The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

I have an EA82 MPFI with a blown head gasket. Mechanics are quoting me upwards of $1000 to fix it. I was intending to replace just the blown side (determining by compression test) and not replacing the timing belt (as I have just replaced them less than 10 000km ago). As far as I can see from the manual , I should be able to remove the cam case off the head and just be careful with the removal of the rockers and the lash adjusters, so they can be put back in the same order. I was going to get the head crack tested and faced and then just put it all back together. I am assuming there is no need for any rocker adjustment or setting as the lash adjusters take care of that. Is this right?

Can anyone see any flaws in this procedure or anything to look out for?

Most mechanics I spoke said they would replace both head gaskets as well as the timing belts. Do I really need to?

I just think I can do it myself I lot cheaper. If I was going to spend $1000 I'd prefer to put a EA82T in it. The motor still goes really well (even with a blown head gasket) and it seems a shame to trash it.

Any comments much appreciated.

Cheers

Hey Subidoo,

You'd be fine to replace just the blown head gasket. If you were to get the head shaved i'd be doing both at the same time.

No lash adjustment is needed, the lifters do all that for you.

Cam belts: keep them clean and you'll be right.

Sorry, this is short and sweet, about to be kicked out by security (uni computer lab...)

Cheers

nah timing belt will be right (treat it nice dont kink it or scratch it badly etc) and so will valve clearances
cept after the lifters shallbe noisy for awhile until they pump back up properly
but yer jsut do the blown side if u want unless ur taking the motor out then so much easier to do both at same time

compression test may not tell u which side is actuall blown (not to accurately neway)
may be blowing between chamber and coolant gallerys but wont loose much compression i wuldnt think (dependin how bad)
if its blown between say oil and coolant gallerys then i dont no hwo u wuld exactly determine that

if it was only running on 3 as a result of head gasket then yes u culd tell easily but not if its still running on 4

and yes get the heads pressure tested and machined when its off (could be bent so it wuld just blow the next gasket etc) maybe valve stem seals at same time camshaft bearings or wteva i havent seen the heads on these so dont no how there set up

neway do wt u want but sorry bout the novel im sure ppl will say different stuff to wt i have

For the cost of the VRS kit (Around $75 when i brought mine recently), i would do both sides, as if one has gone, the other is about to. Cam belt will be fine just be carefully with them, as everyone has said. Also it possibly easier and maybe quicker to pull the engine out to do it.. That's my 2 cents worth....

Matt wrote: VRS kit (Around $75 when i brought minerecently).

sorry for my ignorance - a VRS kit?

Valve Regrind set . Top end overhaul gaskets and seal kit . Its a pain but to do it properly the rocker gear and cam/carrier plate need to be removed to retorque the head bolts after its first heatup/cool down cycle .

As discopotato03 said Valve Regrind Set. You would also want front main seal, cam seals, you might as well do them will you are in there for the $5ish each.