man why the hell dont subaru design the plug holes like that anymore - would make life so much easier! My hands are tore up from recent forester XT plug and misfire ordeal
Nice video mate - I'm about ready to tackle this on my 2001 Impreza. I do have a QUESTION: Last time I changed the plugs, I found oil in the tubes. Can these tubes be removed to clean them out? Engine is in the car.. Thanks in advance, Dan
Thank you! The tubes are pressed into the heads so you'll have to clean them the best you can from the outside. Just be careful not to push anything down into the cylinders with the plug out. A little oil won't hurt anything but dirt or a chunk of rag probably wouldn't be good. Good luck and I hope everything goes smoothly for you!
I don't know if you're still answering questions, but I did this repair last night on my '01 Subaru Outback, ran it for a test drive down the road to see how it was afterwards, and started getting an oil smoke after I brought it back in the garage. I checked--oil leaking everywhere underneath the engine. My only confusion is--the valve cover gaskets that I just redid aren't leaking at all, it seems to be the two plates in, closer to the engine. What are those metal plates/gaskets called? Did I not tighten everything thoroughly enough??
It sounds like you have a head gasket leak and nothing you did would affect that because there are different fasteners that tighten the heads to the block. Head gasket leaks are unfortunately fairly common with older Subarus. To fix the head gaskets correctly you have to pull the heads off and have them decked before reassembling with new head gaskets. Ideally you'd deck the block too but most people just deck the heads because it's a lot cheaper and usually does the trick. I'd also suggest looking around for a remanufactured engine or possibly a used engine. Replacing the whole engine or long block is actually easier. Sorry I don't have better news for you.
Awesome video Brotha! Quick question.. I took the plug wire out(2009 Subaru Legacy)to change the plugs and wires and it was covered in oil😡 Do u think the spark plug seals are bad? It was soaked in both holes.. no other signs of leaking?? Head gasket was done 7,000 miles ago
Based on what I can tell from your description it seems to me that short of something seriously wrong that seal is the only place oil can get in. If those seals weren't replaced when the head gaskets were done that's probably why they're leaking already.
Oh man, I've done just about everything at this point. No matter how much I've done though I always find one more little thing to do that leads to another little thing. This year I've got some awesome sponsors that have really helped me take the car to the next level and we're just getting started. Most of the mods are or will be covered in these videos but here's a basic rundown. Rally suspension, wheels and tires, close ratio gear box, limited slips in all three diffs, high compression/high flow engine (in development still), race brake pads, chassis thoroughly lightened and obviously full cage, race seats and harnesses.
So I don’t know much at all about cars, but since it’s a boxer motor, is there a valve cover and gasket on passenger side of motor, too? You only had to replace the driver’s side? Would it have been better to replace both gaskets? Thanks. Great video.
Yes you should do both sides. In the video I talk about the other side and at the end I show the passenger side and the unique fastener over there. Other than the fastener it is exactly the same steps. Thanks for the question and I hope this clarifies it for you.
You’ll have to go to your dealer with the vin number to look that up probably. I’ve found that Flatirons Tuning in Boulder CO is really good at finding JDM parts so try hitting them up.
Besides residual oil in the heads all of the oil will be down in the oil pan with no way of coming out unless you tip the motor over so there’s no need to drain it as long as you keep it flat.
I've seen some people double up with the sealant. It shouldn't be necessary but it is an extra layer of insurance if you're concerned about it for what ever reason and it certainly won't hurt anything. Only down side I can see is that it's more you'll have to clean up very carefully if you ever pull the covers back off.
I have heard of people doing that but if you have a smooth clean surface a gasket should never need sealant. If for some reason a fresh gasket won't seal then I could see resorting to sealant as a last resort but keep your fingers crossed you never have to take it apart and reseal it later.
Hello, this is a good video!!! by the way, what type of material did you use on the valve cover gasket? thanks for your kind assistance, regards from Miami, Florida.
Thank you! I'm not sure what the material is. It's just a basic seal kit that I believe I got from rockauto.com. I've also seen some gaskets that are black. I'm not sure if the color has any significance but these held up through a rally race so I think they'll be good!
I did a lot more cleaning than showed up in the video and the edges may look not clean but that's just because the area where the seal sits is perfectly shiny and new where the area outside where seal sits is really the outside of the motor which gets corroded.
Just been informed that my sf5 forester sti 2 type m has leaks from both rocker cover gaskets. Not willing to pay the rediculous prices for labour at subaru. I know there isn't much room in my engine bay. The spark plugs were a nightmare to say the least. I'm assuming it will be an engineer out job to to the gasket seals?
Good question. I'm not sure but it would be easy to find out. Find the hardest to reach valve cover bolt with the least clearance and try to take it out. If that doesn't work, one thing you could try is unbolt the engine mounts and leave everything else attached. Using your engine hoist lift up just enough so you can push the engine to one side just enough to get the bolts out. I have no idea if this will work but just thinking out loud. Good luck and let me know what you find out.
It's been a while since I did this but I looked at the video closely and it appears that there are two long bolts that go on top. Looks like the other three are short? They will only go in and tighten down in one configuration so try them out and you should be able to figure it fairly easily.
If you wanted a factory seal kit (or even a good after market one), I get that stuff from flatironstuning.com. Just give them a call because stuff like this won't be on their website but they usually stock it. If you just want a basic cheapo one then I go to rockauto.com for stuff like that. I'd recommend finding something nicer for a job like this. I don't have any part numbers handy but flatirons will know the best options. They always help me out.
I don't remember what that particular kit was. Probably a fel-pro. I'd most likely get a factory kit if I were to do one now. In general I've had the best luck with factory parts on this car but I also have had no problems with this kit.
Smoke from the engine could be a number of different places or several different fluids. You'll have to look around to see exactly where it's coming from. Good luck!
Depends on what kit you get. I get my stuff from Flatirons Tuning. Hit them up or your favorite parts store and look up the kit for your year and model. It's relatively inexpensive.
If you haven't already done so start by cleaning everything on the outside of the motor really well and then drive around enough for it to just start leaking so that you can nail down exactly where it's leaking from. It's possible it's leaking from somewhere else and wicking over to what appears to be the valve cover gaskets. After that I'd pull the valve covers again and double check that everything is clean and properly seated. Possibly even replace the gaskets again? And lastly if there was still something messed up that for some reason caused the seals to not work like a scratch or warpage or something like that you could put some sealant on the gasket to fill in the imperfections. For me that would be a last resort but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Good luck!
You may be thinking of head gasket replacement and not valve cover gasket replacement? The head gaskets are thin metal gaskets that take high pressures from the cylinders and they usually leak on a Subaru because the heads warp a tiny bit which requires machining to fix. For these valve covers they use a thick rubber gasket that conforms to minor surface variations plus they don’t hold back much pressure.
Nope. Rubber seals like this should never need sealant unless there is something wrong with the sealing surface. A couple people have commented that they like to use sealant as a backup just in case which you can certainly do if it gives you peace of mind but if you ever have to pull the cover back off expect a lot of tedious and messy work to get everything clean enough to reseal it.
A good seal / gasket should never need sealant. If you never want to or plan to ever take the valve cover off again or you don't care about dealing with the mess of cleaning all that up then by all means go with the belt and suspenders approach. I can tell you I raced the crap out of this motor and no leaks so I personally see no reason to add sealant.
This can definitely be done in the car but it's really hard to film in the car and show you exactly what is going on so enjoy the easy to see filming angle.
You're welcome! No, these are single cam heads on an ej25. 1.8, 2.2 and 2.5 L engines all came with their own variety of single cam heads. Many versions of 2.5 L engines came with dual cam heads.
Actually, they vary according the year. This one is the same in the ej20, ej 2.2, ej 25 for the 1999 soch models. Check with an autoparts finder if you do not believe me
this is what i really need now, that simple, thanks.
Awesome! Glad I could help!
Nice. Thanks for not wasting my time. Subbed.
Awesome! Glad I could help!
Great overview, love how to-the-point it is! Definitely recommend using a torque wrench, but on your own rig givver. 😂👌
Thank you!
You make the best videos, super helpful and to the point
Thank you! Glad you like them. I need to make more soon!
Awesome video. Straight and to the point! Subbed 👍🏼
Thanks Mario! Glad you like it and thanks for the support!
man why the hell dont subaru design the plug holes like that anymore - would make life so much easier! My hands are tore up from recent forester XT plug and misfire ordeal
Thanks for sharing. It was very thorough, appreciate it.
You're very welcome!
Extremely helpful! Thanks!
You're very welcome!
Thanks man. Great video
You're welcome!
Nice video mate - I'm about ready to tackle this on my 2001 Impreza.
I do have a QUESTION: Last time I changed the plugs, I found oil in the tubes. Can these tubes be removed to clean them out? Engine is in the car..
Thanks in advance,
Dan
Thank you! The tubes are pressed into the heads so you'll have to clean them the best you can from the outside. Just be careful not to push anything down into the cylinders with the plug out. A little oil won't hurt anything but dirt or a chunk of rag probably wouldn't be good. Good luck and I hope everything goes smoothly for you!
I don't know if you're still answering questions, but I did this repair last night on my '01 Subaru Outback, ran it for a test drive down the road to see how it was afterwards, and started getting an oil smoke after I brought it back in the garage. I checked--oil leaking everywhere underneath the engine. My only confusion is--the valve cover gaskets that I just redid aren't leaking at all, it seems to be the two plates in, closer to the engine. What are those metal plates/gaskets called? Did I not tighten everything thoroughly enough??
It sounds like you have a head gasket leak and nothing you did would affect that because there are different fasteners that tighten the heads to the block. Head gasket leaks are unfortunately fairly common with older Subarus. To fix the head gaskets correctly you have to pull the heads off and have them decked before reassembling with new head gaskets. Ideally you'd deck the block too but most people just deck the heads because it's a lot cheaper and usually does the trick. I'd also suggest looking around for a remanufactured engine or possibly a used engine. Replacing the whole engine or long block is actually easier. Sorry I don't have better news for you.
Awesome video Brotha! Quick question.. I took the plug wire out(2009 Subaru Legacy)to change the plugs and wires and it was covered in oil😡 Do u think the spark plug seals are bad? It was soaked in both holes.. no other signs of leaking?? Head gasket was done 7,000 miles ago
Based on what I can tell from your description it seems to me that short of something seriously wrong that seal is the only place oil can get in. If those seals weren't replaced when the head gaskets were done that's probably why they're leaking already.
great video
Thank you!
No BS thanks mate!
You’re very welcome!!
Good shit dude from new zealand
Thanks man! New Zealand is definitely a place I need to visit.
Thanks for the video helped 200%
Glad to hear it! Thanks for the feedback
Dave can you do a over view of all mods you done to your car
Oh man, I've done just about everything at this point. No matter how much I've done though I always find one more little thing to do that leads to another little thing. This year I've got some awesome sponsors that have really helped me take the car to the next level and we're just getting started. Most of the mods are or will be covered in these videos but here's a basic rundown. Rally suspension, wheels and tires, close ratio gear box, limited slips in all three diffs, high compression/high flow engine (in development still), race brake pads, chassis thoroughly lightened and obviously full cage, race seats and harnesses.
Thx for the upload. So you don't need any rtv anywhere on the gasket?
Nope! They are rubber seals.
Thank you
You’re very welcome!
Really good video
Thank you!
So I don’t know much at all about cars, but since it’s a boxer motor, is there a valve cover and gasket on passenger side of motor, too? You only had to replace the driver’s side? Would it have been better to replace both gaskets? Thanks. Great video.
Yes you should do both sides. In the video I talk about the other side and at the end I show the passenger side and the unique fastener over there. Other than the fastener it is exactly the same steps. Thanks for the question and I hope this clarifies it for you.
Racer Dave, thank you. I’ll watch it again.
How can I get the right part number to find the gaskets for my japanese 05 forester ?
You’ll have to go to your dealer with the vin number to look that up probably. I’ve found that Flatirons Tuning in Boulder CO is really good at finding JDM parts so try hitting them up.
great video thank you!
You're welcome!
Do you need to drain the oil before removing the cover being on the side, or will it be ok
Besides residual oil in the heads all of the oil will be down in the oil pan with no way of coming out unless you tip the motor over so there’s no need to drain it as long as you keep it flat.
@@RacerDave awesome.. Thank you
I will stick to a light coat of Prematex Grey on both sides of the seals and spark plug wells
I've seen some people double up with the sealant. It shouldn't be necessary but it is an extra layer of insurance if you're concerned about it for what ever reason and it certainly won't hurt anything. Only down side I can see is that it's more you'll have to clean up very carefully if you ever pull the covers back off.
Quick question, I have seen and heard to use gasket maker around the gasket. Is that just an option and marketing scheme?
I have heard of people doing that but if you have a smooth clean surface a gasket should never need sealant. If for some reason a fresh gasket won't seal then I could see resorting to sealant as a last resort but keep your fingers crossed you never have to take it apart and reseal it later.
Dude. Thanks
Hello, this is a good video!!! by the way, what type of material did you use on the valve cover gasket? thanks for your kind assistance, regards from Miami, Florida.
Thank you! I'm not sure what the material is. It's just a basic seal kit that I believe I got from rockauto.com. I've also seen some gaskets that are black. I'm not sure if the color has any significance but these held up through a rally race so I think they'll be good!
Very cool
Thanks Brandon!
Noticed you didn't clean off the head mating-surface, is there a reason for this?
I did a lot more cleaning than showed up in the video and the edges may look not clean but that's just because the area where the seal sits is perfectly shiny and new where the area outside where seal sits is really the outside of the motor which gets corroded.
Hye dave...i wanna ask a question? Is the valve cover suitable for all models,i mean for ej16,ej20,ej25 2016 model? Subaru impreza
The valve covers can vary from year to year and model to model but the process is the same on all of them.
Just been informed that my sf5 forester sti 2 type m has leaks from both rocker cover gaskets. Not willing to pay the rediculous prices for labour at subaru. I know there isn't much room in my engine bay. The spark plugs were a nightmare to say the least. I'm assuming it will be an engineer out job to to the gasket seals?
Good question. I'm not sure but it would be easy to find out. Find the hardest to reach valve cover bolt with the least clearance and try to take it out. If that doesn't work, one thing you could try is unbolt the engine mounts and leave everything else attached. Using your engine hoist lift up just enough so you can push the engine to one side just enough to get the bolts out. I have no idea if this will work but just thinking out loud. Good luck and let me know what you find out.
@@RacerDave appreciate your quick response and I will get back to you on completion
There are 2 sized bolts, which ones go where?
It's been a while since I did this but I looked at the video closely and it appears that there are two long bolts that go on top. Looks like the other three are short? They will only go in and tighten down in one configuration so try them out and you should be able to figure it fairly easily.
@@RacerDave THANK YOU MAN!
Where can i get these or what's the part number? Thanks
If you wanted a factory seal kit (or even a good after market one), I get that stuff from flatironstuning.com. Just give them a call because stuff like this won't be on their website but they usually stock it. If you just want a basic cheapo one then I go to rockauto.com for stuff like that. I'd recommend finding something nicer for a job like this. I don't have any part numbers handy but flatirons will know the best options. They always help me out.
Thanks alot. Most kits I saw did not have the bolt seal that's why I was wondering. They have only the valve gasket and spark plug tube.
What brand of valve cover kit?
I don't remember what that particular kit was. Probably a fel-pro. I'd most likely get a factory kit if I were to do one now. In general I've had the best luck with factory parts on this car but I also have had no problems with this kit.
Hi i have an 2003 outback thats smoking from the engine after running a bit would this be a valve cover leak or headgasket leak
Smoke from the engine could be a number of different places or several different fluids. You'll have to look around to see exactly where it's coming from. Good luck!
How much it will cost me to replace this on 2008 Outback 4 cylinder?
Depends on what kit you get. I get my stuff from Flatirons Tuning. Hit them up or your favorite parts store and look up the kit for your year and model. It's relatively inexpensive.
I replaced the valve covers and it's still leaking. Any advice?
If you haven't already done so start by cleaning everything on the outside of the motor really well and then drive around enough for it to just start leaking so that you can nail down exactly where it's leaking from. It's possible it's leaking from somewhere else and wicking over to what appears to be the valve cover gaskets. After that I'd pull the valve covers again and double check that everything is clean and properly seated. Possibly even replace the gaskets again? And lastly if there was still something messed up that for some reason caused the seals to not work like a scratch or warpage or something like that you could put some sealant on the gasket to fill in the imperfections. For me that would be a last resort but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Good luck!
I really appreciate that response. ☺️ I'll do a once over. Thank you sir.!
no way you could mention the valve cover socket size, eh?
Since you pulled the engine, you should have replaced the head gasket...:-)
Hahaha.... good ol' Subarus!
would this cause the engine to stall out.
I highly doubt it. It will just cause oil leaks if you're seal is bad.
The engine heads should be taken to a machine shop have them resurfaced
You may be thinking of head gasket replacement and not valve cover gasket replacement? The head gaskets are thin metal gaskets that take high pressures from the cylinders and they usually leak on a Subaru because the heads warp a tiny bit which requires machining to fix. For these valve covers they use a thick rubber gasket that conforms to minor surface variations plus they don’t hold back much pressure.
Doesn't need gasket sealer?
Nope. Rubber seals like this should never need sealant unless there is something wrong with the sealing surface. A couple people have commented that they like to use sealant as a backup just in case which you can certainly do if it gives you peace of mind but if you ever have to pull the cover back off expect a lot of tedious and messy work to get everything clean enough to reseal it.
@@RacerDave thanks, I learned something new. I've always done it like you said just for that peace of mind
Motor diagram 2015 Subaru legacy
its all easy if you have the engine out
Definitely. Especially filming a how-to!
first person ive seen not use a gasket sealent in combination with the new form gasket. seems like you should have done that...
A good seal / gasket should never need sealant. If you never want to or plan to ever take the valve cover off again or you don't care about dealing with the mess of cleaning all that up then by all means go with the belt and suspenders approach. I can tell you I raced the crap out of this motor and no leaks so I personally see no reason to add sealant.
Wbat bra d of gaskets? Victor reinz? Gates?
It's been a long time so I actually don't remember. Gates I'd guess.
Yeah, cause everyone has their engine hanging on a cherry picker...
This can definitely be done in the car but it's really hard to film in the car and show you exactly what is going on so enjoy the easy to see filming angle.
Thanks for sharing! Are valve covers the same size on all EJ engines?
You're welcome! No, these are single cam heads on an ej25. 1.8, 2.2 and 2.5 L engines all came with their own variety of single cam heads. Many versions of 2.5 L engines came with dual cam heads.
Actually, they vary according the year. This one is the same in the ej20, ej 2.2, ej 25 for the 1999 soch models. Check with an autoparts finder if you do not believe me