Subaru head gasket and timing belt questions

[Fastass350]

While in Denver the past couple days, we found a good deal on a 2005 outback legacy for the daughter. 98k miles and 5 speed with leather and most all the options. Only down side is the head gaskets and timing belt haven't been done. I'm very mechanical but not familiar with these things, but I want to do it myself. Any input from the pros? It's a 2.5 non turbo.

Thanks
Chris

[lokidog]

Timing belt is spendy as I'm pretty sure they have to pull the motor and head gasket seems to be a common problem.

[SniperDanWA]

Chris,
I’m mechanical and do a lot of service on my Subarus, but I deferred to the shop on the timing belt.  I have the book, but chose to have it done for warranty purposes.  That said, I never follow the book for suggested times/miles.  I didn’t do the timing belt on my 2000 Subaru until it reached 120k miles.  At that point, I did the 100k service.

I don’t recall having to pull the motor for mine, but I do remember it was far more complicated than my Chevy and Ford replacements.  It’s a tight space too.  My $.02

[Fl0und3rz]

We had our timing belt done at coach's shop when he was in N. Seattle, now in Monroe, I believe.  Don't know if he changed the name, but at the time, his shop was called Automotive, Inc., IIRC.  I would pay to have him do it again.

I probably wouldn't touch head gaskets, unless it calls for it, but we had ours go at about the same mileage on a 2005 Forester.

[robodad]

Anyone with the right tools and 2 brain cells can do that job in just a couple days, I've done 3 of them and it's not that complicated it's just a different set up then most engines (Boxer engine) so it's not familiar but it's not that difficult to do it yourself. Get a book and watch YouTube if you get stuck there are plenty of videos on there. Make sure to have the heads re surfaced before you re-install them and use quality gaskets, also use some kind of sealer around the valve cover gaskets or they will leak. The other thing I did was get a set of washers to put under the valve cover bolts just to give it a little more sealing pressure since they are shoulder bolts you don't get to re-tighten them after.
Good luck you'll be fine it's not difficult just follow procedure !!

[dewandgin]

Done a ton of these. If you are mechanically inclined it will not be much of a issue.
Two ways to do them either in the vehicle or with the engine removed. I have done both ways and there is pros and cons to both. If I am in a hurry I do them in the car. I know alot of people use this and that and silicone here and there but I put them back together with Subaru gaskets (buy a engine gasket kit either online or at a Subaru dealer ) and take your time and you will be fine. If you have any questions just shoot me a PM and I can walk you through it.
BTW if you do decide to remove the engine (1 hr Job)  a 16 gal gear oil barrel makes a awesome engine stand. Be sure and use the updated headbolt torque sequence 

[syoungs]

It's a diy job if you are mechanical in the least bit.

Last timing belt I did on one was done in an evening
Head gaskets would take me a few days, I prefer to pull the motor to do it,.akes it easier, but have done them in place as well.

[Whitpirate]

We had our timing belt done at coach's shop when he was in N. Seattle, now in Monroe, I believe.  Don't know if he changed the name, but at the time, his shop was called Automotive, Inc., IIRC.  I would pay to have him do it again.

I probably wouldn't touch head gaskets, unless it calls for it, but we had ours go at about the same mileage on a 2005 Forester.

Still Automotive Inc and he's in Kenmore.  206-522-6100

That said he did my wife's 2003 and with the pile of parts when he worked on it I'd pay to have it done again. 

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks.  Yeah, it can be done at home, but to me it was worth the money not to have to deal with it.

[jackelope]

Do the head gasket and the timing belt at the same time.  Probably goes without saying. You'll remove the timing belt to do the head gasket repair.

CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY

REMOVAL

1.Remove the V-belts.
2.Remove the crank pulley.
3.Remove the timing belt cover.
4.Remove the timing belt.
5.Remove the cam sprocket.
6.Remove the intake manifold.
7.Remove the bolt which installs the A/C compressor bracket on cylinder head.
8.Remove the valve rocker assembly.
9.Remove the camshaft.


Timing belt is due to be replaced at 105k miles. Is the head gasket leaking?

[jackelope]

Timing belt is spendy as I'm pretty sure they have to pull the motor and head gasket seems to be a common problem.

Timing belt is 2.2 hours labor. No engine removal required.

[Woodchuck]

I highly suggest pulling the motor and do both at the same time, access is much better. I also suggest check the deck of the block with a good straightedge. 

[jackelope]

I highly suggest pulling the motor and do both at the same time, access is much better. I also suggest check the deck of the block with a good straightedge. 

Do you just do the head gaskets because? Or if they're leaking...
Pull the engine to do both of the head gaskets, right? You don't need to pull it to do the timing belt alone.

[Woodchuck]

I highly suggest pulling the motor and do both at the same time, access is much better. I also suggest check the deck of the block with a good straightedge. 

Do you just do the head gaskets because? Or if they're leaking...
Pull the engine to do both of the head gaskets, right? You don't need to pull it to do the timing belt alone.

Only if they are leaking, I meant for both jobs. I agree completely with what you said, if the heads are coming off, do the timing belt. If doing that I suggest pulling the motor because access to the heads and timing stuff is soooooooo much better. Pulling a 2.5 really is pretty easy and your back will thank you later, lol.

[Special T]

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/

All things Subaru. Tons of awesome info.