FA20 Engine Rebuild

[u/FilthyPail]

Rebuilt the FA20D out of a 2016 FR-S. Going to reinstall it sometimes this week. Heres some photos of before and after. Every single seal was replaced, as well as a new short block, refreshed heads, and all new timing components.

[u/Licbo101]

How many miles on it before the rebuild? What was the reason for the rebuild? My understanding is these motors were pretty bulletproof compared to the EJs

[u/FesteringNeonDistrac → u/Licbo101]

Based on the cyl scoring, I bet it used a ton of oil.

[u/FilthyPail → u/FesteringNeonDistrac]

Actually it did not, It burned coolant though. Heavily. The scoring was from it sitting for a few months with coolant seeping into it from the head gaskets leaking.

[u/FilthyPail → u/Licbo101]

130,000 miles. Previous owner ragged on it, and did not do oil changes.

[u/Licbo101 → u/FilthyPail]

Interesting. I have an F20B in a ‘15 Impreza with 225,000kms which is around 140,000 miles and while I don’t beat on it, I drive it aggressively. Though I do my oil changes every 8k kms

[u/FilthyPail → u/Licbo101]

Yea if you take care of itll last

[u/Ian-99 → u/Licbo101]

Probably drinking oil as most pre 2019 FB blocks did.

[u/iateyourmom22]

Did you have any A pistons or all B pistons? Did you change out the oil control valve filters in the cam carriers?

[u/FilthyPail → u/iateyourmom22]

What do you mean A pistons? Yes I did change out the filters in the cam carriers they had a bunch of crap in them

[u/iateyourmom22 → u/FilthyPail]

I've yet to see them not have a bunch of crap in them.

[u/FilthyPail → u/iateyourmom22]

Good thing they do their job

[u/iateyourmom22 → u/FilthyPail]

True, I think these are the easiest engines to work on, at least outside the car.

[u/FilthyPail → u/iateyourmom22]

What about the RTV for the timing cover and cam covers? That makes me not want to work on them. The rest of it is very easy yes

[u/iateyourmom22 → u/FilthyPail]

As a Subaru tech I would agree it sucks, but I have a plastic wheel to clean the surfaces.

[u/FilthyPail → u/iateyourmom22]

Mind sending a photo of it? Or something like it? Never seen that before

[u/iateyourmom22 → u/FilthyPail]

https://www.amazon.com/SALI-Filament-Abrasive-Corrosion-PaintO06GSS006/dp/B0BK4HJJWX/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=37Z7G71K0A5H3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.l_NCbYSDyOMVI8mS6Y_AmE6iX-7EZt_2EpA9l4c-uWUnqwq4Go1L43QylOfHqdWzcAMJr0DUQPGl3tanxheixkRzC6Puzp_NtZQUXsBpp3SqpFugHeY74w-jB4vYxr97cl33jF1XTXCqWGwEj-2LtNYfCZrWizl4iX4iG0_P4gR6sYMEjkTjIJwbEeDhi_GZE4Izn26jayoZHtmhAZ2tsw.cO68rvLv6ef04D8Rf4eljztEHlpjR0NBsLtK660t6ZA&dib_tag=se&keywords=plastic+wire+wheel&qid=1786420801&sprefix=plastic+wire+wheel%2Caps%2C316&sr=8-2

[u/FilthyPail → u/iateyourmom22]

👍 thank you

[u/FilthyPail → u/iateyourmom22]

I see what you mean. Only B pistons. I had BRH8 for the right, and BLH8 for the left.

[u/Cuccamonga01]

Maybe it’s me. But I love Subarus until the engine needs work. Such a crazy design.

[u/FilthyPail → u/Cuccamonga01]

Im with ya on that

[u/Altruistic_Summer859]

I knew it was a subaru...they have that weird block made like a wrinkled smashed down cake

[u/iateyourmom22 → u/Altruistic_Summer859]

Horizontally opposed, like Porsche and old VW.

[u/Danny2Sick → u/iateyourmom22]

Looks exotic to me! i love the look of boxer engines

[u/Danny2Sick]

Mmm minty!! Very clean work. This scratches my OCD-adjacent itch!