Issues with the Subaru Cylinder Head Gaskets on your Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza or BAJA And need to address them? IND Subaru Mechanic Mn is here Is here to help you understand why they are such a common issue and how to address them on your Subaru. Our A.S.E Certified IND. Subaru Mechanics in Elko, Minnesota are very familiar with the issue as we typically repair 20-50 Leaking Subaru Head Gaskets Per Year . The Problem Year's include:
ALL EJ253 2.5 Engines.
Forester, Outback, Impeza
Legacy & Baja
One of the reasons that the subaru head gaskets start leaking is because of the horizontally opposed setup. Normal inline Engines or V style Engines aren't as susceptible to this issue because oil and coolant are allowed to drain down past the cylinder head during times where the engine is not running. Subaru Cylinder Heads are constantly bathed in oil and coolant from the time they are manufactured to the end of service life. That means every day all day long the cylinder head gaskets are soaking in a coolant and oil bath.
WRX, STI, and pretty much all DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) engines are not as prone to the cylinder head gasket leaking failure is because they were designed with a 3 Layer MLS (Multi-Layer Steel Gasket)
But here is the catch... All the none turbo models were not installed with this 3 Layer MLS Gasket and instead use a steel "composite" gasket. EG: (Solid Oak v.s Partical Board) and quickly deteriorate over time. There is nothing you can do to stop it. Subaru uses "Coolant Conditioner" A.K.A Stop Leak right off the bat from the factory.
All EJ 2.5 Engines. STI, WRX. IMPREZA, LEGACY, FORESTER, and OUTBACK share the exact same engine profile. The same Head Gasket that fits the $40,000.00 STI fits the $20,000.00 Impreza.
If you are replacing or upgrading your subaru head gasket and need the correct part number for the 3 layer MLS GASKET here it is. Subaru Head Gasket 11044AA770
