doing Head gasket with engine in car :)

Well I blew a head gasket the driver side cylinder number 3. My Subie would over heat since the air bubble produced by an internal gasket leak. So the Exhaust gases would force all my coolant out, which gave similar symptoms as a bad Thermostat. So I took the heads out, with no issues, pretty easy car to work on. and theres actually plenty of room to work with, even with the engine still in place . So doing head gaskets is do-able with engine in place in case you don't have an engine hoist. The head gaskets I removed are weak, very flimsy. I had read that the 2002-2003 wrx are common for head gasket issues. So I went ahead and got some Cometic Head Gaskets and ARP studs. I have to say the Cometic Gaskets are high quality. The middle layer is steel, very strong. Ill also be receiving the Gates Timing kit. looks like it had never been done before Remember this is my first Subie, I have about 7 months ownig this car. But I love to work on cars, so I decided to knock this out on my own. Here are some pics

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ill post more pics as soon as I get the heads back from the machine shop

Oh I so disagree with you on the quality of Cometic head gaskets as I've blown far too many on a couple of platforms. There are a few guys out there that swear on them. Good luck to you with them.

I was about to tackle this very job on my Legacy before trading up to the SHO. Doesn't look fun.

Well I know as long as I get the heads a 50ra finish or better I should be OK. I know cometic gaskets are very sensitive to the finish quality. And the same goes for the block side. But once everything is properly prepped this gaskets should seal very well. I'll also be using permatrex copper spray, just for peace in mind lol. And actually doing the heads with the engine on is very easy. This is my first time taking apart subie heads. I know sohc engines are a lot easier since you don't have to removed the cams.

Well today I received my gates timing kit and intake manifold gaskets

OK guys I got an update. I just finished the car. Everything is running fine. right now im burbing the cooling system. car is idling perfectly. I got to say it was a fun tearing this car down Ill post some pics in a bit.

cometic head gasket on. I actually put 5 coats of permatrex copper spray but I didn't take a pic of them I forgot :/
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head installed and torqued 20-40-60-80 at subarus torque sequance
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ARP studs
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Wrinkle Red
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Did the timing and new water pump
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almost everything back on
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Sweet good job man!

Thanks dude. no more overheating

update 500+ miles and my subie is pulling hard and good. No issues at all