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

['73-914kid]

As you know, I like doing stuff myself..

Just my .02 cents, but I would have a lot more confidence in an engine you or I resealed/refreshed than a 50K mile imported engine that is essentially a big question mark.

[ThePaintedMan]

Almost 100% the head gasket, and the resulting issues (as you said, the coolant has to go somewhere, right?) As Ethan said, you can do this, it's not as bad as it seems. Figure a day to get the engine out and onto a stand. Then another day to tear the accessories and heads off. Send them to a machine shop to be measured, and if necessary, decked. Do both at once - Suby's, for whatever reason are still notorious for this stuff, even as developed as the EZ30 is. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

I haven't gotten mine running yet, but after moving to the Cometic MLS gaskets, I don't think I'd ever go back to the stock composite gaskets. A little more prep, but I believe it's the best idea.

[Chris H.]

You could do the head gasket no problem Kent. Doesn't look that hard at all. You have the EZ30D shop manual right? Let me know if not, I have it.

BTW I know of an EZ30R (I think is still) laying around...not a JDM. PM me if you want more info.

[colingreene]

Its because they are somewhat terrible motors.

[jimkelly]

a head install video i like


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddFsFfiyOvg

[76-914]

Almost 100% the head gasket, and the resulting issues (as you said, the coolant has to go somewhere, right?) As Ethan said, you can do this, it's not as bad as it seems. Figure a day to get the engine out and onto a stand. Then another day to tear the accessories and heads off. Send them to a machine shop to be measured, and if necessary, decked. Do both at once - Suby's, for whatever reason are still notorious for this stuff, even as developed as the EZ30 is. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

I haven't gotten mine running yet, but after moving to the Cometic MLS gaskets, I don't think I'd ever go back to the stock composite gaskets. A little more prep, but I believe it's the best idea.

George, tell me more about the Cometic gaskets. Haven't heard of them before.

You could do the head gasket no problem Kent. Doesn't look that hard at all. You have the EZ30D shop manual right? Let me know if not, I have it.

BTW I know of an EZ30R (I think is still) laying around...not a JDM. PM me if you want more info.

Chris, a million ty's as always but yes I have the shop manual. The "R" model would require changing out the accelerator cable etc because it is drive by wire. FWIW, I decided to do both the rebuild and buy a replacement. I found a "D" model which is complete so I'm going to throw $1000 at it and holler shit. I can use the spare parts if nothing else. If it's a keeper then maybe Dr. Frankenstein will have something to "play with". (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

Its because they are somewhat terrible motors.

Ya'll need to ignore Collard Greens. When he was a little boy he used to come over to our farm and squirt Chicken Shit through his front teeth. I thought he would have outgrown it by now.

[effutuo101]

That sucks. But from what I have read, pretty simple to do.
good luck! My time to get out and play is limited, but happy to help pull the motor/install with you.

[76-914]

That sucks. But from what I have read, pretty simple to do.
good luck! My time to get out and play is limited, but happy to help pull the motor/install with you.

Haha, I just commented in your post, as well. Thanks for the offer Chris but if you've seen my "roll around" cradle you can see it's pretty simple. That being said, you are more than welcome to come over anytime. I'm in the Temecula/Murrieta area. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Kent

[rnellums]

I'll be interested in what you find. The EZ30s are supposed to be far more reliable head-wise than the 4-cyl engines. My recollection is that changing them on the ez30 is a bit of a pain since tou have to deal with the timing chain and cover.

[Chris H.]

Yeah you need a new chain...it'll be stretched so you might as well. And it's an interference engine...so check it good before you fire it up.

[76-914]

I'll be interested in what you find. The EZ30s are supposed to be far more reliable head-wise than the 4-cyl engines. My recollection is that changing them on the ez30 is a bit of a pain since you have to deal with the timing chain and cover.

You know Ross, if you don't count the ~60 bolts it doesn't look very difficult. There are a few chain guides that will require bolt replacement as their stretch bolts. The chains supposedly have color coded links and the gears have arrows to aid indexing them. It will be interesting to see what the head gaskets look like. Who knows, I may find loose head bolts from previous work. It's got about 200K on it now and I run the piss out of it. Anyway, I'll drop that thing this week(end) and post what I find.

[r_towle]

What is water doing in the car?

[DBCooper]

What is water doing in the car?

That's kind of a secret, Rich, but I can tell you it's what makes his car go faster than your car.

[flmont]

And I thought the 2010 3.6's were non-interference engines,..damn

[Chris H.]

And I thought the 2010 3.6's were non-interference engines,..damn

No sir. But then again there is a timing chain vs a belt making it much more maintenance free. You should not need to do anything to that engine that would require removing the timing chain.

Subaru Interference list

[914-300Hemi]

sorry to hear about the engine troubles Kent. At least you have done it before so this time it will be faster.

Let me know if you need some useless assistance. I will send my son down to help.

[r_towle]

What is water doing in the car?

That's kind of a secret, but I can tell you it's what makes his car go faster than your car.

A snail is faster than my car at the moment

[oldschool]

Big Boy I know my shop is a bit too far from you, but 2 shops down from me there is a great group of dudes that know a bunch about Subaru...Like they race them..
the web site
guy's name is Richard.. let me know I can talk with them, They may be helping me put that same motor in my 911S soon... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif)

[rick 918-S]

Likely related to the early over heating issue when you were sorting the cooling system. Now that you have that under control sounds like a fresh engine is the order of the day. Oh, and stickier fatter tires. I would say I owe you a set of rears but you built the car and just tossed me the keys. So I blame you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)