EJ20 Engine Info: Specs, Cylinder Head Torque and Problems

Subaru launched the production of EJ engines in 1989 and 2.0L EJ20 was the debut one of the series. It was created as an alternative to EA82 1.8L motor and soon, it turned into the main engine for all Subaru vehicles.

Like its predecessor, EJ20 is a 4-cylinder opposed to gasoline motor. It features an aluminum cylinder block with dry cast iron sleeves. EJ20E is the most famous engine of the range. It’s naturally aspirated and features two SOHC cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder. The size of the intake valve is 36 mm while the exhaust valve is 32 mm. Camshafts are controlled by a timing belt from crankshaft, which needs to be replaced after every 60,000 miles run.

EJ20E has got 4 modifications, which vary in capacity: 125, 135, 155 and 140 HP at 5,600 rpm, employed for Subaru Legacy BL automobiles. Simultaneously, EJ20D, a naturally aspirated DOHC engine with an output of 150 HP at 6,800 rpm, was produced.

Subaru launched the manufacture of SOHC motors with open block. Among them are EJ201 and EJ202. These motors feature other SOHC cylinder heads, light pistons and low revs adjusted intake manifold. EJ201 produces 125 HP at 5,600 rpm. EJ202 has output of 138 HP at 5,600 rpm and a torque of 187 Nm (138 ft-lb) at 4,400 rpm. Its better performance is explained by using light cylinder block, 4-2-1 exhaust manifolds and another intake manifold.

Moreover, there are also EJ203 and EJ204 engines. The first one features a mass air flow sensor and an electric throttle. EJ204 features double overhead camshaft cylinder heads and variable valve timing on intake camshafts, known as AVCS. Its capacity is 155 HP. Its later variation reaches output of 190 HP.

Ej20 Engine Limited Edition
EJ20 Final Edition

EJ20 Engine Problems and Reliability

Though EJ engines are rather reliable, they may have some disadvantages. Here are the most widespread ones:

  1. Engine tapping. If you notice motor tapping in the fourth cylinder, it means that the cylinder has some troubles with cooling. As this cylinder is cooled worse than other ones, piston starts to tap. Initially, the motor taps at cold start and later permanently. Big repair is the sole solution of the problem.
  2. Oil leak. It’s recommended to examine camshaft seals and valve cover glands. As a rule, their malfunction causes leakage.
  3. High oil consumption. This trouble is common for turbo motors and means that piston rings don’t function. It’s necessary to replace engine oil after every 7500 kilometers run. Try to buy only high-quality oil.

In order to avoid a great number of troubles, it’s recommended to purchase only good quality engine oil for both naturally aspirated and turbocharged motors. The other piece of advice is to drive the car gently and don’t accelerate too fast.

If you plan to acquire Subaru Impreza STI with a turbocharged motor, take into account that the motor isn’t very durable and needs big repair after every 50,000-60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) run.

In their turn, naturally aspirated EJ20 motors are more durable and trustworthy. They can run 150,000 miles (250,000 kilometers) and even more.

Cylinder Head Installation Torque Specs

  1. Install the cylinder head and gaskets on the cylinder block.
    CAUTION: Use new cylinder head gaskets. Be careful not to scratch the mating surface of the cylinder head and cylinder block.
  2. Tighten the cylinder head bolts. Apply a coat of engine oil to washers and bolt threads. Tighten all bolts to 29 N.m (3.0 kgf-m, 22 ft-lb) in alphabetical sequence. Then tighten all bolts to 69 N-m (7.0 kgf-m, 51 ftIb) in alphabetical sequence. Back off all bolts by 180″ first; back them off by 180″ again. Tighten the bolts (A) and (B) to 34 N-m (3.5 kgf-m, 25 ft-lb). Tighten the bolts (C), (D), (E) and (F) to 15 N-m (1.5 kgf-m, 11 ft-lb). Tighten all bolts by 80 to 90″ in alphabetical sequence.
    Do not tighten the bolts more than 90″. Further, tighten all bolts by 80 to 90″ in alphabetical sequence.
  3. Ensure the total “re-tightening angle” [in the two previous steps] do not exceed 180″. Install the camshaft.
  4. Install the A/C compressor bracket on the cylinder head.
  5. Install the intake manifold.
  6. Install the camshaft sprocket.
  7. Install the timing belt assembly.
  8. Install the belt cover.
  9. Install the crankshaft pulley.
  10. Install the V-belt.
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