i have an 02 wrx. i can see/smell faint white smoke after a driving session. i didn't get a compression test yet but i will before this coming weekend. i'm guessing its the head gasket so i'm getting ready to replace it. i want to know if anyone has done this before on their suby?

 

your going to have a lot of fun pulling that motor.

 

a head gasket job is a labor of love

you need all the specs also on qht to torq the bolts too also

 

If you see white smoke and it's not cold outside it sounds like water/coolant is getting into the combustion chamber. A head gasket job blows on Subarus since you havee to pull the motor... bammer.

 

get stronger head gaskets this time!

 

When you take the head off loosen the outer blolts and work your way in. When you put the head back on make sure you start with the center bolts and work your way out. Also step the torque (ie torque all the bolts down to 20 ft-lbs, then torque em to 40, then 60 and so on, till you hit your spec.). that way you pull the head on flat. Stepping the torque and working your way from the center out also will make sure the head doesn't warp, and the gasket makes a good seal. Also make sure the deck of the block is completely clean(along with the head) with no head gasket material or debris. Use an oem or better head gasket. If the head also uses torque to yeild bolts you will need to replace those because they are one use only, and you don't want to have to pull the motor again to replace a head bolt or stud.

 

thanks for the tips!!