TOTAL TRASH! Subaru WRX FA20DIT Failed Engine Teardown. How NOT To Rebuild A Turbo Subaru Correctly

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  • čas přidán 17. 05. 2024
  • For parts from this engine or other engines I've torn down. Go to www.Importapart.com or email us at Sales@importapart.com
    For ALL THINGS SUBARU, Go to www.pmpautogroup.com
    Today we have a fan/viewer supplied engine! This 80k mile 2.0L FA20DIT is from a 2016 WRX. I don't believe the fan/viewer did this damage, I think it was purchased with this damage and subsequently repaired. This engine has been through hell and every part of it paints a picture of a corner cutting, penny pinching repair that clearly did NOT last.
    Why am I doing this? My name is Eric and I own and run a full service auto salvage business called Importapart. Part of our model includes dismantling blown up and bad engines to salvage the good parts. We do NOT rebuild engines, we merely sell parts to those who do.
    I really hope you enjoyed this teardown. As always, I love all of the comments, feedback and even the criticism.
    Catch you on the next one!
    -Eric
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 1,2K

  • @tylerrosser5938
    @tylerrosser5938 Před měsícem +402

    This was my engine, I'm sure some of you are wondering the background. I bought the car with 75k miles, and it was completely stock. not even an intake. I had fun with car and occasionally drove it hard, but also did my oil change every 3k miles and I replaced spark plugs right after I bought it. One day I was cruising at 45mph and my oil level light came on. i pulled over and turned it off. My dipstick was popped out and oil was everywhere. I topped it off and continued driving, however anytime i got in boost the dipstick would come out again. Did a compression test to find out I lost compression on cylinder 1. I purchased a used motor from cheap on facebook and drove 3 hours to get it. Big mistake. Dude told me there was a head issue, so i said sweet, i just need the block. ended up having having a spun bearing. Cylinder 1 piston was blown apart (assuming from detonation) in the motor that was in my car. With no more money and 2 torn apart motors, and borrowing someone's garage (which i had 2 more days before i had to leave) i threw a "good" piston from the motor i bought into mine, hoping it would last long enough for me to get rid of the car. Didnt last a day XD. I had to suck it up and buy a legit good motor (using the rest of my savings) and swapped the good motor in. now the clutch is slipping and it isnt exactly running right so i havent been driving it. (I owe 22k on this car). yeah i know i messed up several times, and honestly i dont think i should have bought that wrx in the first place. I just dont make enough money.

    • @tylerrosser5938
      @tylerrosser5938 Před měsícem +11

      Loved the video

    • @thisisobvious
      @thisisobvious Před měsícem +70

      Oh man. Appreciate the story and hope the replies don’t go too crazy on you 😂

    • @rickscott7350
      @rickscott7350 Před měsícem +25

      $14,400 for a long block. Ouch. $4500 for a used. Even that is an ouch. Sorry things went bad.

    • @nicholasagnew2792
      @nicholasagnew2792 Před měsícem +9

      I bought a W8 Passat, its an auto and I'd definitely advise to have the transmission serviced, but its a much less expensive AWD 275 hp car. The throttle response is uselessly delayed, I mean its atrocious but its a sweet car. Its like Mike Tyson in a Tuxedo...Hell, you could get a 20 year old manual legacy or outback and have almost as much fun. Just get a $1500 rally car you can beat on.

    • @bobcoats2708
      @bobcoats2708 Před měsícem +26

      Sorry to hear that worked out so badly for you. Some of life’s best lessons really hurt in the moment. Wishing you the best.

  • @TheByronYale
    @TheByronYale Před měsícem +194

    Having worked at a pacific northwest Subaru dealership service department and I can attest to the fact that kids buy WRXs that can barely afford them and then can't afford to maintain them and roast the engines on a regular basis.

    • @rturner4205
      @rturner4205 Před měsícem +11

      I usually joke that if a WRX is in the shop and it's not for regular maintenance, It's usually for being treated like trash.

    • @HenrySomeone
      @HenrySomeone Před měsícem +30

      And even if you maintain them religiously, they'll still blow up sooner or later...

    • @CJinSD1
      @CJinSD1 Před měsícem +7

      @@HenrySomeone And at some dealerships, they take the young guy aside when he buys the car and offers to reflash the ECU so the warranty will be void when the engine blows, just like it would have if it had never been modified and had been maintained by the book.

    • @YOLO891
      @YOLO891 Před měsícem +13

      @@HenrySomeone Every engine blows up sooner or later. What's your point?

    • @HenrySomeone
      @HenrySomeone Před měsícem +16

      @@YOLO891 Nah, just the Subies 🤣🤣

  • @adriansdigitalbasement
    @adriansdigitalbasement Před měsícem +159

    Yes, I think the MGT2259S is the OEM turbo for the Forester XT and WRX during those years.

    • @suttondavis1929
      @suttondavis1929 Před měsícem +1

      Yep that is the turbo

    • @jfan4reva
      @jfan4reva Před měsícem +8

      AND you can get a remanufactured one for only $700 - $750 plus shipping. (Eric is crying real tears at this point.)

    • @MrWoodyBalto
      @MrWoodyBalto Před měsícem +33

      I spent 0 minutes searching for this info. I knew all would be revealed right here in the comments.🤘

    • @disposablehero4911
      @disposablehero4911 Před měsícem +1

      So, car videos someday? Esp. if it's 80's cars.😉

    • @jamesbender3809
      @jamesbender3809 Před měsícem +25

      Unexpected Adrian's digital basement

  • @gerrycarmichael1391
    @gerrycarmichael1391 Před měsícem +114

    The problem with turbo scoobies is typically someone gets a hold of one and instantly becomes a “tuner”. They bolt on stuff that requires a lot of ancillary work without doing said work and they cheap out on doing stuff like properly decking the heads. They then take their 400 hp hand grenade out and beat the living snot out of it and are shocked when parts of the rotating assembly reach escape velocity!

    • @ferrumignis
      @ferrumignis Před měsícem +14

      It does seem like these cars are very attractive to the least skilled and most overconfident owners.

    • @HenrySomeone
      @HenrySomeone Před měsícem +20

      Not really, they are plenty capable of blowing up (often spectacularly!) even completely stock.

    • @kevinm5177
      @kevinm5177 Před měsícem +4

      WRXs have crazy road holding but not amazing anti slosh in the oil pan. It’s why Killer Bee makes so much money.

    • @xXturbo86Xx
      @xXturbo86Xx Před měsícem +2

      No. The problem is that these engines are old designs that have been "modernized" with a focus on production cost reduction. That's why they suck.

    • @wpgspecb
      @wpgspecb Před měsícem +1

      @@HenrySomeone Incorrect, but keep trying. Its ok. We forgive you.

  • @litz13
    @litz13 Před měsícem +331

    Soon as we heard this came from a WRX, it was obvious what we would find.
    WRX owners, after all, never modify their cars and always drive moderately only to church on Sundays.

    • @buttsexandbananapeels
      @buttsexandbananapeels Před měsícem

      Don’t forget they hire the very best technicians to make sure their race ready super cars are ready for any challenge at the drive thru.

    • @SubOhmN8
      @SubOhmN8 Před měsícem +19

      They sit there and idle at restaurant drive thru's. Never get above 3k RPMs. Granny drivers. 😂😂

    • @aaronbryan5095
      @aaronbryan5095 Před měsícem +8

      ​@@SubOhmN8 idling often will still wear out an engine by quite a bit though

    • @vumba1331
      @vumba1331 Před měsícem +2

      Driving Miss Daisy.

    • @Wtrxprs007able
      @Wtrxprs007able Před měsícem +4

      ​@@aaronbryan5095Not as much as keeping it at 7000rpm most of the time. At idle the all the parts and fluids stay at operating temp and is the best time for them.
      I dont know about in USA but here in aus, taxis easily see 700,000km+ from an engine because theyre never turned off.

  • @ikocheratcr
    @ikocheratcr Před měsícem +100

    The best part today: "that metal has oil in it", that is a new level.

  • @bradgreen987
    @bradgreen987 Před měsícem +59

    " Somebody's been in there" is the boxer engine death sentence

    • @pocketpc_
      @pocketpc_ Před měsícem +5

      Yup. Keep 'em stock and keep oil in 'em and they will run hundreds of thousands of miles no problem. But WRX owners just can't seem to stop themselves from loading up the bolt-ons...

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 Před měsícem

      I recommend reading the previous owner's comment that is now pinned at the top. He basically half assed the rebuild himself because he was broke.

  • @Flies2FLL
    @Flies2FLL Před měsícem +280

    "Sparkle Sensor"
    That actually exists in aviation. Helicopter transmissions have "chip detectors", which sense the forbidden glitter and let the pilots know they are about do to an autorotation......

    • @halkennedy6353
      @halkennedy6353 Před měsícem +35

      I have seen that light come on.

    • @JohnSmith-pl2bk
      @JohnSmith-pl2bk Před měsícem +14

      @@halkennedy6353
      Mayday mayday mayday.....

    • @ghostrider-be9ek
      @ghostrider-be9ek Před měsícem +16

      most modern turbine engines have it as well - making metal is a quick way to IFSD

    • @Flies2FLL
      @Flies2FLL Před měsícem +5

      @@halkennedy6353 😳 I'm glad you are here to tell me that!

    • @sofielee4122
      @sofielee4122 Před měsícem +26

      Not just helicopters, just about every turbine engine has them. Funny part of the TPE331-10N engine (one of the ones on the Cessna conquest) is that the chip detector isn't connected to the harness. Every 24 months you're supposed to take it out and look at it to see if the magnet has grabbed a chip lol

  • @Pmpautogroup
    @Pmpautogroup Před měsícem +42

    Thanks for the Shout out Eric, and letting me be apart of the video. To those who wish to bring up a forum post about Pmp from 12 years ago, Give it a rest... this is a salvage yard, not a puppy and kitten adoption center, we will never make 100% of the people happy 100% of the time. Thanks!

    • @AudioHead809
      @AudioHead809 Před měsícem +6

      You guys are great! I bought a transmission from you guys years ago.

    • @Pmpautogroup
      @Pmpautogroup Před měsícem +3

      @@AudioHead809 Thanks!

    • @TheMissing62
      @TheMissing62 Před měsícem +2

      So you say I can't adopt a Ford Coyote or an LS...?
      My heart is broken in pieces.

  • @WarmPudgy
    @WarmPudgy Před měsícem +274

    holy smokes! with the oil pan sitting directly over the exhaust, these engines must absolutely cook the oil.

    • @Justme-jt1ef
      @Justme-jt1ef Před měsícem +44

      I was thinking that as well some will say but it has heat Shields and I say not when they put salt on the roads.

    • @MattExzy
      @MattExzy Před měsícem +41

      I like how I got a Subaru ad right before this played.

    • @gregsalerno1434
      @gregsalerno1434 Před měsícem +11

      Bad design !

    • @mikeyp916
      @mikeyp916 Před měsícem +65

      There are several heat shields, plenty of airflow, and an oil cooler to keep oil cool. It rarely goes above 100C unless it's hard driving.

    • @samholdsworth420
      @samholdsworth420 Před měsícem

      ​@@mikeyp916212°f is warm lol

  • @GoneAsGoneCanBe
    @GoneAsGoneCanBe Před měsícem +51

    Watching you admire timing chains as if they were high quality gold ones will forever be one of my favorite bits of this channel.

    • @91CavGT5
      @91CavGT5 Před měsícem

      I think he has a timing chain fetish. With how he handles them, with how he talks about them, yeah……….

    • @littlesquirtthefireengine5478
      @littlesquirtthefireengine5478 Před měsícem

      I think we need a 'top 10 eric's favorite timing chains' episode

  • @kennethwilson1140
    @kennethwilson1140 Před měsícem +124

    I thought the Bering Sea was between Alaska and Russia not in the bottom of a Subaru oil pan 😱

  • @litz13
    @litz13 Před měsícem +143

    That turbo impeller looks like it came off an airplane after a bird strike.
    Don't know that we've ever seen one THAT wrecked!

    • @kviasen7603
      @kviasen7603 Před měsícem +7

      The turbo nut is counter clockwise threaded so should never be able to unscrew. and the piston small end cap was not tightened at all? could this be an Insurance scam ?.

    • @HenrySomeone
      @HenrySomeone Před měsícem +5

      @@kviasen7603 If there is one brand where you don't need to do an insurance scam (atleast as far as blown up engines go), it's Subaru - you just drive it a bit more and it will do that for you... 😆😆

    • @stevevalley7835
      @stevevalley7835 Před měsícem

      Charles the "Humble Mechanic" guy dissected a GTI engine some years ago, and the turbo was at least that chewed up.

    • @BlueSteel331
      @BlueSteel331 Před měsícem

      @@kviasen7603 - BIG end cap actually = learn mechanics.

    • @luckyguy600
      @luckyguy600 Před měsícem +1

      Seen that a few times in the spring with birds nesting in DC-8 cabin compressor inlets on the nose.4 of them
      Boom!
      They were humming along till they just let go.
      The two outer compressors were not horrible to change. The two inboards were a nightmare.
      What a design.

  • @ryanwhittle6525
    @ryanwhittle6525 Před měsícem +5

    When I worked at a garbage dump, the policy was if you were the first person to operate a vehicle for the day, you were REQUIRED to check oil, water and air pressure in tires. Then, whenever you got in a vehicle before you moved it, you checked the oil. Our equipment never failed.

  • @cparks7800
    @cparks7800 Před měsícem +12

    That lil chinga dera hanging off the cam is a brake booster vacuum pump
    Garrett Honeywell makes the oem 15-21 turbo.

  • @The_Last_Question
    @The_Last_Question Před měsícem +7

    Owned a 15 Forester XT with this engine, the Forester gave me more problems than this engine. Strangest quirk about the whole car was that it really disliked having a weak battery, even giving engine lights over it. That car wore its wheel bearings and broke studs on the front passenger side consistently. Plugs looked a lot better than that when I changed them in this video. Oh and these cars lose the refrigerant every 2-3 years in Florida but generally the cooling system held up. The A/C pump gets noisy when its low. I gave that thing every little preventative service, which I think is the most important thing, nothing runs long without keeping the changeable fluids and parts out today.

  • @davestark2015
    @davestark2015 Před měsícem +31

    My favorite part of Saturday. Cheers Sir

  • @Turtle_Two
    @Turtle_Two Před měsícem +39

    Eric sloshes his hand in the waste oil searching for the dropped socket extension, and I'm thinking "Doesn't he have a magnet on a stick?" And shortly thereafter, he's splitting the block and fishes out bolts with... a magnet on a stick! What time do you film these awesome teardowns that you're thinking so clearly?

    • @I_Do_Cars
      @I_Do_Cars  Před měsícem +48

      Usually 10pm to 1am lol

    • @Ghauster
      @Ghauster Před měsícem +7

      Better was when he was getting ready to throw the water pump. 🤣

  • @caleb5962
    @caleb5962 Před měsícem +8

    I own an EJ25 that i did a roll disk resurface on. Not for lack of money but lack of time. Every machine shop was weeks out and i had about a week to get the heads done and car back together. So together it went after checking with a straight edge. That was 80k miles ago. No problems yet. I feel like i won the lottery on that one.

  • @dylanskiba8650
    @dylanskiba8650 Před měsícem +18

    Owner of 3 Subarus, one of which has this exact motor in it, and it was great seeing a full FA20 teardown! I'm so glad you showed the intake valves, as I wasn't able to find a reliable source on how bad the carbon can get for a long time. Much LESS worried now having seen this, as we are clearly nowhere near Volkswagen / Mini levels of DI filth.
    Ironically it's my H6 Subaru engine that gives me the most grief, though to be fair that IS because it's 30 years old! (Definitely support the H6 recommendation, a shame Subaru stopped making them).
    Specific to what Eric found here: the wet plugs is a common phenomenon on FA20s if I understand it correctly. One of my driver side plugs had a similar look to it when I replaced them last year. Seems this unit was the same.
    Also this engine was definitely mangled by someone before it got to the stand of shame. Only heard of one type of 3M rollock wheel being approved for use by Subaru, and that was only for removing RTV, not for..."re surfacing" the heads (I'd probably stick with a razor blade anyway, just to be safe).
    Would love to see an FA24 teardown once one inevitably ends up in your shop! Curious to see the differences in valvetrain and connecting rods, two areas Subaru supposedly tried to improve after people started finding the limits of the FA20.
    PS - Don't let the memes scare you, modern 4 cylinder Subarus are not all time bombs, and any ordinary Subaru that's been well maintained by a normal person should serve you just fine as long as you pay attention and take care of it. You can even find relatively un-ruined 2015+ WRXs easily enough if you dig a little because chasing big power without port injection is prohibitively expensive for a lot of people. Just try and avoid buying someone else's instagram build and you'll likely be fine

    • @YOLO891
      @YOLO891 Před měsícem

      I own a 2020 wrx with 55k on it and i love my ol'girl i take care of her but anyway if you want to see tear downs and other knowledge on the FA20 or the FA24 engines 3 of the most knowledable subaru humans on youtube maybe the whole internet check out MotoIQ, Mrsubaru1387 and Smeedia.

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 Před měsícem +1

      I recommend reading the previous owner's comment that is now pinned at the top. He basically did a half assed rebuild himself because he was broke.

  • @wackadoodle12
    @wackadoodle12 Před měsícem +35

    This channel is so relaxing. It's ASMR for gearheads. Gnight 309 wherever you are.❤

  • @trupatriot1776
    @trupatriot1776 Před měsícem +10

    You know the teardown is going to be a good one when Mardi Gras oil is used.

  • @mikeyp916
    @mikeyp916 Před měsícem +12

    Fun fact about that turbo location, it is not new to the FA platform. There were also bottom mount turbo EJ engines available on the 2010-2012 Legacy GT which was also mated to the new 6 speed transmission that replaced the old 5 speed. It is almost identical to the 2015+ WRX unit.

  • @marathoner43
    @marathoner43 Před měsícem +3

    As always Eric, a great Saturday night video. Thanks for my entertainment on a rainy Saturday night.

  • @miketdavies
    @miketdavies Před měsícem +21

    "Debris... took off the tip" well played.
    Also, nice jab at Ray!

    • @miketdavies
      @miketdavies Před měsícem

      BTW speedkar had a 3.6L Subie teardown a while back, was interesting!

    • @KarlHamilton
      @KarlHamilton Před měsícem

      Explain please lol

    • @TracyCorbett
      @TracyCorbett Před měsícem

      I came to the comments to see how many of us appreciated that little bit of dad joke brilliance!

  • @dizaztuh
    @dizaztuh Před měsícem +4

    117k on my full bolt on FA20 running e50 and making 360/350 on an unequal length header and stock turbo, 4 different dyno sessions throughout the modification process. they're good engines if taken care of right. I've had mine going on 7 years and the only issue I've had is a bad OCV which was $50 bucks. I take it to plenty of mexico nights and play when I want to but take care of it and drive normal most of the time. That was the stock turbo btw.

  • @tsimpson007
    @tsimpson007 Před měsícem

    As always thank you Eric. A great way to relax watching to see the damage.

  • @spelunkerd
    @spelunkerd Před měsícem +2

    I have an FA20 DIT 2.0 turbo in our daily driver, a 2015 Subaru. It's fun to see it torn down, thanks for your effort.

  • @thomasfletcher760
    @thomasfletcher760 Před měsícem +32

    Knock knock . Uncle Rodney ? I choose option 3 , someone definitely assembled the engine wrong

    • @luckyguy600
      @luckyguy600 Před měsícem

      bad bad mechanic

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 Před měsícem

      The previous owners comment is now pinned at the top. He basically half assed the rebuild because he was pressed for time and was broke.

  • @7MGTEsupra89
    @7MGTEsupra89 Před měsícem +20

    As a Toyota Master Tech, ive done enough of the Scion FRS/Toyota 86 they are the FA20 Non-Turbo, They all do this. They all blow up. THEY ARE JUNK!

  • @RobsNeighbor
    @RobsNeighbor Před měsícem +1

    Great video! Thank you for the great job all the time!

  • @SanDiegoHarry1
    @SanDiegoHarry1 Před měsícem +55

    What's amazing is just how BIG that 4 cyl engine is.

    • @solderbuff
      @solderbuff Před měsícem +9

      Definitely adding to the problems of this engine design.

    • @geeniusatwrok
      @geeniusatwrok Před měsícem +17

      That is the biggest damn timing cover I've ever seen aide from a Ford Cammer 427.

    • @martin-vv9lf
      @martin-vv9lf Před měsícem +1

      @@solderbuff it's the only part that's not broken.

    • @thegroundhurts
      @thegroundhurts Před měsícem +3

      About 70lbs heavier than most inline 4’s.

    • @jerrybracco9893
      @jerrybracco9893 Před měsícem

      Best water pump gag yet!

  • @aronyak1
    @aronyak1 Před měsícem +13

    I really thought the water pump was going to go through the rear window of the car.

  • @JohnEvans-ct6mz
    @JohnEvans-ct6mz Před měsícem +9

    I can attest to how good the H6 is. I had to replace a timing chain on an early 2000’s Outback. The job was a complete nightmare (I had never done one and the entire powertrain had to be dropped and I was working in an aftermarket shop). But, this engine ran very well and it had just under 250,000 miles on it. I was quite impressed by it, which is saying something because I am not a Subaru fan.

  • @509brown
    @509brown Před měsícem

    Enjoyed this, as I do all of your videos, very much!

  • @TexasRoadrunner
    @TexasRoadrunner Před měsícem +4

    Hello from Texas. Love the videos

  • @MattPetersen-kr5qj
    @MattPetersen-kr5qj Před měsícem +12

    My stock ‘17 WRX blew off two pieces of the #4 piston skirt at 113,000 miles which then fell into the oil pain ruining the bearings. No I didn’t race it, auto cross it etc it just blew up. As I stated it was stock. I also maintained it diligently trying to avoid a catastrophic engine failure. I’m not a kid either I’m in my 50s. I’ll never buy a Subaru again.

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 Před měsícem

      2005 WRX owner here with 140k miles. I think mine has lasted as long as it has even though I have tracked it a few times because I have addressed the flaws those particular models had. From what I have read your generation engines had an issue with uneven cooling of the cylinders. But there is a simple modification that fixes the issue by adding another coolant line to the block. They even make a kit for the fix. Another thing that causes damage to boxer engines is lugging it by being in too tall of a gear when traveling a slow speed. That causes detonation and piston slap.

    • @talusranch990
      @talusranch990 Před 14 dny

      Me neither, almost same story. Subaru is a joke

    • @talusranch990
      @talusranch990 Před 14 dny

      Same story but was spun bearing, Subaru is a joke

  • @MetaView7
    @MetaView7 Před měsícem +85

    17:30 The sign says the turbo is made in Wuhan. That's right, that famous place !

  • @jeffryblackmon4846
    @jeffryblackmon4846 Před měsícem

    You are always interesting and I learn good information. THANKS! That engine is too complex for anyone not familiar with the brand. Congrats on that long distance water pump toss.

  • @rickh8380
    @rickh8380 Před měsícem

    Great tear down Eric. Nice catch on that water pump Pete. Take care all.

  • @emilschw8924
    @emilschw8924 Před měsícem +4

    The disptick did not even put up a good fight this time.
    Good water pump skit there 😂

  • @TechGorilla1987
    @TechGorilla1987 Před měsícem +7

    @20:28 - Well timed and well placed circumcision joke right there. Very nice.

  • @Dagrond
    @Dagrond Před měsícem

    I knew what you meant when yo usaid "worstly" - You still have the bestly channel on teardowns.

  • @MichaelRadelet
    @MichaelRadelet Před měsícem +10

    Maybe other people have suggested this and maybe you have done one before but I’d like to see a 2.7 out of the newer silverados/colorados/caddy at4

  • @TheVespap200e
    @TheVespap200e Před měsícem +6

    Love the LS cam bearings comment!😀👍Was that a reference to Rainman Rays teardown by any chance?

  • @rosschamberlain1823
    @rosschamberlain1823 Před měsícem +8

    That engine was lovingly gone through by an expert.

    • @bryede
      @bryede Před měsícem +1

      An expert, just not in mechanics.

  • @ronhannink1968
    @ronhannink1968 Před měsícem +1

    Eric, when you had discovered a piece of compression ring. Not only was that funny. Based on how they “resurface the head” . Along with multiple bolts being clearly loose.
    I found it funny when you mentioned at the end when you said when you were talking about the split block being any good. “if anybody would rebuild these engines“.
    Clearly, somebody made a very poor attempt and you see the results.LOL

  • @18Macallan
    @18Macallan Před měsícem

    Thank you Eric!👍

  • @Selsigs
    @Selsigs Před měsícem +10

    I’ve owned 2 WRXs. My 2005 had 325,000 miles on it when it was sold. It had head gaskets around 150,000 and about 300,000 it’s started using oil to a point that it was ready for a rebuild. My send one is a 2020 and has been perfect this far.
    The thing with Subarus is there are no shortcuts to building power. My FA20 is built to produce 325 horsepower and it does so very reliably. HOWEVER, it was not cheap to get it there, and when it came time to “tune” the car I did not go with the off the shelf Cobb access port, but rather a professional shop that specializes in Subarus.
    They are amazingly fun cars to drive, are surprisingly quick and really are great in all weather conditions. The big drawback is they are relatively cheap cars to purchase, even new. So you get plenty of young and dumbs who don’t know what they’re doing and can’t afford to upgrade or maintain.
    I love Subarus, but I would NEVER purchase a used WRX or WRX/STi. You can almost guarantee that it’s been beat to death

  • @zxggwrt
    @zxggwrt Před měsícem +8

    Handywell turbos from Temu are ok if you don’t use them.

  • @timbaumann9046
    @timbaumann9046 Před 24 dny

    Great Video! I really enjoyed watching your tear down. Tell me, did the old Dodge SRT-4's have problems like this WRX?

  • @karlkoenigstein4138
    @karlkoenigstein4138 Před měsícem

    The next first thing I’d like to do is like this video, and subscribe… engine teardown videos and wordplay, love it!

  • @metal52militia
    @metal52militia Před měsícem +3

    "someone has been here" is an understatement. love this engine - great video!

  • @chrisr897
    @chrisr897 Před měsícem +25

    Performance Shop by me gets so many blown WRX’s they keep rebuilt long blocks on the shelf ready to go.

    • @tdotw77
      @tdotw77 Před měsícem +4

      Straight up job security right there!

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 Před měsícem

      That's actually a good thing. The average car today have little options available other than buying a new engine or short block because they are not rebuild able and the used salvage engines are too risky.

  • @chemicalspore
    @chemicalspore Před měsícem

    I changed the oil on one of these today. Glad to see its guts.

  • @itgoesfast2722
    @itgoesfast2722 Před měsícem

    Love your videos…. “I call it dispersed bearing”. That was hilarious!! 😂

  • @TechGorilla1987
    @TechGorilla1987 Před měsícem +23

    @9:10 - I had a Fumoto locking ball valve on my old 99 Forester. Made changing oil a toolless prospect. DO NOT take your car to a lube place without first explaining what the valve is. A friend did this and the oil change place did a Fumoto delete on his car because they couldn't figure it out. They also charged him for a new oil drain bolt and crush washer.

    • @cricketyosh
      @cricketyosh Před měsícem +16

      I think if you're putting a fumoto on your vehicle you aren't going to a quick lube

    • @robertslegers257
      @robertslegers257 Před měsícem +3

      I can't believe this engine failed. It had a K and N oil filter.

    • @michaelgleason4791
      @michaelgleason4791 Před měsícem +7

      @@cricketyosh He literally told you his friend did just that.

    • @TechGorilla1987
      @TechGorilla1987 Před měsícem +3

      @@cricketyosh The friend got the valve based on my recommendation. He traveled all over in his vehicle and if it got even 2 miles over a scheduled oil change, he panicked. He had taken it to a quick lube place over a lunch break in Solon Ohio.

    • @ferrumignis
      @ferrumignis Před měsícem

      ​@@TechGorilla1987What's the point though? Undoing a drain plug takes seconds, and it looked like the flow out of the ball valve was much lower than out of a regular drain plug.

  • @sjair6526
    @sjair6526 Před měsícem +3

    I have found myself checking my oil level more thanks to these videos. My VW was a quart low yesterday. Just think of all the engine lives you have saved.

  • @bradvdb4136
    @bradvdb4136 Před měsícem +1

    I have this engine in my Forrester XT, and when I was looking at buying it, I talked to my mechanic about the reliability and the one thing he said was check the oil and check it often.

  • @bradgreen987
    @bradgreen987 Před měsícem +37

    I have the exact same engine and same model year Subaru. If you modify it( like mine heavily) you MUST have it professionally tuned on a dyno to accommodate the changes. Otherwise they will blow like this one. Maintenance is also imperitive on these, especially turbo models. An IAG air/ oil separator is a must to decrease buildup on intake valves. Then you just pray!! I got 65k on mine and it's smooth as butter

    • @suttondavis1929
      @suttondavis1929 Před měsícem +14

      130k miles on my '16, and I'm on e50. Crazy how reliable it can be if you do the right mods and do regular maintenance. It's a good car if you take care of it

    • @Hybris51129
      @Hybris51129 Před měsícem +5

      This is one reason why I turned down a order for a 2023 GR86. The more I learned about the engines the more I knew that I was biting off more than I could chew when it came to modding. Not to mention the closest well reviewed specialty tuner for Subaru's was nearly 900 miles away.

    • @alexpetree2038
      @alexpetree2038 Před měsícem

      ​@suttondavis1929 130k on a modded performance engine isn't impressive in anyway shape or form

    • @dylanskiba8650
      @dylanskiba8650 Před měsícem +2

      2018 WRX here, same story, absolutely no signs of engine trouble after 6 years and nearing 100k kilometers. Only concern I have is corrosion on the copper oil cooler potentially causing a leak in the future, and that's just the great salty north working its magic, not Subaru's fault.
      Leave these engines stock, or modify them *slowly* making sure to properly dial in each mod / tune, and they really won't treat you that poorly at all, especially if you have a local Subaru shop who can help you out with the heavy stuff. If you absolutely must, throw an AOS at the carbon buildup problem, but even if you don't (I personally haven't) it REALLY isn't that big of a deal. This engine may look gross to those with port injection, but just look at some of the earlier direct injection Minis, Audis, and Volkswagens and you'll quickly see what REAL carbon buildup looks like. (Hint: it was way worse than what you see here, and probably part of why people fear direct injection to this day)

    • @suttondavis1929
      @suttondavis1929 Před měsícem +2

      @@alexpetree2038 Modified turbo subaru engines kick the can far before 100k miles. I wasn't trying to be impressive--I was merely stating how many miles the car has
      Edited.

  • @Ghauster
    @Ghauster Před měsícem +6

    That water pump looks like a snail. That's the word you were looking for. 😉

  • @davidb5952
    @davidb5952 Před měsícem +1

    Extended oil change intervals and use of non-synthetic oil may be cause of many of these subaru issues. I noticed on my EJ253 motor that if I tried to extend the oil change interval beyond the severe service interval the oil would always be down a quart. Seemed like the oil was thinned out and started to be used quickly after about 3000 miles of use. Little oil use up to 3000, lots of oil use after 3000.

  • @HarryTwatter
    @HarryTwatter Před měsícem +1

    Moto IQ does a great job on explaining Subie engines

  • @downlevel
    @downlevel Před měsícem +3

    i love those fumoto drain valves. made oil changes so easy. never leaked a drop.

    • @albinklein7680
      @albinklein7680 Před měsícem

      I will never get the point of those BS valves.

  • @major__kong
    @major__kong Před měsícem +38

    My wife owns a Subaru Outback. I'm gonna rip the engine out right now and set it by the street. Thanks for the heads up.

    • @fix0r420
      @fix0r420 Před měsícem +3

      😂

    • @BenoJ3000
      @BenoJ3000 Před měsícem +7

      Headache saved

    • @Sam-go3mb
      @Sam-go3mb Před měsícem +3

      Good call, btw quickly swap in a Studebaker 6-Cylinder Flathead in its place - she wont know the difference.

    • @IDGAF56852
      @IDGAF56852 Před měsícem +3

      I feel sorry for you owning one of those pieces of sht subarus.

    • @YOLO891
      @YOLO891 Před měsícem +1

      Why would you do that? Did you try to modify it not knowing what you are doing or don't change her oil and do proper maintenance like a vehicle should get done? If not you're comment makes no sense.

  • @timothymitchell2831
    @timothymitchell2831 Před měsícem

    This is a nice watch as someone with a fa20 wrx. I've been thinking about planning to replace the engine and have been looking at cost of going with a stock block or getting a core and building it

  • @jeffreydurham5342
    @jeffreydurham5342 Před měsícem

    The next first thing we're going to do... lol. I love this channel!

  • @BiologistRyan
    @BiologistRyan Před měsícem +4

    I must have a unicorn. 120k miles so far and it’s been happy.

    • @xXturbo86Xx
      @xXturbo86Xx Před měsícem +3

      I guess you never hit 60. Good for you. Speed kills and ruins Subarus.

    • @BiologistRyan
      @BiologistRyan Před měsícem

      @@xXturbo86Xxbold of you to assume you know anything about how I drive.

    • @Denverian
      @Denverian Před měsícem

      👃👈

  • @robertnichols2283
    @robertnichols2283 Před měsícem +48

    It looks like that engine has suffered one or more mechanical insults
    I’ll bet you there’s more to the story of this engine than we know

    • @connor1285
      @connor1285 Před měsícem +8

      This is my buddies engine, trust me. Holy shit. There's alot

    • @TheCRTman
      @TheCRTman Před měsícem +2

      @@connor1285 Must know more!!

    • @RipliWitani
      @RipliWitani Před měsícem

      I knew it

    • @unavailablenumbers
      @unavailablenumbers Před měsícem +1

      @@connor1285 well, I mean, that was kind of a given with the extremely obviously counterfeit turbo. Entirely bogus markings everywhere, wrong finish, very obviously the wrong impeller bolt, wrong wastegate actuator, etc., etc., etc.

  • @blakelinn4499
    @blakelinn4499 Před měsícem +1

    Thanks Erik, I was waiting for you to do a FA20F. 5:10 - People do remove the diverters if they are deleting the tgv's, otherwise it is bad to take them out if not tgv deleted. 9:10 - There is nothing wrong with a regular drain bolt, people put these Fumoto valves on for absolutely no good reason. 15:20 - That would be an exhaust leak, there was a recall on these for the exhaust manifold nuts loosening for the earlier production years. 17:30 - factory turbo, maybe a re-maned one, wonder how that nut came loose? 30:00 - Oil level sensor was a nice addition to the FA motors that the EJ does not come equipped with. Like that you capitalized on the ease of serviceability that Subaru designed in, pretty rare to see improvements made from previous motor designs when comparing to other manufacturers in today's disposable world. You did miss some opportunities to show the filter screens in the cam carriers and avcs/turbo feed line banjo bolts.

  • @beyondmiddleagedman7240
    @beyondmiddleagedman7240 Před měsícem +2

    Ah, my Saturday night is off to a good start!

  • @satoshiserena4843
    @satoshiserena4843 Před měsícem +6

    Here are a couple engines you should tear down just for fun.
    GM 1.5L Turbo 4 (LYX)
    Ford Godzilla 7.3L V8
    Chrysler 2.4L Tigersharl MultiAir I4
    Toyota A25A-FXS (Camry or RAV4 hybrid)
    Chrysler Pentastar 3.2L V6

  • @mcburcke
    @mcburcke Před měsícem +7

    Man, that is a real Rube Goldberg-looking contraption you've got there! I wonder what the total parts count is for that thing?

  • @donniev8181
    @donniev8181 Před 10 dny

    "Camming the cram caps loose." Hilarious! CZcams algorithm for the win for once, favorite new channel!

  • @johnjunge6989
    @johnjunge6989 Před měsícem +2

    Glad my phone reminded me, in Nashville and too many beers may have had small part of not remembering! ha

  • @richilg1
    @richilg1 Před měsícem +18

    Yaaaaay, finally my engine on the channel (not my actual engine, yet). I have a 2016 with 140K, original stock long block, has every mod you can imagine. I bought it brand new in 2015 and has been modded since first pulling it into my driveway. As with any other turbo engine, change and CHECK your oil more often than recommended and it'll serve you well. Also get a tune that suits your location/weather/seasons, the engine runs so much healthier when it's not running the stock tune, modded or not.

  • @liver.flush.maestro
    @liver.flush.maestro Před měsícem +3

    It does look like Subaru took a lot of feedback from the previous engine generation and applied it here. I think they used chain because the VVT is oil pressure fed, and less likely to leak since there are no camshaft seals.

  • @luke_fixed5266
    @luke_fixed5266 Před měsícem

    Love you channel Eric. The pipe grip part of you vice-grips will grab better mostly because there is more leverage closer to the pivot, not just 'cause the teeth are sharper.

  • @raymondhorvatin1050
    @raymondhorvatin1050 Před měsícem

    Thanks for sharing

  • @chriscord6524
    @chriscord6524 Před měsícem +11

    Is it possible to see the ecu output at the time of failure? Like rpm and error codes? It would provide a nice picture of why they fail. Like a black box

    • @JohnDenversMissingHead
      @JohnDenversMissingHead Před měsícem +2

      No

    • @chriscord6524
      @chriscord6524 Před měsícem +3

      @@JohnDenversMissingHead the manufacturers can’t see what rpm the motor was for warranty? I just think they can. The data is there.

    • @blakelinn4499
      @blakelinn4499 Před měsícem +1

      I know its possible to see freeze frame data at the event certain codes are set.

    • @lsswappedcessna
      @lsswappedcessna Před měsícem +3

      P69420 - "Generalized Subaru Failure"

  • @ekimbrough1413
    @ekimbrough1413 Před měsícem +11

    Eric...now I know why they blow up! Nobody wants to tackle an oil change on that thing!

    • @Thatdavemarsh
      @Thatdavemarsh Před měsícem +1

      FA oil change is one of the easiest I’ve ever done. Drain is relatively easy to get to and the oil filter location is the gold standard.

    • @ekimbrough1413
      @ekimbrough1413 Před měsícem

      @@Thatdavemarsh
      Yeah Dave, I spoke way to soon on that one: I saw the brass plug a little later on! It was the bottomside turbo that threw me! I didn't like the fact that Eric was trashing Subaru. If the engines fail in those cars: is that people don't take care, and do the maintenance on them like they're suppose to!
      I have a very high opinion of those cars!

  • @donQpublic
    @donQpublic Před měsícem +2

    H-6. The only Subie I will work on.. because it’s moms. I was waiting for “ I’m sure this would be easier in the car.”! 😂

  • @1mknova350
    @1mknova350 Před měsícem +16

    There is a tech on the line at Subaru Mr. Stripymoto San who makes sure bolts come rounded from the factory.

  • @djnone8137
    @djnone8137 Před měsícem +3

    I bought a subaru off a Subaru mechanic. He blew a headgasket and replaced the engine. He was selling it because that engine blew a headgasket. He also stopped being a Subaru mechanic

  • @ZachStein
    @ZachStein Před měsícem +1

    I had one of these for 70k tuned. Did autox a few times a year with it. Kept on top of oil bit overkill, every 3k. Was running fine when i traded it in.
    I liked that engine/car. My wife hated it though.

  • @theresters1
    @theresters1 Před měsícem

    GREAT VLOG, FROG!

  • @darrylr
    @darrylr Před měsícem +3

    I so want Snap-On to make a vice-grip head for their torque wrenches.

  • @danieldouglas8268
    @danieldouglas8268 Před měsícem +11

    Take a drink everytime he says “That oil has metal in it”😂

    • @battycowboy
      @battycowboy Před měsícem +4

      My liver is flipping you a bird oh look a second has appeared 😅

    • @thelonelywolf88
      @thelonelywolf88 Před měsícem +2

      Or just "sparkles" in general lol

    • @rleger123
      @rleger123 Před měsícem +1

      Forbidden glitter?

    • @robertslegers257
      @robertslegers257 Před měsícem +2

      @@battycowboy I just sent my wife out for another case of beer.

    • @longlivethephoenix
      @longlivethephoenix Před měsícem

      Or "first thing we are going to do" or " next thing we are going to do"

  • @TheBattman7772
    @TheBattman7772 Před měsícem

    The water pump gig's never get old 😂

  • @bilphil74
    @bilphil74 Před měsícem

    I would love to see you tear down a 2.4 SRT4 that came in the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT with the aluminum intake. If you can get your hands on one. Great video as usual.

  • @mausball
    @mausball Před měsícem +16

    the "my buddy can do it cheaper" here was on full display.

  • @tombig4011
    @tombig4011 Před měsícem +2

    We have a GM 2.7 4 cylinder out of a 22 Silverado 1500. Really want to see what’s in it, but the $1200 core charge is stopping me.

  • @ckm-mkc
    @ckm-mkc Před měsícem +1

    ViseGrip makes a special model (the Locking Wrench) just for removing rounded bolts. It has a V-shaped jaw. I don't use it often, but when you need it's a godsend.

  • @madrew2003
    @madrew2003 Před měsícem

    I was at the gas pump the other day checking under the hood while my brand new hybrid Corolla tank was filling and an older Forester pulled up. It took a lot of effort to not use my best Dirty Harry quote when he pumped gas and didn't check under the hood. "Do you feel lucky? Well do you punk?" lol

  • @upsidedowndog1256
    @upsidedowndog1256 Před měsícem +21

    I applaud Subaru for the serviceability upgrades. The older versions that you tore down were just bizarre. I work on flat aircraft engines all of the time but they are almost lawnmowerish compared to flat automobile engines!

    • @brianspencer6397
      @brianspencer6397 Před měsícem +3

      Probably because, like lawnmowers, the Lycomings and Continentals don't run above 2700RPM. Don't need high tech for that speed range.

    • @stephenw2992
      @stephenw2992 Před měsícem

      The Subaru engine was originally an aircraft engine wasnt it? The early ones were pretty simple

    • @upsidedowndog1256
      @upsidedowndog1256 Před měsícem +3

      @@stephenw2992
      I don't know for sure but the old Subarus I worked on the engines seemed too heavy and underpowered for aircraft use. I think there is an experimental engine based on the newer engines, though. I think it's called a Jabiru.

  • @MistaGeezy90
    @MistaGeezy90 Před měsícem +3

    I owned a 2016 WRX and it was the biggest piece of junk. The FA20DIT is the worst engine subaru ever made! No power after 2nd gear. The cam sprockets for timing chain ending losing teeth and would make an awful noise every time I started it. Dealer fixed it under warranty and I traded that garbage in.

  • @pvtnum11
    @pvtnum11 Před měsícem

    Would love to see a vid introducing the other employees at the shop - but loving the cameos they make here and there

  • @t-yoonit
    @t-yoonit Před měsícem

    Never thought id hear a slops reference here but my boi knows the way even though he lets the magic out of every single thing we see on the channel 🤣

  • @aderi31415
    @aderi31415 Před měsícem +4

    I know you're in touch with Rainman. Could you please let him know that he's gonna get an infection if he keeps going back to front on teardowns?

  • @dnlmachine4287
    @dnlmachine4287 Před měsícem +31

    Part of the reason some engines blow up is they are attractive to wannabe tuner cheezebags. Certain cars I tell people never to buy - modded cars, cheap sports cars, trucks with Bro-Dozer makeovers, European....anything, cars that have the glue on "upgrade parts" listed in the ad including "Subs available for extra", cars with known bad engines or transmissions (GM 3.6, Kia, Nissan with CVT pattern failures etc.) Many performance cars, mostly those owned by a young person - HAVE been thrashed.
    Stay gold.

    • @buttsexandbananapeels
      @buttsexandbananapeels Před měsícem

      I’d especially never buy a used WRX unless it already comes with a blown engine and I have one ready to go in. For some reason, the people that wrench like Hellcat thieves drive gravitate towards WRX ownership.
      As for bro-dozers, you just have to wait until October when all the mods that were put on credit make the truck go into repo because they can’t pay for everything (or the insurance lapses) after tax refund checks get deposited.
      Plenty at auction from July to October for that reason, just like Nissans and Kias.
      All a very particular stereotypical buyer.

    • @HenrySomeone
      @HenrySomeone Před měsícem +3

      True, but Subies are plenty capable of blowing up even completely stock though... 😆😆

    • @xXturbo86Xx
      @xXturbo86Xx Před měsícem +4

      Only this isn't the case. And it's not the case with MANY blown engines. The main reason that engines blow up is either lack of maintenance or bad design. A combination of both is often the case with modern engines because manufacturers cut development and production costs. Especially Japanese ones.
      Good engines one the other hand survive even at the hands of clown tuners or even lack of maintenance and abuse. But they're extremely rare these days. God i miss the 90s....

    • @HenrySomeone
      @HenrySomeone Před měsícem +2

      @@xXturbo86Xx Precisely, being able to survive even sub-par maintainence is the greatest hallmark of a truly reliable engine. On the other hand, most Subie units (at least the turbo ones) blow up sooner or later even with very decent upkeep, lol. 😆

    • @drivewayhero
      @drivewayhero Před měsícem

      So take the bus basically