What have you done to your SVX (or other Subaru) today?

[Noriyasu]

Originally Posted by Mike621

Peter, I am sorry to hear about your head gaskets.

Head gasket problems are a serious problem. However, it may still be possible to repair it.

Oil leaking from the head cover is not that serious. I hope it's a typo, but...

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Originally Posted by Noriyasu

Head gasket problems are a serious problem. However, it may still be possible to repair it.

Oil leaking from the head cover is not that serious. I hope it's a typo, but...

I'm not a mechanic. What is the difference between a leak from the head cover and a head gasket?

[Blacky]

Originally Posted by SVX_MY_BABY

I'm not a mechanic. What is the difference between a leak from the head cover and a head gasket?

I think he means valve cover gasket.

[Noriyasu]

Originally Posted by Blacky

I think he means valve cover gasket.

Yes, Also called valve cover or tappet cover. Since the cylinders of BOXER engines are arranged horizontally, oil tends to leak from the cover. Gaskets are made of a silicone rubber-like material that gradually hardens and eventually loses its elasticity to seal the oil.

This is webpage that someone is replacing the cover gasket.

https://cartune.me/notes/1UU69t1PhF


The head gasket, on the other hand, is located between the cylinder block and cylinder head. This gasket is very thin and seals in compressed air, coolant, and oil. Head gasket damage usually occurs when the combustion gases in the cylinder enter the oil and coolant passages. It will overheat or the coolant and oil will mix and destroy the engine.
There are rare cases where only oil leaks to the outside, but since combustion gas has the highest pressure, it is the most common source of leakage, followed by coolant leaks.

I think what you're probably talking about is oil leaking from the tappet cover, valve cover, or rocker cover gasket.

In that case, replace the gasket with a new one, or even if you can't get a new one, clean it thoroughly and seal it with a liquid gasket and it should stop leaking. Oil line pressure shouldn't be high unless your engine has blow-by problems.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Originally Posted by Noriyasu

I think what you're probably talking about is oil leaking from the tappet cover, valve cover, or rocker cover gasket.

In that case, replace the gasket with a new one, or even if you can't get a new one, clean it thoroughly and seal it with a liquid gasket and it should stop leaking. Oil line pressure shouldn't be high unless your engine has blow-by problems.

I spoke to the mechanic who looked at the car. He was fairly confident that it's the cover gaskets. I'm monitoring all the various fluid levels fluid levels.

How big of a deal is it to fix these? I assume it means pulling the engine, but I'm not sure and I neglected to ask the mechanic.

[Noriyasu]

Originally Posted by SVX_MY_BABY

I spoke to the mechanic who looked at the car. He was fairly confident that it's the cover gaskets. I'm monitoring all the various fluid levels fluid levels.

How big of a deal is it to fix these? I assume it means pulling the engine, but I'm not sure and I neglected to ask the mechanic.

If leak is from a cover gasket, the engine usually doesn't need to be removed from the car.

If it is on the right side, you will need to remove the air cleaner case. If it's on the left side, you'll need to remove the battery.

You also will need to remove the EGR hose on the top of cover and ignition coil. I don't remember if I removed the plug or not. Care must be taken not to damage the ignition coil wiring.

The gap between the engine bay and the engine is very narrow, so this may be a difficult task for Americans with large hands. Especially the area around No. 6 cylinder on the left side has few space.

When you remove the front left tire, there is a hole in the frame to access the No. 6 plug, which is covered with a rubber cap. This hole may be useful. This hole is normally used when replacing the plug.

[Noriyasu]

Today I assembled engine block with new piston rings and undersized crank metal. Unfortunately, new pistons are discontinued, so I will reuse them.

Oil clearance is at the lower limit of 25 microns. It might be a little cramped.

I forgot to order an O-ring for the oil pump, so that's all for today's work.