2000 Subaru Legacy Outback valve cover gasket removal and installation. Took approx 3 hours, including a spark plug change. Procedures: Passenger Side- Remov…
2000 Subaru Legacy Outback valve cover gasket removal and installation. Took approx 3 hours, including a spark plug change. Procedures: Passenger Side- Remov…
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Was going to pay $300 to have a mechanic replace my valve cover gaskets, didn’t realize how easy it was until I watched your video. You saved me $250 (30 for gaskets and 20 for cleaner) appreciate it!!!!
i think it would have been more helpful to capture the process where you are actually unbolting and taking off the valve covers as well as the spark plug tube seals…
I’d use a clean cloth rag in the hole to remove the leftover oil. Just stuff it in and then twist it. Repeat until it comes out clean.
I’m in the process of doing this now because I noticed the plug wire tube was covered in oil. But, the oil way down where the spark plug is.. how am I supposed to get that out? Is it ok that some is still there? I’ve already did the passenger side valve cover, and noticed when I put the new plug wire in, and then remove it, it now has oil on it. Is this ok?
Great video. I just bought the gaskets, spark plugs, and cables to get this done. Quick question: Did you put any silicone gasket/grease over the Subaru gasket in the valve cover and/or spark plug tubes?Thanks
No, sorry. Fortunately, I’ve had not issues with the transmission.
I had bought some thumbwheel ratchets and those were very useful for getting the left bottom rear bolt.
The torque spec is something like 3-4 lb/ft. Most torque wrenches don’t go that low. It’s not so import to have them tight but to have them all the same tightness, otherwise the valve cover will be crooked and you’ll just get another leak.
Why not use a torque wrench on the bolts if it is so little torque?
Hey, I did the job on the weekend, my valve cover dirty was like yours clean. I got $20 ~ $30 off all the parts:
Valve cover gasket = $24/ea + tax
Spark plug gaskets = $5.40/ea. + tax
PCV was something like $15 – $20 but I didn’t replace it bc I ran out of time and I couldn’t find it.
**I didn’t replace the washers behind each bolt but since Saturday I haven’t had leaks**
I didn’t replace the plugs either but I they were changed in may so I’ll just remove them and clean them w/carb cleaner.
Ok good point, I’m in Montreal, Canada so we’ll see how much it costs from the dealership since jobber parts are not good substitutes and pretty much no one from the states ships here. I’ll let you know in the next month what happens. It’ll be good to prepare before winter, our winters are pretty brutal.
How many miles do you have on your car? Have you ever done a tune up in the past on your car? If you have more than 60,000 miles and never changed the plugs before, you could do it all in one go. Replace the plugs, wires and valve cover gaskets as well as the PCV valve. It would make more sense to anyway since you’ll have to remove everything to get to the gaskets anyhow.
Thanks for the quick reply. I looked up the PCV and probably change it also. Now one thing… my plugs are pretty covered with oil, from memory, the part of wire that comes in contact with the spark plugs had oil on it too. You think I should change them or just clean them?
The bottom bolts were difficult to reach. I had to use a small wrench and squeezed my hand back there. But it is completely doable and will save you money to do by yourself.
You don’t have to drain the oil to change the valve cover gaskets. Since you want to do this with a cold engine, all the oil will be back down in the oil pan. Also, I did not use any silicone on the gaskets.
Yes. This was happening to mine as well. Something else, I’d check is the PCV valve. If that isn’t working correctly pressure will build up in engine this in turn can cause leaking. PCV valves are like 5-10 bucks and easy to replace.
Hi,
I have oil all over my spark plugs, I think my mechanic said it was valve cover gasket leaking, is that what would cause there to be oil on my plugs?
Thanks for the video but I have 2 questions. I’m assuming you drained the oil first? And did you use any silicone on the gasket?
I’m not sure, but i’d say that it is probably the same. The Subaru Boxer engine has stayed pretty much the same. As the saying goes if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
I was able to reach the lower rear bolts from the top. The drivers side wool give you some difficulty, but if you use a small wrench you should have no problems.
Hi. I’m From Venezuela. thank you for your video. I have a 2002 Impreza. It’ was my Sunday Project thanks your tutorial. It’s very easy. see ya.
I am needing to do mine on my 01 Outback. Thanks for the VERY detailed video on how to do it! Next weekends project!
Hey great video by the way. I have a 2001 Legacy b4, its the 2L twin turbo one, do you know if it needs the same amount of torque?
Fantastic. I will be doing this to my wife’s 00 Outback in the next week or so. Its been leaking oil for a few months now and I was dreading having to take it to a shop, but this makes it simple enough for me to tackle at home. I like your idea of changing the oil and plugs while at it.
Your welcome. Just trying to pay back to the community for all the great DIY videos I’ve watched.
Thanks for posting this video now i know how to change mine without screw it up something haha!
I used aftermarket gaskets (Felpro – Part No. VS 50561 R). I know some people prefer to use sealant, but I don’t find it necessary to do so. My experience is that the gaskets fit quite snug without using a sealant to hold it in place. Thank you for your comment, I greatly appreciate it. I will try to keep the camera more steady next time :P.