You’re doing some good work here!
Man, if I had a garage, I’d love to learn how to work on a Subaru. Boxer engines seem fun to mess with. I know some people complain about how much you have to take apart just to fix things, but if you have the right tools, I bet it’s a blast every time.
@Bayley
I learned most of what I know about cars from working on Subarus. Some models are basically like Legos—parts from different years just fit together. If you have a good set of basic tools, they’re actually not that bad to work on. And parts are cheap if you stick to solid aftermarket ones. Been into them since I was a kid—Travis Pastrana got me hooked when he started rally racing. Subarus are awesome.
Glad to see this Outback getting a second chance!
I hated getting rid of my 2003. It had 220,000 miles and ran fine, but the frame was rotted out from New England winters. My mechanic showed me how bad it was, and I had no choice. The engine still had life, but the body just couldn’t keep up.
How are you planning to clean up the block decks before putting the heads back on?
Ellis said:
How are you planning to clean up the block decks before putting the heads back on?
Same as always—razor blade, patience, and a sore back!
Ellis said:
How are you planning to clean up the block decks before putting the heads back on?
Same as always—razor blade, patience, and a sore back!
Ellis said:
How are you planning to clean up the block decks before putting the heads back on?
Same as always—razor blade, patience, and a sore back!
Subaru actually allows the white bristle Roloc discs for that. I still go easy with them, but they do the job well.
Ellis said:
How are you planning to clean up the block decks before putting the heads back on?
Paper towel like a normal person, obviously. lol
Ellis said:
How are you planning to clean up the block decks before putting the heads back on?
Paper towel like a normal person, obviously. lol
And a little Windex for good measure? lol
Props to you for keeping this one on the road.
Pulling an engine apart… that’s some dark magic.
Abi said:
Pulling an engine apart… that’s some dark magic.
Honestly, it’s not too bad if you unbolt the three motor mounts. Lifting the engine just a little gives you way more space to work with.
My grandma had one just like that!
How’s the rear subframe looking?
Murphy said:
How’s the rear subframe looking?
Pretty much rust-free except for a small spot on the rear wheel well, but nothing structural.
For a second, I thought this was my car! I’ve been driving mine for almost 20 years. Rebuilt the EJ25D about 10 years ago because it was burning oil like crazy. It finally gave out last year, so I swapped in a low-mileage EJ22E—hoping to get another decade out of it!
Nice save! You must know a CV axle replacement is cheap and quick, but I respect you for doing the head gasket without pulling the engine. If it’s not a rust bucket, it should last you a long time.