EJ25 problems? head gasket/timing belt?

[Free98Legacy]

I am replacing my current EJ25 in my 98 legacy GT with a JDM EJ25. (i blew a valve) Though i would love to put in an EJ20t i dont have the time or money to do it.

My question is, what kind of problems did the EJ25 motor have, i thought i had read they have head gasket and timing belt issues just want to check this before i get the new motor. i want to replace and potential problems while the motor is out of the car.

Where can i buy these items also?

THANKS

[99SUS SFD]

Head gaskets were the biggest and timing belts are usually done around 100k. The head gasket repair job is cheap for the parts I believe, but the labor is what gets you.

[ProjectLGT97]

Head gaskets are not cheap nor are the head studs that need to be replaced when doing your head gaskets. I think my gaskets were around 300

[Free98Legacy]

i will have the eng out of the car so i think i can do the headgaskets. has there ever been a write up for it or has everyone just taken it in to have it done. how much are good head gaskets and what should i buy

[Huffer]

Just the HG is the biggest culprit of engine failure.

Replace the HGs, timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat, front seal, rear main seal, oil baffle plate (on back of engine) and valve cover gaskets.

I'm assuming that you have the entire engine out on a stand and can do this without any issues...

[Free98Legacy]

is there a site on the web i can find head gaskets? do i go with graphite or what?

[Huffer]

OEM head gaskets. Just make sure you ask for the newest version from the dealer.

www.subarpartsforyou.com (http://www.subarpartsforyou.com)
www.allsubaru.com (http://www.allsubaru.com)
www.subaruparts.com (http://www.subaruparts.com)

etc
etc

I think Grimmspeed also sells HG's, they make some decent products.

[Free98Legacy]

THANKS HUFFER, i was reading that the subaru parts were good now but i was thinking, wasnt it a subaru part that has given everyone so much trouble.

I always liked OEM though.

[d1giPhux]

Do you have the factory service manual? If not.. feel free to download it out of my sig! good luck!

also i would recommend:

http://www.cheapestpartsonline.com/

I have bought from them before.. great customer service.. and the best price i could find! Your best bet is to get the parts number from subaru.. then find it on their site or email them with the parts number and get a price quote.. thats how i did it. I bought the whole engine re-seal kit...

[Huffer]

THANKS HUFFER, i was reading that the subaru parts were good now but i was thinking, wasnt it a subaru part that has given everyone so much trouble.

I always liked OEM though.

The original HG wasn't designed well. They changed the design as a result. New HGs don't have the failure.

[Free98Legacy]

That is a great site 'cheapestpartsonline.com' they are cheaper. not by much but with my overall saving it should cover the shipping. Thanks for all the input.

[decke48]

Just the HG is the biggest culprit of engine failure.

Replace the HGs, timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat, front seal, rear main seal, oil baffle plate (on back of engine) and valve cover gaskets.

I'm assuming that you have the entire engine out on a stand and can do this without any issues...
to add to the list. some of the jdm 2.5 had problems with the oil pumps my95-96 after 100km so if you in there i would replace it too with the o-ring and some good rtv. also the head bolts are stretching type bolts so you want to replace them there $11~15 each

[98BG5GT]

I found that using a top mounted support to lift the tranny made pulling the engine out easier than lifting underneath with a jack.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP2016-1.jpghtthttp://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq40/98BG5GT/IMGP2006.jpgp://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq40/98BG5GT/IMGP2024.jpg

Bad head gasket
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP17621-1.jpg

Newer design head gasket
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1757-1.jpg

Check for head warpage
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1768-1.jpg

Replace those seals
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/OilSeparatorplate-1.jpg

Label your parts for easier re-install
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1756-1.jpg

Almost done
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1998-1.jpg

To be continued

[Free98Legacy]

OK so now im looking to replace all those things, cant find the front main seal on any of those sites. and what head bolts should i get just factory replacements. also cant find intake and exhaust manifold gaskets. can someone help me find these items

Does anyone know if the JDM motors were any different. with head gaskets and internal components. how are they better or worse?

[decke48]

dealership is the best place to pick up all those parts.

[1-3-2-4]

I found that using a top mounted support to lift the tranny made pulling the engine out easier than lifting underneath with a jack.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP2016-1.jpghttps://sl-i.net/FORUM/p://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq40/98BG5GT/IMGP2024.jpg[/IMG]

Bad head gasket
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP17621-1.jpg

Newer design head gasket
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1757-1.jpg

Check for head warpage
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1768-1.jpg

Replace those seals
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/OilSeparatorplate-1.jpg

Label your parts for easier re-install
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1756-1.jpg

Almost done
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/IMGP1998-1.jpg

To be continued


what is the best way to check for head warpage?

also for just lifting the engine out would a engine load leveler be needed?

also how much do dealers charge for the HG?

[decke48]

straight edge, and feeler gauge
no need for a engine leverer when taking out. do make things easier when going back in but you dont need
9.6 hrs base for both side hg so 9.6hr x $80hr = ~$768 for just labor

[Grafton]

what is the best way to check for head warpage?

also for just lifting the engine out would a engine load leveler be needed?

also how much do dealers charge for the HG?
load leveler makes life easier, also you don't need to remove the hood, there is a spot on the pass said strut tower for the prop rod to go in to hold the hood strait up

just take out the prop put the normal top into the strut tower holder and the bottom of the prop into the normal spot in the hood

[1-3-2-4]

what is the best way to check for head warpage?

also for just lifting the engine out would a engine load leveler be needed?

also how much do dealers charge for the HG?
load leveler makes life easier, also you don't need to remove the hood, there is a spot on the pass said strut tower for the prop rod to go in to hold the hood strait up

just take out the prop put the normal top into the strut tower holder and the bottom of the prop into the normal spot in the hood


yeah I know about the hood thing my 95 impreza had the same hood prop and hole to stand the hood up.. but be warned a gust of wind almost had the hood fall back down on me when I was bending down doing the plugs. :smt021

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Have you purchased your JDM EJ25 yet? And/or are the gaskets, etc. you've purchased already returnable?

www.risingsunengines.com (http://www.risingsunengines.com) sell JDM engines out of Chico, CA. I am going through them as I am replacing mine with JDM as well. They charge $1595 base for a bench hot run tested engine, but for $1995 they will also replace all the gaskets, timing components, water pump, seals, etc. that are potentially faulty.

I only had to purchase new intake and exhaust gaskets on the side, and I chose to replace my other belts and hoses along with it.

They ship for pretty cheap as well, it ranges from $85 in CA (they're actually delivering mine for free :smt023 ) to $195 for the far northern or southern east coast.

hellaGT also purchased a JDM engine from them, and has been very satisfied with both the product and their customer service, and I have been as well.

Just some food for thought.