifacts as far as I know.

oops, I never did dump a little water on the head to make sure.

Normal holes. I have the same thing on my gl and freaked when I saw them. Everybody here said they're normal. Checked my other ea82 and it has them as well.

Well that is great news.  thanks everyone.

This is view of where that hole leads to.

 

Edited October 21, 20169 yr by TomRhere