Does anyone know which 2.5 engines (what years) have the valve/head gasket problems so ths I can try to avoid those in my use car search? TIA

Any phase I DOHC 2.5 have a potential (not a certainty) for internal headgasket problems.

 

Phase II SOHC 2.5 starting from 1999 in certain models up to 2002 have possible external coolant leaks. If the coolant additive was added by a Subaru dealer the warranty is to 100K on the phase II.

Any phase I DOHC 2.5 have a potential (not a certainty) for internal headgasket problems.

 

Phase II SOHC 2.5 starting from 1999 in certain models up to 2002 have possible external coolant leaks. If the coolant additive was added by a Subaru dealer the warranty is to 100K on the phase II.

 

is there an easy way to distinguish phase I from phase II,

engine code in VIN, something like that, i'm shopping too

For US vehicles, Phase II 2.5 L engines used in

 

-Foresters beginning in 1999.

-Legacies and Outbacks beginning in 2000

 

-not sure about other models

 

2.2 L engines are not prone to the same headgasket issues.

Does anyone know which 2.5 engines (what years) have the valve/head gasket problems so ths I can try to avoid those in my use car search? TIA

All have issues. It really is a hit or miss, my friends 98 (phase I) has 205k no issues, my fathers 03 (phase II) blew at 35k.

Phase I tend to be an internal leak, Phase II external.

When you are buying this is a great bargain chip, just keep a $1200 reserve on hand and if they blow you have the money, if not you are in the green.

<<For US vehicles, Phase I 2.5 L engines used in

 

-Foresters beginning in 1999.

-Legacies and Outbacks beginning in 2000

 

-not sure about other models

 

2.2 L engines are not prone to the same headgasket issues.>>

 

 

 

i think your years are a little off.

^^^^^^^^^^ He meant phase II....I believe

Thanks, I just made th edit. Sorry for the confusion.

is there an easy way to distinguish phase I from phase II,

engine code in VIN, something like that, i'm shopping too

The Phase I DOHC engines have spark plugs going in the heads through the center of the valve covers. The Phase II SOHC have the plugs going diagonally into the tops of the heads. The timing cover widens at the cylinder heads on the Phase I engines to acommodate the two cam gears, while the Phase II cover remains flat due to the single cam gear.

I agree with rweddy. If you find a nice subie and you can get it under market(my definition here would be market value minus $1,200 for the potential HG repair) pull the trigger. They are good cars and if you have to make the reapir then you do, if not store the green. I just bought one with a know HG that went at 150k and had the repair done. Hell, many other brands of cars are kaput at 150k.