![]() 04/22/2016 at 23:40 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
Do all Subaru H-4s idle strangely (compared to a regular 4-banger)? Or do I just have bad luck in used Subaru’s?
When idling, it sounds like it’s cold, about to die, fan, quiet, repeat. Something about like that. All 4 used Subie’s (same 2.5L H-4) I’ve looked at have done that.
Also, is this a good car or should I stay away because headgaskets?
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![]() 04/22/2016 at 23:51 |
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my xt had a rough idle too
![]() 04/22/2016 at 23:54 |
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Does it just sound weird, or does it actually idle rough? They might sound lumpy, but the engine itself should run smoothly if its in tune.
![]() 04/22/2016 at 23:58 |
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I’ve never noticed this problem in any of the Foresters in my family; the oldest is a 2006 model that got handed down from my parents to my brother.
![]() 04/23/2016 at 01:27 |
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Is this when it’s cold, or after it’s warmed up?
Generally, on first start up of the day, my 2009 Forester (EJ253) will start at ~2000 rpm. How long it stays there depends on the ambient temperature (longer at colder temperatures). After a bit, it will drop to ~1,000 rpm, eventually reaching between 650 to 700 rpm when fully warm. It will also sit between 650 and 700 rpm after putting it in gear and driving for a bit.
Subaru’s horizontally opposed 4 cylinders do sound different compared to an inline 4 cylinder. The EJ series engines, especially the EJ25 series engines, do seem to idle lower than other 4 cylinders. However, it is usually a rock-solid idle. The only time is should fluctuate by itself is when cooling fans kick in, or if/when the air-conditioning compressor kicks in (both should only cause the idle to jump by ~100-150 rpm)
If the engine is having trouble maintaining idle, it could be as simple as a dirty throttle-body, or a dirty or failing idle air control valve.
As for the included Craigslist listing: The earlier EJ25 (EJ25D, EJ251, and EJ253 - pre-2006 version) engines did have a high incidence of head gasket leaks and failure, and would generally last around 100,000 miles. Things to look for would be wetness from oil and/or coolant where the heads meet the block, and/or oily residue and exhaust smell in the coolant reservoir. Also see if the current owner knows if/when the head gaskets were last changed.
Additionally, the timing belt needs to be changed every 105,000 miles. Make sure that’s been done, or adjust your offer accordingly.
![]() 04/23/2016 at 02:12 |
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Our 08 na Forester idles great- it sounds like a Subaru, a bit like the Westy, and a bit like my 8v Jetta with a street cam..
2002 is the last of the sf boxy shape foresters- 2003 starts the sg models- then there is a bit of a change for 2006. He wagon style ends with the 2008.
Head gaskets have either been done, or should be done. Add $2k to your price and you are good to go. Oh and belts at 105k like boxer said.
Also come introduce yourself to subaruforester.org all you need is there, and we are a pretty helpful bunch.
![]() 04/23/2016 at 02:52 |
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Weve got a brand new 2.5l outback and the idle is very unique. Almost diesel like in a sense.
![]() 04/23/2016 at 07:14 |
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Is it “omg the car is shaking so hard that my soda bottle is gonna explode when I open it” rough, or just a little rumbly? All of my Subarus bounced around a lot at idle, especially the automatics and ESPECIALLY with the AC done.
Any 170k+ mile car is probably gonna need headgaskets. In a Subie, it’ll probably be its third set. Look for cloudy oil/coolant, smell of coolant, or oil covering the oil filter - these are signs that the HG is beginning to leak.
How many miles do plan to drive it? They can go a long way before “annoying oil spots” turn into something bad.
![]() 04/23/2016 at 09:39 |
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I only drive about 1.5-2k a year, so not a lot.
And its only a little rumbly, but not smooth like most ‘normal’ engines.
![]() 04/23/2016 at 10:02 |
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EJ255 owner here. Should be smooth. Before buying any used Subaru have a compression and leakdown test done.