Expert: All Wheel Drive Auto Date: 6/18/2008 Subject: outback crankshaft/rebuild question
Question Hello. first, amazing site thank you!! I blew up my 98 outback engine driving cross country. 175k miles with NO previous problems. No warning signs then it overheated very quickly. I stopped, busted water hose. Tried to restart after patching and cooling but engine turned over a bit "tight." Long story short, trailered it home, I've removed the engine, removed the heads...appears head gaskets went.
I was hoping to leave the block and crank alone, have the heads reconditioned, then rebuild it, however when turning it over it binds through maybe a 10degree arc of one rotation, not severe but definitely binds, then turns very free every other degree. I've rebuilt 2 other engines years ago and seemed to remember being able to turn them very easily with the cranks alone installed in the block. Hence, I assume this binding is very bad! hehee. shouldn't it turn quite easily if everything was in good condition? Yes I'm trying to save some money but this appears to need a total rebuild/new engine, or can you cheer me up with some info that I'm missing about the crank? I'm not possess the skill nor time to do a full rebuild. Thanks for any help!! sad broke subaru owner.
Answer Hey Franklin,
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, we are just buried at the shop.
Any ways the 2.5l will build up resistance to turning(even with the heads off) when the keyway is at the 11:00 o'clock position through the 1:00 o'clock position. This is 100% normal
It is hard to say if what you are feeling is normal but if it fits into the above explanation roll with the repairs.
