Subaru Forester Head Gasket Malaysia

The Subaru Forester SJ (2013–2018) and SK (2019+) are popular AWD SUVs in Malaysia using the FB25 2.

Subaru Forester Head Gasket

Forester FB25 head gasket: FB25 (2009+) does NOT have the head gasket issues that plagued older EJ25 engines; FB25 timing chain and revised block design resolved the problem — FB25 head gasket is not a common concern
Forester EJ25 history: SG (2002–2007) Forester with EJ25 had notorious head gasket failure between 80,000–120,000 km; if buying older SG Forester, confirm head gasket was replaced with multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket and ARP head studs
Forester FB25 coolant mixing: if FB25 Forester coolant turns milky or oil looks like chocolate milkshake — head gasket has failed; this is rare on FB25 but not impossible at very high mileage (200,000+ km) or severe overheating history
Forester head gasket test: if suspecting head gasket leak — block test (combustion gas test on coolant reservoir) is most definitive; coolant sample test for hydrocarbons; repair immediately if positive — continued driving destroys engine