Maybe I have the cracked head for asking but... recently my 1989 4wd GL had a cracked head (determined by local trustworthy subaru only shop). Now I am thinking with 287,000 miles would it be wise to put used heads on both sides? Would this be too much compression for the rings of the engine with that many miles? I love driving it but ....$$$$$ worth it? I had the sube shop put in a new clutch August 07, and a timing belt water pump etc. Jun 07.

I don't see the problem with just replacing the one head, but if you had two, replace them both. But then, look into the things like: How much is this car worth to you? How much is the work going to cost you? Can you do the work yourself, you probably could. How much is a less mileage car on Craigslist?

 

If you replace one head, make sure to replace both head gaskets though.

im' assuming this is a GL wagon (EA82) and not a GL hatch (EA81)? different motors.

 

why was the head pulled to begin with?

 

where is the crack? if it's in the exhaust ports the head is junk. if it's between the valve seats just reuse the heads. almost all EA82 heads have cracks between the valve seats and for these engines that is fine. you can have it pressure tested too, that only runs $40 around my area.

 

these older cars are really cheap and easy to find for sale, but with all the timing belt goodies and new clutch it'll be hard to find one with those major maintenance items up to snuff.

there was a machine shop around my area that had a set of rebuilt heads for a ea82 for i think like $70 ill ask them if they still have them if your interested

im' assuming this is a GL wagon (EA82) and not a GL hatch (EA81)? different motors.

 

why was the head pulled to begin with?

 

where is the crack? if it's in the exhaust ports the head is junk. if it's between the valve seats just reuse the heads. almost all EA82 heads have cracks between the valve seats and for these engines that is fine. you can have it pressure tested too, that only runs $40 around my area.

 

these older cars are really cheap and easy to find for sale, but with all the timing belt goodies and new clutch it'll be hard to find one with those major maintenance items up to snuff.

 

 

Thanks for the advise.. The car is a 1989 4 door non-station wagon. 5 spd. I really don't know which engine that would be.

 

I'll start checking with Craigslist.

there was a machine shop around my area that had a set of rebuilt heads for a ea82 for i think like $70 ill ask them if they still have them if your interested

 

Oh heck yeah. If I can get them for that price, it would be worth putting on both heads.

 

My engine is one of those EA82 type.

 

Computer huh? My oldest son works at the 800 lb gorilla. 8 yrs.

 

Chuck

 

Burien

i'm getting my heads welded up today. its costing me 228. :-\ i figure its worth the peace of mind.

i'm getting my heads welded up today. its costing me 228. :-\ i figure its worth the peace of mind.

 

Wow, they are gouging. I paid 60 per head for mine. That was from a good ole boy in Wisconsin. Hope that price includes all the cleaning and a resurface.

its for welding the crack, a pressure check. Milling both heads, hot tanking, and to re pressure check after they weld the heads. both of my heads had exaust cracks in them

Unless it's a turbo, I highly doubt you have a cracked head. Extremely uncommon.

 

GD

its for welding the crack, a pressure check. Milling both heads, hot tanking, and to re pressure check after they weld the heads. both of my heads had exaust cracks in them

 

223 for all that on both heads is pretty good.

 

 

Daddy's Soob. If the cracks are between the valves on the heads, then there is no need to replace them. Those cracks are fine. Subaru has issued bulletins saying so. IUn fact, I've never seen a set of EA82 heads that didn't have a crack between valves on at least one cylinder.

 

Save you're money and run them.

yea its not too pricey, i would personally run the heads if the only cracks are BTVs it doesnt seem to be that big of a deal.....