My First Hiccup, finally put this to bed after the 3rd try Options

[76-914]

When we returned from Rt66 '16 I pulled my exhaust system down for a little trimming and noticed water in the left bank muffler! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) We did drive through a ton of water on that trip. Then when returning from Costco yesterday it acted as if it were starved for fuel when it stumbled during acceleration. The fuel filter was the same one that came on the engine so I ordered another one. When I looked at the filter to check which one I had I noticed the coolant level in the expansion tank/reservoir had dropped. Well, there you are. Head gasket time. Now, I'm wondering if the stumble was due in fact to the head gasket failing? Decisions; should I fix this one which presently has ~ 185K or buy a JDM replacement. After perusing the net I found a few peep's whose JDM experience was less than stellar. Apparently it is a crap shoot as to what you get and the 40-50K avg mileage is (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bs.gif) . So, for about 1K I can pick up another engine and hope I bought a good one or open this one up and hope that is all it needs since it wasn't overheated. What does the the Wasser family think?

EDIT: It's an EZ30D 6cyl

[Chris H.]

Hey mail it to me if you're gonna throw it in the trash. I'll send you a label man (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) !

I think you got it this time. Maybe the sludge was keeping it sealed up.

BTW RE: the towing thread...I was wondering...you think your fuel pressure regulator is OK? I don't know how it's set up on that motor. Mine is on the fuel rail. Did you transfer yours from the other engine? Might be worth checking. Two pumps in a couple months is weird.

[76-914]

Hey mail it to me if you're gonna throw it in the trash. I'll send you a label man (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) !

I think you got it this time. Maybe the sludge was keeping it sealed up.

BTW RE: the towing thread...I was wondering...you think your fuel pressure regulator is OK? I don't know how it's set up on that motor. Mine is on the fuel rail. Did you transfer yours from the other engine? Might be worth checking. Two pumps in a couple months is weird.

It's a possibility. I thought I'd check the return line after this one is installed. It shouldn't be passing too much fuel when in use. If it is I'd suspect the regulator. I forgot to mention that I sprung for the "real deal" Three Bond sealant. Yes it is a huge tube but IMHO, well worth it. The difference is obvious when compared to the cheaper Permatex. It flows much better which is a BIG deal if you've ever resealed these cover halves. I'll probably put the rest together today. As soon as I shake the Cobwebs out of my head this AM. I drank a little at Ron's Friends & Family send off. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif) . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Chris H.]

As soon as I shake the Cobwebs out of my head this AM. I drank a little at Ron's Friends & Family send off. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif) . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Wait...you guys DRANK at Ron's memorial (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) ???? Noooooo..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

Yeah you need to run those hoses man! You won't believe the difference.

Hey Kevin needs some help. Have you ever seen how they treat newbies on the some of the Subie forums???? Ugh. We can't have that. I might search Outback swaps and see what has been done. Anything but the 2.5 DOHC and you're into the wiring, so might as well do something better and fun.

So choices seem to be:

- another 2.5 DOHC (up to 1999 I think) either JDM or other
- EZ30D
- Sell the car and find another one.

I'll check around.