How to Change the Head Gasket of a 1989 Subaru
- 1). Ensure that the engine of your 1989 Subaru is cool before you begin working underneath the hood. Detach the negative battery cable and take off the plug, which may be located under the compressor or in the back section of the power steering pump. Let the coolant drain into a pan to prevent it from spilling on the crankcase and pistons.
- 2). Label the vehicle car parts in the engine block. Take apart (or rake out) the fuel system pressure, air cleanser assembly, vacuum lines, air intake ducts and ignition wires. Disconnect all of the hoses, which include the upper radiator hose, coolant bypass hose and heater hose. Take off the belt for the power steering pump and take off the anchor. Place the parts in a secure place. Do not detach the hydraulic line.
- 3). Place wooden blocks on top of the cushion floor jacks and sit under the vehicle. Take off the engine anchor brackets, which are located on the left side toward the front. Slip the air conditioning compressor belt off of the motor. Remove the alternator belt tension bracket and the distributor and disconnect the fuel line. Plug up the fuel line to stop it from spilling. Undo the throttle cable nut.
- 4). Disconnect and remove the top motor components and connectors, which include the camshaft position electrical connector, crankshaft position sensor electrical connector, manifold absolute pressure sensor connection, engine coolant temperature sensor electrical and the exhaust gas recirculation valve electrical connector. Keep track of the location of each Subaru component and part.
- 5). Remove the bolts of the cylinder head in the reverse sequence of how the factory installed them. Undo the outermost bolts first and head toward the center. Take out the cylinder head and examine it for wear and tear. Replace the cylinder head if necessary. Clean the mating shell if you do not change the cylinder head. Lubricate the new bolts and threads prior to installing.
- 6). Check the cylinder head for any warpage. The warpage cannot exceed 0.0020 inches. Set up the new head gasket and place it facing upward. Align it with the dowel pins. Lay the cylinder head in place. Position the bolts in a three-step sequence: torque to 29 feet/lb., torque to 43 feet/lb. and then torque to 51 feet/lb.
- 7). Replace all of the parts in the reverse of installation. Consult a Subaru automobile service guide for the exact torque specifications.
- 8). Place the cylinder head on top of the cylinder block. Place the cylinder head bolts in a two-step process: torque to 37 feet/lb. for the first step and torque to 68 feet/lb. for the second step.
- 9). Replace each engine block component in the reverse order of the original setup. Use a Ford Windstar service manual for the appropriate bolt torque.
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