I'm trying to determine if the water pump on this 1998 Outback has been replaced already. It appears very clean looking and I can see a cork gasket with a bit of black sealant on it that was used for the water pump gasket.

 

This tells me the water pump was replaced since from the factory it should have had the metal gasket right? Did older Subaru's all have metal gaskets from the factory?

 

The car also had an aftermarket timing belt, so it was replaced at some point, although i'm still replacing that.

EA81s and EA82s had a paper gasket

Gary,

 

Based on what I see on 95-99 2.2 and 2.5's yes.

 

I also ALWAYS get one for the aftermarket metal pumps that I put on. IIR 3.85 at the dealer.

 

Dave

thanks Dave!

 

i always use the metal gaskets too.

I have a mid 98, Outback-original owner, just changed the WP & gasket. This is the 2nd one replaced which was a coated metallic gasket, used all OEM. The 1st one was done at the dealer, & that one was the same.