hedron

Is there anything else I should check tomorrow? I just took these pics quick when I noticed oil burning smell, and there was smoke in the engine bay. I had thought it was something like a PCV valve, or the oil filter was loose, or something, but I guess not.

It doesn't really drip when parked, though. But it could start, as I don't think it's been this bad before, but so far it only smells when the engine is heated. It seems to be getting exponentially worse by day, as a month ago it was just an occasional burnt oil smell. Now it is very regular. I guess I can't drive it until the issue is solved.

No coolant smell is present.

It's only on the passengers side of the vehicle.

It's manual transmission. 2011 Impreza 2.5l premium.

Also, is the EJ25 an interference engine?

hedron

I'm looking some youtube videos on how to replace the head gasket, but I don't understand this part. I don't understand WHY it needs to be done in such a finicky order. I've done timing belts before, and some of their instructions (even Toyota's) were unnecessary for reasons I don't want to get into here. I'm just confused as what the goal of this process is?

hedgecutter

iTrader: (5)

Check your rocker covers first.

1509joe

iTrader: (2)

What is it using oil or water? The smell should give you an idea what it is as said above check cam cover gaskets can't see it being head gaskets.

JdmSti2006

when my headgasket went i had plenty of white clouds from an exhaust and coolant temp rised in traffic,still managed to drive 3h to a garage.
Took over 3 years from barely visible clouds to temp issues.

hedron

Turns out the "bolt" head of my K&N filter cracked. Much relieved it wasn't the head gasket.

hedgecutter

iTrader: (5)

What does that have to do with burning oil?

KelvSTi

iTrader: (12)

I'd guess he means a K&N oil filter with the nut head on for loosening/tightening was leaking.