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This is part 1 of a 5 part multi-part series I recorded replacing the head gaskets on a 2003 Subaru Outback, 2.5L 2458CC H4 FI VIN: EJ253
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair..

49 thoughts on “Replace subaru head gasket ej253 – part 1 of 5”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lanna's Mind says:

    hey buddy how far off is this from my Sooby she is a 2003 Subaru Forester 2.5XS … um more deatials if you need but engine is a EJ251… I am doing it myself… well yeah I am with my uncles help… but mostly by myself.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars brian willoughby says:

    several tools especially made for the harmonic ballancer bolt removal tool as well as the cam shafts. sometime have to weld nut on camshaft bolt to get it out its an allen socket….

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars O hafford says:

    Thank you

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kuladeeluxe says:

    What air ratchet is that one? looks like a pleasure to use with that setup

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 21divel says:

    Gotta respect a dude who still uses air tools. Old school all the way. Good video!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PG says:

    Wish i could watch but those air tools are making my teeth hurt.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Very straight forward job @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jerz.nate says:

    Whoa a young Eric O working on a vehicle I like but is scared of.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim S says:

    It's now wonder this costs well over a grand to have this done.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lloyd Nolan says:

    I am a self taught mechanic and a Subaru lover. I have done the head gaskets, timing belts twice thanks to YouTube.
    My method is to pull the engine. With all the things to come off and the way it is put together it comes out easily I was able to have the motor on a stand in 4hours with basic tools.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Bird says:

    Happens alot. The trick seems to be to use the turbo charged version head gasket. Not the graphite gasket.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Not Evolution says:

    There aren't mechanics like you where I live. Too bad.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fakir kul sofi Tv says:

    Güzel 💯😀🌹

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lee Ross says:

    how the hell does he keep track of what bolt went where 🙂

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Keith Knight says:

    How do you do a head gasket leak test on a Subaru with the leak test kit? Meaning how do you determine which head is leaking?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Neinka Lando says:

    Even if you go to the dealer use the best parts money can buy, the engine's inherent design is a ticking bomb. The timing belt is so long that is causes internal stress friction that would not exist if it were shorter plus the bolt pattern of the heads isn't right and the gaskets need a total redesigning basically everything of the engine's heads are not designed right to suite a horizontally apposed engine configuration. Look at million dollar cars with Boxer engines

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mick Dove says:

    I really want a Subaru for the awd to deal with snowy conditions and light off road use but am worried about the classic head gasket failure they can suffer. Are they worth owning?

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pauliebots says:

    Anyone try steel seal? Anyone?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Emilio G. says:

    I hope people use Subaru oem MLS gaskets for the turbo.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Steele says:

    Subaru – Japanese Yugo

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pauliebots says:

    Hello Sir, I have a 2002 subaru forester overheating. Been doing extensive research can't see putting 1500 into car is a head gasket sealer worth a try and if so…which one? Thank you.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Glycerin says:

    This video series gave me the confidence to replace the gaskets on my 01 Legacy. Been watching your channel since mid-2010s. I just pulled both heads today, dropping off at the machine shop tomorrow. Thanks, buddy!!!

    I also used a 3/8" drive Earthquake XT impact from Harbor Freight to do this job (I bought it years ago), as well as socket wrench and regular wrenches. I highly recommend an impact for this job. I tried loosening the crank pulley bolt with a regular socket wrench but was having trouble. I then used the Earthquake XT and that zipped the bolt off no problem! Same with cam bolts. I'm about 15 hours into this job so far, for reference. Just take your time!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Emilio G. says:

    I would only use Subaru oem MLS head gaskets used on the turbo. Thanks

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pat Maundrell says:

    I am a retired Diesel Truck Mechanic of 50 years and enjoy watching your Channel.
    I've done several of these engines before on our personal vehicles and have found the best way is to just pull the engine and do the job on an Engine Stand. It easy to R&R the engine and leave the A/T in the car. The time spent R&R the engine can be justified by the ease of doing the rest of the job. I think you can do a better job at the same time.
    I've done the Head Gasket/Timing Belt/Water Pump/Machine & O/H the Heads routine and found that it was better to replace the entire Engine with a Long Block Assy from "The Japan Engine Co. The reason is simple! These Engine are "USED" and imported directly from Japan with approximately 50,000 miles and have an Warranty! It hard to complete with these benefits. I install one of these engines (8 years ago) and did the Head Job on the other, both cars with around 130-150,000 miles. It was more Cost Affective to spend nearly the same amount of money in less Downtime and wind up with a much lower Mileage Engine and Warranty! Of course I still did the Timing Belt and Water Pump Jobs.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars privileged says:

    is this a SOHC EJ253

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave Drew says:

    Is that rust below the windscreen ?

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars amd strollo says:

    Just a small correction, I believe this is actually an EJ251 because of the drive by cable TB and different intake manifold.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scottamu says:

    This series should be in a mechanics textbook (TedTalk or Master Class, now, I guess) to try to explain the realities and challenges of a running a reliable independent shop… phone ringing, people stopping in, all of the scheduled work done on time, and then the big job you decide to take that ties up a bay for more than a day. The motoring public will be completely screwed when independent shops like this cease to exist!

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rod Belding says:

    Just bought an 09 Outback with 75k miles on it, and after a month of having it noticed oil leaks, and yup, head gasket. Good ol Subaru.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Kettner says:

    About two years ago at around 110K miles on my 2011 Outback 2.5L H4 I had to replace both gaskets. Never done this before so I watched your videos 2 or 3 times, plus I had taken a lot of pictures while working on the engine. Took me almost 10 days to finish the job 🙂 Result? 50K miles later (!) it still runs perfect, no issues, just made roundtrip from Chicago to SF and back. Right now at 170K on the clock. It's like a family member. So yeah, thank you so much for doing this tutorial. Not only it helped me to repair engine, but I got hooked A LOT on doing repair myself so I bought a lot of tools and been working on all my cars myself since. Thanks!

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christine Loz says:

    Read the gasket looks like a bowl of nachos after a frat party

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christine Loz says:

    A mechanic told me he keeps a carton of suburu head gaskets in store