Engine in or Engine out?

[New GT]

I have been told that it is easier to replace the head gaskets with the engine out of the car. Anyone care to offer up their thoughts or opinions?

[green97gt]

its only what...

11 nuts/bolts?
a few hoses ?
and a dozen and a half(or so) connectors?

in my opinions it would be much easier to pull the motor out to to HGs., then you can do rear main, separator, front seals, etc.
as well as front seal on trans.

[danci1973]

Not so long ago I did this on my '99 BH 2.5 SOHC (first time ever I opened up any engine) and personally I can't imagine doing it inside the engine bay. Having the engine on the workbench was so much more comfortable too then bending over the engine all the time.

Maybe someone who has done it many times and has the appropriate tools, can do it, but if I were to do it again, I'd take the engine out.

D.

[Huffer]

Engine out. You can do a lot more while it's out besides just the HG.

Like CAMS. :twisted:

[jey]

Don't forget the clutch too!

[New GT]

Thanks for all of the input. I guess I will pull the engine. I don't think it needs a clutch, but I will check it while it is out. Anything else I should be looking for? I am not new to mechanics, far from it, I am ASE certified and work for a dealership, but I am new to Subaru's.

[ouch1011]

If the car has any oil leaks, pull the engine and fix the oil leaks at the same time. Otherwise, leave the engine in the car. People make a much bigger deal about doing the HGs in the car versus out of the car. Doing them in the car is significantly faster time wise versus pulling the engine, you just hsve to get stuff out of your way (battery, washer bottle, air intake, etc) and jack up the engine. Maybe 20 minutes of work max. Pulling the engine gives you better access to stuff but doesn't make the job any faster.


Engine out. You can do a lot more while it's out besides just the HG.

Like CAMS. :twisted:
Cams have to come out to do the HGs on the DOHC models, regardless of engine in or out. :)

[91Turbolegacy]

Deffinatly do it out, I did my hg with it in and all of the head bolts are a foot long and it's a bi*** to do it in the bay. Rocking the motor side to side is not fun.

[Benfolio]

Shoot, I did just VALVE COVER GASKETS with the motor in the car and it was a PITA.....

I was so glad to be able to do the HG's on my JDM motor sitting on the floor taking my sweet time. :smt015

[caffeine]

I've done it doth ways. Engine out FTW!!! It took a little longer to pull the motor and stuff...and I made more of a mess.

[New GT]

Well I decided to remove the engine. Took about an hour. Hardest part was getting the engine seperated from the trans. Next thing to do is teardown and order parts. I am going with Fel-Pro gaskets.

[MDLP412]

i took the heads and everything else off with the motor in. my back hurt, my hands are bruised, and i broke things trying to get them out. after standing there looking at just the block on the cradle i thought to my self, "i shoulda just pulled the damn motor". i did take everything out of the engine bay without opening the A/C, power steering, or fuel lines tho :lol:

[New GT]

I did not open the A/C or the P/S system either. I did disconnect the fuel lines though. I have been looking at the Ishino engine gasket sets. Has anyone used them and have any input? This job is much easier than head gaskets on a Duramax diesel.

[91Turbolegacy]

I would go O.E.M HG they're about 20.00 here . felpro maybe a bit more, I can't say much about felpro working well with subaru but the felpro on the mitsubishi 4g37 suck!

[New GT]

I ordered all of the parts yesterday. I ordered a timing belt/ water-pump kit that includes all of the idlers, the tensioner and cam seals. I ordered an OEM gasket kit, and a new rear cover that goes on the back of the engine and an antenna mast. It all ran about $500. The engine is torn apart waiting to be cleaned and checked for warpage.

[New GT]

Well I have the heads back on. Still waiting on some parts. Removed the clutch and flywheel and what did I find? I need a clutch. Oh well, more waiting on parts and more time without my ride.

[New GT]

Ok, I am finally done with my engine work. I replaced the head gaskets, timing belt and tensioner and idlers, cam seals, crank seal, rear plate, clutch, and the water pump. I drove it home yesterday, and now it is snowing today. Maybe some time for fun.

[MDLP412]

LMFAO at duramax head gaskets... never again :smt011