Phase I or Phase II 2.5 L. engine ?

[AJay]

How do I determine if I have a Phase I or Phase II 2.5 L engine? And
what distinguishes an early Phase II from later Phase II?

I'm thinking about buying a Chevy Equinox with the old venerable small
block engine. Subaru seems to have an engine design problem.

AJay

 

[mrputler]

From a quick Google search:

PHASE 1 (Dual Overhead Cam):
Used in:
1996 to 1999 Legacy Outback
1996 to 1999 Legacy GT
1998 Impreza RS
1998 Forester


Typical head gasket failure mode:
Internal leak, not externally visible. May see bubbles in overflow
reservoir, sludgy residue on walls of overflow reservoir, random
overheating of engine.

Covered by service bulletin: No

Cost to repair:
DIY: $200 parts
Independent shop: $1000-$1500
Dealership: $2000


PHASE 2 (Single Overhead Cam):
Used in:
2000 to present (non-turbo) Legacy Outback
2000 to 2004 Legacy GT
2000 to present Legacy
1999 to present non-turbo Impreza 2.5 (RS, TS, Outback Sport)
1999 to present non-turbo Forester


Typical head gasket failure mode:
External leak, sweet smell, coolant visible on engine, slowly dropping
coolant level.

 

[AJay]

On Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:09:52 -0700, (e-mail address removed) wrote:
Thanks mrputer for your response. A minute after I submitted my
request it dawned on me to use Google. I had a senior moment.

Have a good day.
AJay