Subaru EJ-series head gasket failure is the most common major repair in the Pacific Northwest. For Lynnwood Subaru owners, Tom's B&M Auto has performed this repair on hundreds of EJ205, EJ253, and EJ257 engines. We use MLS head gaskets, resurface the cylinder heads, and replace the timing belt and water pump at the same time — because their failure interval overlaps with head gasket mileage.
Combustion leak test to confirm head gasket failure before teardown. Coolant contamination check and oil inspection for milky residue. Coolant loss rate assessment to determine urgency.
Cylinder heads removed and sent for resurfacing. MLS head gaskets installed — upgrade over the original composite gaskets on EJ253 engines. New OEM-spec head bolts installed. Cam and crank seals replaced while accessible.
Timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump replaced at same time. Subaru Super Coolant used for refill. Road test and coolant level check at 100, 500, and 1,000 miles.
We've done enough Subaru head gasket replacements to know every failure point on this engine family. The EJ253 SOHC is the most common — external coolant seepage between cylinders 2 and 3 is the typical presentation. The EJ257 (WRX/STI turbo) fails differently — usually combustion gas in coolant from internal failure. We diagnose which type before quoting.
Subaru Super Coolant is mandatory on EJ engines — not optional. Standard ethylene glycol accelerates the corrosion pattern on aluminum heads that contributed to the original gasket failure. Every Subaru head gasket we replace gets a full system flush with Subaru Super Coolant. We don't compromise on this.
Multi-layer steel gaskets — upgrade over the original composite design that failed.
Belt, tensioner, water pump replaced at same time — same failure interval.
Mandatory for EJ engines. No standard antifreeze substitution.
Subaru head gasket service includes combustion leak test, cylinder head removal and resurfacing, MLS head gasket and new head bolt installation, timing belt kit (belt, tensioner, idlers, water pump), cam and crank seals, Subaru Super Coolant refill, and post-repair coolant level monitoring.
From Tom's B&M Auto - serving Shoreline and the greater Seattle metro.
Tom's B&M Auto · 17820 Hwy 99, Suite E, Lynnwood · Serving greater Seattle
Also serving: Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Mukilteo, Kenmore, Alderwood Manor