hi just woundering if my engine has to be removed from my subaru impreza wrx 2ltr import to have the head gasket changed on drivers side......thank you

 

Yes it does, no other way.

 

yup it does as said above and best do both while its out

 

ok many thanks for your help

 

I believe it can be done in situ..... but it is not easy and is easier to do whilst the engine is out.

 

They can be done with the engine still in......................don't bother though, bloody back breaking doing it that way, 1.5 hrs to remove engine, much easier with it on the bench.

 

By the way, it's normal practice to replace both gaskets - esp. whilst the engine would be out, so easy remove the other head, etc.

A pair of metal STi gaskets are around the £100+ mark...

 

Out of interest (I don't need mine doing but just curious), what's the general consensus on whether or not to get the heads skimmed if the engine has not overheated?

 

Your call.... I know what I would be doing.

 

In all the years Ihave been working with these engines, I've only ever come across one that needed skimming, as they are onlt short they don't tend to wark, but the gasket fire ring can melt into the head if they get very hot. My opinion is don't remove any metal if you don't need to! Just clean them up properly and use good quality gaskets.

 

WMS,
Do you measure properly each head, on each gasket change, regardless of whether or not you think it is true?

 

Yes, once cleaned I put a straight edge across them. Never had a problem in 10 years of working on them. If they got hot enough to warp them, the fire ring would of left plenty of damage as well.

 

you could do it in car but imagine sucking a golf ball through a hose gives you a sort of idea how hard it would be . just lift lump out only takes 30mins

 

hi, was wondering if its possible to change the rocker cover gaskets with the engine still in car, i know be easier to take it out. Its my LH cover that looks to have a small leak. if i take out washer bottle and battery will i be able to get it off?
cheers
craig

 

rocker covers are done with lump in as bolts are only 10mm about 2inch long so loads of clearance but best off doing it from underneath car