2.5 Head Gasket

[BillyCorgi]

I recently changed the head gaskets in No.1 Son's MY02 Outback.
The EJ25 had done 235,000kms and was leaking oil externally.
Mr Pink Slip Man was not going to register it once more.

Anyway, I got hold of a set of 2.5 ltr STI MLS head gaskets (P/N 11044AA642) from the USA and fitted them one weekend.
The original units were shot. The coating was coming away from the metal shim leading to the external oil leak.
The new HG's are working a treat.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced external oil leak head gasket failures in the SOHC EJ25 engines?

[jaykemh95]

The EJ25 or specifically the EJ251 motor are renowned for having a leaking head gasket. Mine appears to be doing the same thing as I can smell burning oil on the exhaust from the back. I need to investigate further as I can only peep through the bottom and behind the engine.

How hard was it to change the gasket on these motors for you? Im new to the boxer motor varieties.

[BillyCorgi]

We decided to lift the engine out to do the HG job.

Engine came out Friday night.
Heads off Saturday morning.
Heads faced by lunch time.
Engine reassembled by Saturday evening.
Engine back in and running by 1:30pm Sunday.

Reasonably straight forward job if you have the tools and the knowledge

[jaykemh95]

Okay that's not too bad. Yeah I decided to change the valve cover gaskets in mine. Was all nice and sweet until I went to replace the bolt gaskets- The washers in my kit were significantly larger than the original ones and prevented me in making a seal because the washers wouldn't fit the recesses. Some suppliers I swear.. As you say the right tools and its done. Just finding the time and effort doing so. At least I know im not the only one.

Thanks for the heads up in letting me know what im in for.

[Pyr0m4n14c44]

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced external oil leak head gasket failures in the SOHC EJ25 engines?

My head gasket is starting to leak externally, I can smell it after driving for at least 10 mins. My mechanic says its nothing to urgent...yet. No coolant is leaking so thats a good sign :p but it still worries me to drive it..