So after about a year of being out of the loyale game, I picked up another one! 

 

I am planning on pulling the engine and pretty much doing a reseal of the engine, as well as many other things while its out. My main question is if the head gaskets are not already blown is it a good idea to change them, or will it be not worth it? I've never done a head gasket before and am wondering if its more trouble than its worth if it is still holding fine. 

 

Are there any other seals that I should just avoid if they are still holding strong?

 

Thanks,

Kyle

I'd run it until the oil leaks get bad enough to annoy me, or they begin to fail.

 

There are a lot of threads on here with advice on what to watch for to know when it's time. And how to deal with the bolts, which are most likely pretty sticky.

I would drive it a bit first and see how it drives/leaks before making any decision.

 

You're pulling an engine to replace a few gaskets/seals, but not the headgaskets?

 

I wouldn't replace headgaskets preemptively on EA82's - they don't leak very often if they've never been overheated - though that fact is probably nearly impossible to prove/disprove on most EA82's with hold old they are now.

 

I'll evendo EA82 headgaskets in the vehicle - they're so small and easy to do, it's not even worth pulling when I can have one EA82 head off quicker than than the engine pulled.  Without air tools or with a bad back that's less desirable. 

I have driven it a little bit and the car seems to have a hesitation/ or stall when it is cold. I'll need to do some more testing to be sure.

As far as leaks go it is apparent that it leaks quite a bit of oil. A lot seems to be coming from one of the valve covers.

 

I should say that this really is a project car for me. I am really okay with letting it sit un-drivable for several months while I really build it up to make it very reliable. I have the time and a steady enough income to be able to get parts for it. In the end I would like the engine to be in really good shape, and most importantly very reliable. 

 

Hopefully before the summer this thing will be one badass battlewagon!

Typical oil leak points:

Cam cover seals
Cam shaft seals

O ring for the small piece the cam seal presses into.

There is an o ring for the oil channel to the camshaft & lash adjusters between the head and the cam carrier.

Oil pump seals and orings

front main sometimes, not as common as the above.

I have driven it a little bit and the car seems to have a hesitation/ or stall when it is cold. I'll need to do some more testing to be sure.

As far as leaks go it is apparent that it leaks quite a bit of oil. A lot seems to be coming from one of the valve covers.

 

Be really, really careful tightening those valve cover bolts back up. 

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/160895-managed-to-bust-out-part-of-the-casting-on-the-cam-tower-not-sure-whether-to-replace-or-repair/

Edited November 26, 20169 yr by DeltaWye

I'll take my time and be extra careful. 

Has anyone heard of DNJ engine components for gaskets. I was thinking about just buying an entire gasket set to save some money, unless buying them individually would be preferred?

 

https://www.amazon.com/DNJ-Engine-Components-FGS7026-Gasket/dp/B00TLG5SI8/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Subaru%7C13&Model=GL%7C59&Year=1988%7C1988&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive

Edited November 26, 20169 yr by samisunjp

Fel Pro or oem for headgaskets. Oem only for intake gaskets. I've only used Fel Pro kits. The oem intake gaskets are a must.