Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Friday March 29, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Subaru Models > Legacy Forum

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-07-2010, 01:21 PM   #1
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Question Long term reliability of rebuilt Phase 1 2.5L engine

I found a nice looking Legacy LSI wagon with a blown head gasket for sale. Body is pretty clean for a rust belt Subaru. It also needs some brakes, but the price I'm getting it for, it's not bad.

I plan on buying the car, yanking the engine and rebuilding it and using it as a commuter car and nothing more.

If the engine is rebuilt with the new gaskets and parts, should I expect to have to redo the gaskets every 100k or so? Or should I ever have to worry doing them again at all?

What has your experience been like with rebuilding these engines and how have they lasted (head gaskets in particular) after a rebuild? I don't plan on doing anything with this car other than driving it to work.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 05-07-2010, 02:10 PM   #2
snowone
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 6035
Join Date: Apr 2001
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: PNW!
Vehicle:
05 92-X Saabaru
87 VW Westfalia

Default

results may vary... my 99 2.5gt EJ25 has had head gaskets done twice, once at approx 75k, and again last Spring at approx. 145k. Reliable yes, motor strong as ever YES, use newer replacement part HG HELL YES. Smart Service here in Seattle has done all of this work on my car and I'd recommend having a look at Mike's article(s) for a point of reference.
snowone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2010, 04:28 PM   #3
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

I'll have the car Monday night. I went and looked at it and drove it. Overall it's pretty solid and the leather interior looks and feels nice. It'll need brakes and some struts, but those are pretty easy to do.

The car runs fine and hasn't overheated before and just got a tuneup, which included a new timing belt. It didn't say if they did the tensionors or not.

Should I just replace all of it when I do the head gaskets? Is there anybody who sells a full rebuild kit for the phase 1 EJ 25?

Anybody have any recommendations for struts besides something like a Monroe Sensatrac? This is just a daily driver.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2010, 06:36 PM   #4
jamal
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 71875
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Montana
Default

once you put in mls gaskets you shouldn't have an issue. My rebuild(s) is pretty well documented on legacycentral
jamal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2010, 06:39 PM   #5
Jonathan
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 4021
Join Date: Feb 2001
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Natick, MA USA
Vehicle:
1999 Legacy GT Ltd
Quick Silver Metallic

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by grzydj View Post
Does anyone have any recommendations for struts besides something like a Monroe Sensatrac? This is just a daily driver.
KYB GR2's are fine.
Jonathan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2010, 05:50 PM   #6
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jamal View Post
once you put in mls gaskets you shouldn't have an issue. My rebuild(s) is pretty well documented on legacycentral
Is there a particular brand that works best? Which ones did you buy? I couldn't find any part numbers in your rebuild thread
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2010, 06:13 PM   #7
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

Finally got a picture taken with my crappy cell phone.

The only bit of rust is on the driver side rear quarter, which I swear I see on every single one of these. I've fixed much worse on my 4Runner, so this one shouldn't be a problem.

grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2010, 07:06 PM   #8
jamal
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 71875
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Montana
Default

OEM everything. I have quite a few part numbers in a spreadsheet, but just going to a dealer or ordering online with your vin will get you the right parts.
jamal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2010, 03:37 PM   #9
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

This is what I got back from GenuineSubaruparts.com



They said they can't verify it until I get my VIN over to them, but it looks pretty good for less than $275 bucks.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2010, 03:42 PM   #10
jamal
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 71875
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Montana
Default

if those are the headgaskets that come in the kit you don't want it.

11044aa610 are the updated headgaskets.

ha I actually knew that off the top of my head.

Additionally you don't need most of those other gaskets since a lot of them are used to put the case together. For just headgaskets you want:

valve cover gaskets - 13270AA082/13272AA082
spark plug gaskets - 13293AA051 (4)
valve cover grommets -13271AA051 (16)
half-moon seals - 11051AA070 (4)
cam seals - 806732150 (4)
intake manifold gaskets - 14035AA281 (2)

There's other stuff you can replace if you want, but those are the basic items.

Last edited by jamal; 05-11-2010 at 03:50 PM.
jamal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2010, 03:52 PM   #11
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

Thanks for the input Jamal. I might end up going to my local Subaru dealer and getting the parts from them. I might end up doing the oil pan while I have the engine out. Other than that, should be good to go.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2010, 03:57 PM   #12
jamal
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 71875
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Montana
Default

You will save quite a bit of money if you call/e-mail/pm subarugenuineparts with a list of the part numbers you need.

Timing belt, tensioner, idlers, water pump would also be good things to replace while it's apart, and there are some washers you'll need if you plan to take off the oil pan.
jamal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2010, 10:35 AM   #13
Tessai
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 214184
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Vehicle:
1999 Legacy Outback
White

Default

Jamal's list forgot Exhaust Manifold Gaskets (2). The way I see it, if you've got the engine apart anyway you might as well replace everything.

The only factory/OEM part I used in my head gasket rebuild was the headgaskets themselves. The rest of the gaskets I got through rockauto.com. I'm still reinstalling the engine so I can't speak for the longevity of non-oem parts. This is also the first time I've seen the timing belt tensioners being recommended to be replaced - I reused mine and the car has 130k on the clock.

Again, I'm just stating what *I* did and I have not yet even fired up this engine, let alone seen how long it will last. If you're doing all OEM this could be an interesting comparisson.
Tessai is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2010, 12:30 PM   #14
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tessai View Post
Jamal's list forgot Exhaust Manifold Gaskets (2). The way I see it, if you've got the engine apart anyway you might as well replace everything.

The only factory/OEM part I used in my head gasket rebuild was the headgaskets themselves. The rest of the gaskets I got through rockauto.com. I'm still reinstalling the engine so I can't speak for the longevity of non-oem parts. This is also the first time I've seen the timing belt tensioners being recommended to be replaced - I reused mine and the car has 130k on the clock.

Again, I'm just stating what *I* did and I have not yet even fired up this engine, let alone seen how long it will last. If you're doing all OEM this could be an interesting comparisson.
I'm doing a bit factory stealership parts, but most of it will be from rockauto, whom I have had good luck with in the past.

I can't find a damn oil pump for some reason. The same thing happened when I rebuilt the 22RE in my Toyota. Does rockauto not carry oil pumps for a reason?


EDIT: Subie Gal cleared everything up for me. Kit does include the newest style gaskets.

Last edited by grzydj; 05-12-2010 at 04:17 PM.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2010, 04:29 PM   #15
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

Rebuild kit and new oil pump is on the way. Now I just need to source an alternator. I might just get a reman through rock auto when I order my calipers, struts and pads with them.

It's been fun working on the car. I went through and used 3 cans of Tuff Stuff and a Bissel Green Clean Machine on the interior and it looks nearly brand new. I don't think this car had ever been washed before, inside or out!

The stock wheels are a bit pitted. I think I'm going to get another set of 15 inch wheels and run these shod with winter tires and put these brand new Coopers on some wheels in better shape for the warmer months. Hitch will be installed this week too.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-17-2010, 10:21 AM   #16
Tessai
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 214184
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Vehicle:
1999 Legacy Outback
White

Default

Heh, I needed a new alternator as well. No idea on the oil pump, but I have noticed a few parts that they don't sell. Exhaust studs, for one. All but one of my exhaust studs broke off when I was uninstalling my engine. Give yours a good soaking in PB blaster before you have at it if they look even slightly rusty.

Do you have a discount code from rockauto? I've got the generic free-to-share 5% code somewhere in my email if you haven't placed that order yet and need it.
Tessai is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-17-2010, 11:58 AM   #17
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

I hadn't thought of that, so I'll get some exhaust manifold studs on order too. Thanks. The alternator that's on the car is the original and it works fine, but should probably be replaced along with the water pump etc. I ordered the oil pump from Genuinesubaruparts with the rest of my order.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2010, 04:36 PM   #18
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

I went to open my sunroof yesterday and found that it didn't work. The switch seems to work as I can hear the motor engage, but it appears to be jammed on the right side of the track or something. The window starts to slide, but only on the left side of the track. Has anybody worked on these before? How does the motor actuate and how is the glass pushed or pulled?
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2010, 05:32 PM   #19
jamal
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 71875
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Montana
Default

mine's the same way and I haven't bothered to try to fix it yet.

From what I've gathered, the track is messed up and the entire assembly probably needs to be replaced. A friend of mine is a dealership mechanic who says he's tried to fix a few and it didn't work very well.
jamal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2010, 10:52 AM   #20
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

How long do struts typically take to do on these? I'm going to replace the calipers, rotors and pads while I'm in there, on all 4 corners. Think it can be done in a half a day or so?
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2010, 08:18 AM   #21
ReubenH
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 172522
Join Date: Feb 2008
Chapter/Region: International
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Vehicle:
1998 Legacy GTB Ltd.
Black

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by grzydj View Post
Long term reliability of rebuilt Phase 1 2.5L engine
These 2 phrases don't work together sorry.
ReubenH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2010, 08:54 AM   #22
Jonathan
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 4021
Join Date: Feb 2001
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Natick, MA USA
Vehicle:
1999 Legacy GT Ltd
Quick Silver Metallic

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by grzydj View Post
Finally got a picture taken with my crappy cell phone.

The only bit of rust is on the driver side rear quarter, which I swear I see on every single one of these. I've fixed much worse on my 4Runner, so this one shouldn't be a problem.

What year Legacy is this ???

Might it be a pre-1996 2.2 Liter LSi ?
Jonathan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2010, 08:58 AM   #23
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan View Post
What year Legacy is this ???

Might it be a pre-1996 2.2 Liter LSi ?
It's a 1996. It does have the 2.5 DOHC. I've checked myself
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2010, 09:55 AM   #24
grzydj
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 84984
Join Date: Apr 2005
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i 5D
'04 Toyota Tacoma TRD

Default

I redid the entire braking system this weekend. New calipers, rotors and pads up front and in the back. Turns out the rears weren't working at all as everything was seized up.

Worst rotors I've ever seen:



The front struts were pretty easy, but I couldn't get the rears out. I had the car on 4 jack stands, but I couldn't get the proper angle to pull the rears out.

I'm going to try again on Thursday.
grzydj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2010, 04:29 PM   #25
GTWagon_Phreak
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 95645
Join Date: Sep 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Raleigh, NC
Vehicle:
2006 LGT Stg2 5MT
97 LegacyGT Wagon 4EAT

Default

Proper angle to pull the rears out? Don't you just unbolt top & bottom and they drop out?
GTWagon_Phreak is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Long-term reliability of WRX rear diff shemoves Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline 10 08-17-2007 06:49 PM
phase 1, 2.5L crankshaft nabpatte Private 'Wanted' Classifieds 0 01-09-2007 02:41 PM
Size of oil drain plug 2.5L engine goobie Normally Aspirated Powertrain 2 07-29-2003 11:16 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.