2011 Outback head gasket & timing kit

[D60]

I'm not strong in Subies but my research seems to suggest the 2011 Outback used the EJ253B. This is definitely not an FB25 with topside filter.

I think there were slight variations in the head gaskets?

Anyway does anyone have a recommendation for suppliers for a kit? I need a head gasket kit and was planning to do the timing belt and associated while in there.

Prefer OEM but prefer kits so I don't have to piece things together

 

[cptbarkey]

Felpro MLS, and Aisin for the belt/pump/rollers/tensioner. Do not buy any gates kit. they are junk. Replace the head bolts.

 

[Trav]

https://www.smartqualityparts.com/h...html#/187-model-2010_2012_outback_legacy_2_5l

https://www.smartqualityparts.com/e...html#/187-model-2010_2012_outback_legacy_2_5l

 

[zzyzzx]

 

[slacktide_bitog]

For the timing belt kit, the Aisin kit is the way to go.

For the head gasket set, I'd be tempted to try the Fel-Pro kit. Their head gasket is supposed to better for Subarus and actually fix the problem for good.

But maybe you can try head gasket sealer first. I used Bars Leaks HG-1 on an EJ25D and it works great! Other people have had luck with Blue Devil Pour-N-Go.

Use an OEM or Aisin thermostat, along with the correct coolant. I'm not sure when Subaru switched from green to blue, but whichever your car calls for, use Zerex Asian (blue or green, as appropriate), or Pentofrost A2 (if green) or A3 (if blue).

 

[D60]

https://www.smartqualityparts.com/h...html#/187-model-2010_2012_outback_legacy_2_5l

https://www.smartqualityparts.com/e...html#/187-model-2010_2012_outback_legacy_2_5l

Trav you're awesome, this is exactly why I posted, ie I figured there was a company I wasn't aware of putting together a comprehensive, quality kit(s)

I've never heard of these guys but I think I'll order from them!

 

[MRC01]

... But maybe you can try head gasket sealer first. I used Bars Leaks HG-1 on an EJ25D and it works great! Other people have had luck with Blue Devil Pour-N-Go. ...

I used the Aisin timing belt, pulleys, tensioner & water pump kit. The quality & fit was like OEM and that was over 10k miles ago, no problems so far (knock on wood).

While these engines had more than their fair share of head gasket failures, they don't all fail. Mine was gradually losing coolant. But UOA showed no trace of coolant in the oil, and when I replaced the water pump I saw that gasket had failed. The coolant was leaking out so slowly that it was being absorbed by the engine under-mat panel. When I flushed the coolant I did use the OEM recommended additive and so far it has been fine. No head gasket replacement... yet.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Six Star is the way. Trav is the closest thing the board has to an inside trader on Subies. Ignore his advice at your own peril.

 

[D60]

I used the Aisin timing belt, pulleys, tensioner & water pump kit. The quality & fit was like OEM and that was over 10k miles ago, no problems so far (knock on wood).

While these engines had more than their fair share of head gasket failures, they don't all fail. Mine was gradually losing coolant. But UOA showed no trace of coolant in the oil, and when I replaced the water pump I saw that gasket had failed. The coolant was leaking out so slowly that it was being absorbed by the engine under-mat panel. When I flushed the coolant I did use the OEM recommended additive and so far it has been fine. No head gasket replacement... yet.

Pretty sure Six Star says coolant conditioner not reco'd with their kits.

This one built excessive pressure in the cooling system. This then tears the upper hose nipple off the radiator. The tension clamp can't ride over the molded "bump" so it just rips the bump off.

If you search the web, LOTS of reports of this. Most people are bewildered and just figure they need a radiator, or it overheated due to t-stat. I'd guess it was JUST radiator failure in 5% of those cases (I have nothing to back up my speculation)

Anyway, I had also verified --to my satisfaction-- failure here with a combustion gas tester:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/block-test-combustion-gases.383696/

There was also a steady stream of tiny bubbles in a fill funnel. ~233k on the motor and from what MrSubaru vids suggest, this is pretty good with most failing much closer to 200k

 

[MRC01]

... Anyway, I had also verified --to my satisfaction-- failure here with a combustion gas tester:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/block-test-combustion-gases.383696/

There was also a steady stream of tiny bubbles in a fill funnel. ~233k on the motor and from what MrSubaru vids suggest, this is pretty good with most failing much closer to 200k

At > 200K miles it sounds like you got a good one. If the one that I fixed up (now my daughter's car) lasts that long, I will be happy.