Aces Full Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Since I purchased my DL the head gasket has leaked a little oil. I've never noticed oil in the coolant or visa versa, thankfully. So far I've been keeping and eye on the oil level and adding a little here and there. I was curious if replacing a head gasket was a difficult task with the engine inplace. I've got some mechanical experience and am positive that I could with full access to the engine. I haven't done much with the 1.8L and not too familair with it, yet. Has anyone replaced the head gasket without pulling the engine? If so, how diffucult is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 EA81 or EA82? What year, Model? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aces Full Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 Sorry, I'm not sure about the EA81 EA82. I'm new to the Subaru community. When I get a chance I'll see if I can find out on that. It is an '89 DL and I think it's part of the 1800 series? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Sorry, I'm not sure about the EA81 EA82. I'm new to the Subaru community. When I get a chance I'll see if I can find out on that. It is an '89 DL and I think it's part of the 1800 series? The *model* is actually "L-series", GL and DL are trim versions, not models. The *1800* series moniker is a designation given by the Chiltons/Haynes people and parts suppliers. It is a terrible designation because there were 2 totally different chassis and engines that were *1800* in the US. there were, 2 1800 engines used. the EA81 is found in 81-84 wagons, 81-87? brat, and in 83-89 Hatchbacks(4wd) Pushrod motor, not a big headgaskets eater. The EA81 body dates back to the styling of the early 80's the EA82 is found in 85-94 sedans, coupes, wagons, and XT. Boxier bodies, bigger, looks like a Loyale. This is likely what you have. Again DL and GL were trim versions, not different models You can replace the headgaskets in the car, but it is way easier out of the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aces Full Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 Thanks for straightening me out on my car! I appreciate it! That will help out a lot when it comes to ordering parts. I'll take another look, but I may try this without pulling the motor. (I don't have enough room and the correct equipment/knowledge to try that, yet) Other than the basic concerns when opening up an engine, is there anything I especially need to be concerned with for this procedure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 When you remove the Camshaft cases, the rockers will all want to fall on the ground. Be ready to catch them, try to keep them in order. To hold them on during reassembly, use a big glob of grease to *glue* them to the lash adjusters they pivot on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7point62fmj Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 This is one of those topics that the search button works realy good for. There is A LOT of info on doing this if you look for it. A simpler way to know if you have a ea81 or ea82 is this. do you have a timeing belt.. no means ea81 yes means ea82. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 but I may try this without pulling the motor. they are easy in the car. if you have a bad back or are in bad shape then doing them in the car is annoying. otherwise pulling the engine is a complete waste of time for an EA82 anyway. i've done a bunch in the car (essentially in the middle of one right now). one thing that makes this job much quicker is air tools and a 10mm wratcheting wrench. get that 10mm wrench for the valve cover bolts. after that everything is easily accessible. air tools just make getting the bolts out quicker and can spead up cleaning the head bolt holes. there's lots of tips and tricks on here, do some reading if you don't like fumbling thhrough something your first time. use Fel-Pro Permatorque Headgaskets only for this engine. Otherwise you'll need to retorque the head bolts which is really annoying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now