Does anyone know if there may be any way to tell if head gaskets have been done on a 2.5? Any external clues? Thanks.

Tabs of the HG actually stick out and are very easy to see. Just look where the heads and block meet, of course. Somewhere on the the net there are descriptions and pics of the differences between the original and updated gaskets. Given that info, it should be easy to tell.

 

If the HG job were done right, the heads would have been cleaned by the machine shop. If the heads are cleaner than the block, that is evidence that the HGs have been replaced (or at least that the heads have been off). Of course, they still may not be the latest version from Subaru.

Also look to see if the 12 point 14 mm head bolt heads are rounded at all. If a socket has been on them surely the heads have been off.

Good stuff, I'll be looking. Thanks.

If the HG job were done right, the heads would have been cleaned by the machine shop. .

problem is some of these head gasket replacements are getting 5, 6, 7 years old so it's hard to tell. and for some, particularly ones that failed early, it's likely mechanics or even Subaru just gasket slapped it and didn't do a complete head job on them...clean, valve job, hot tank...etc.