806932030

O-Ring, Upper Oil Pan

3

21236AA050

Thermostat Gasket

1

806939060

O-Ring, Crank Extension

1

806750080

Oil Seal, Front Crankshaft

1

16608KA000
16698AA110

Legacy, Outback and Forester
Impreza and XV Crosstrek
w/ 2.0L

4

Oil Filter

1

803916010

Gasket, Drain Plug

1

806933010

O-Ring, Coolant Cross-Over

2

Oil Level Switch

11136AA160
14451AA050

Legacy & Outback

4

Injector O-Rings

15208AA15A

11136AA140

Impreza, Forester and
XV Crosstrek

4

11044AA790
10944AA080

APPLICABILITY

Filter (Cam Carrier Filter Screen)

1

All EXCEPT 2012MY Impreza 5MT &
2011-13MY Forester

1

2012MY Impreza 5MT ONLY

2 or 4

2- Engines with Only Intake AVCS
4- Engines with Intake and Exhaust AVCS

The table below shows the latest available part numbers. It is to be used when determining the proper
short block based on the transmission type.
Short Block Applicability Table
Transmission Type

Existing Part Number

CVT

10103AC390

MT

10103AC700

CVT

10103AC420

MT

10103AC690

CVT / MT

10103AC600

Latest Part Number
10103AC760**
10103AC750**
10103AC650**

NOTES:
** Whenever a remanufactured short block assembly is available, it should be used for
these repairs.
• Any remaining inventory of the Existing Part Number short blocks are OK to use as long as
they are matched with the listed transmission type.
• Short blocks are not interchangeable between transmission types.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 5

MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS
SOA (ORDERABLE) PART NUMBER

WARRANTY PART NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

SOA868V9610

SOA635305

ThreeBond 1217H

1

SOA868V9270

SOA635041

Super Coolant, (qt.)

8

SOA427V1310

SOA635045

Engine Oil (qt.) 0W-20

6

SOA345001*

SOA635071

Cooling System Conditioner

1

*Case of 12 bottles

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
Before starting any repairs, the first step is to always confirm the customer’s complaint. It is critical
to get as much information from the customer as possible to help you make the most accurate diagnosis.
•

Review all the available service and repair history along with any other records the customer can
provide to establish whether or not the vehicle has been properly maintained.
•

Perform a thorough visual inspection to make sure there are no external oil leaks that could
be contributing to the condition.

•

It is also very important to not overlook the engine’s PCV system and to confirm it is
operating properly. Check the air filter assembly and throttle body / intake manifold for any
excessive oil residue which could be an indicator of a sticking or failed PCV valve.

NOTES:
• An oil consumption test will need to be completed to determine the proper course of action.
There is a specific procedure and Oil Consumption Test form which must be completed. See
Subarunet \ Service \ Forms for the latest test form. Always print the latest form anytime a
new test is started.
•

Where applicable, available reprogramming to reduce the possibility of false low engine oil
level warning lamp illumination must be installed.

•

See Service Procedure to reduce false illumination of low oil level warning lamp (on
models so equipped) later in this bulletin for further instructions. This must be completed at
either the start or end of the consumption testing regardless of the final outcome.

•

IMPORTANT: At the start of the Oil Consumption Test Form, specific information
regarding what prompted (reason for) the testing must be collected. Once this questionnaire
section of the form is completed, it must be faxed to 856-488-3199. Upon completion of the
actual consumption test, the remainder of the form must be completed and faxed AGAIN to
856-488-3199. This information is being collected for quality assurance purposes only. You
will not receive any response from these submissions. This is NOT an authorization process.
Proceed with any necessary testing or repairs as indicated by the information provided in
this service bulletin, the Oil Consumption Test form results, Subaru’s Claims Policies and
Procedures, and your evaluation of the actual condition presented based upon your review
of all three areas. Keep in mind, these repairs should only be completed when unusual oil
consumption has been confirmed.

Before initiating the consumption test, all basic checks must be completed. These include (but are
not limited to): confirming the actual oil level, noting if any oil has been added prior to this visit and
how much, checking for any external leaks, confirming PCV operation, and verifying that a consumption test has not already been started or completed previously. Always use the latest Oil Consumption
Test form form found on Subarunet in the Service Forms area. Follow the instructions outlined on the
form.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 6

NOTE: The oil and filter change is only necessary if no prior consumption test has been completed
or is already in process. There is no need for duplicate or repeat testing. One-time documented results
are all that is required to move forward with these repairs. Always close the repair order on the day
the oil change has been completed and submit the claim for the oil consumption test using the coding provided at the end of this bulletin. Indicate “Oil Consumption Test” in the comments field / box
when entering your claim. DO NOT hold the repair order open until the vehicle returns. Have the
customer drive the vehicle then return for inspection when any of the following have occurred:
• At least 1200 miles have elapsed
•

When the low engine oil level warning lamp illuminates (when equipped)

•

When the oil level reaches the lower hole in the dipstick/ gauge (as determined by the
customer).

The customer should be advised to not add oil unless there will be a significant delay before they can
return for inspection once a low oil condition occurs. A one-time check of the oil consumption by the
retailer is all that is needed to establish if the condition outlined in this bulletin applies.
SPECIFIC SERVICE PROCEDURES
The following information is provided to underscore service procedures specific to the repairs
outlined in this bulletin. The procedures provided here are specific to certain steps in the
overall process. They are not meant to represent the entire repair process from start to finish.
In some cases, they will differ greatly from the Service Manual instructions and should be
followed in place of the Service Manual for these specific areas only. For the balance of the
repair procedure, refer to the Service Manual. It is highly recommended to review all of the
Service Manual procedures for short block replacement then review these specific procedures to
become familiar with the differences.
•
•

When draining the engine oil, do not remove the engine oil filter. Leave the existing oil filter
in place through engine disassembly, reassembly, installation and initial startup after engine
reassembly.
When removing the engine, there is no need to remove the transmission case cover (CVT
only) or to disconnect / disturb any of the transmission harness connectors. While raising
the transmission with the service jack placed under the front differential as shown in the
illustration below, only raise it enough to access and remove the engine mounting
hardware. Raising it too high can push the transmission up into the bulkhead / transmission
tunnel and possibly cause damage.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 7

•

When removing the CVT fluid cooler (if equipped), leave it attached to its mounting bracket
and remove as an assembly (3 bolts) from the transmission. Disconnect just the engine
coolant hoses from it and do not disturb the 2 short CVT fluid lines. Hook one of the cooler’s
mounting bracket “ears” behind the bulkhead harness as shown in the photo below to keep
the cooler assembly out of your way. Use a shop cloth between the “ear” and the bulkhead
harness to prevent any chafing.

•

To make separating the transmission (CVT) from the engine easier, there is a pry relief
shown below in the machined mounting surface of the transmission case near the engine
number. Use caution when applying any prying pressure and avoid twisting the tool to
prevent case damage.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 8

•

Once the engine is removed, if you are using a generic engine stand (preferable since engine
rotation is necessary), use the four mounting holes on the engine block shown below to
mount it. NOTE: Do not use the mounting studs in the upper oil pan.

•

When removing the intake manifold, as shown in the photos below, leave the TGV
assemblies attached to the upper intake, remove the 2 nuts holding the EGR tube to the water
pipe then remove the complete assembly from the cylinder heads as a unit.

•

There is no need to remove the oil dipstick tube or the original oil filter from the front chain
cover. While the cover is removed, store it face (front side) down to minimize the chances of
damaging the machined sealing surface on the block / head side. Also, don’t use it as a tray
to store other removed parts.
NOTE: On 2011MY Forester, refer to TSB 02-116-11 for revised crankshaft pulley, boss
assembly, o-ring and retaining bolt information. Prior to engine number 0048496, these
items are one-time use and MUST be replaced.

•

IMPORTANT: After all 32 bolts securing the chain cover are removed, be EXTREMELY
careful where you pry and what you pry on to break the silicone sealant’s bond. The photos
below show an example of where NOT to pry. In this case, the cam cap became cracked
requiring a complete cam carrier replacement. Patience is the key!
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 9

Reference View

Rear View
Chain Cover

Prying on “Unsupported” Corner of Cam Cap

•

Refer to the instructions found in the Technician Reference Booklet (TRB) for Technical
Training Module 105: “Chain Driven Valve Train Boxer Engines” when removing and
reassembling the timing chain components. The photos and instructions found in the TRB
and provided below have shown to be preferable to those provided in the Service Manual.

•

The timing chains driving the camshafts are identical and are provided with colored
identification links used to align with component timing marks. Chain guides are also
identical for the left and right banks. It is recommended to mark the parts as they are
removed. Return them to their original positions during reassembly to maintain established
wear patterns. Colors used for the identification links will vary.

•

Begin timing chain removal by positioning the crankshaft keyway at the 6:00 position. The
RIGHT bank intake camshaft timing mark (Δ) must be at 6:00 with right bank exhaust timing
mark at 12:00 (camshafts will be unloaded).
6:00

6:00

Identification Link

•

12:00

Compress the chain tensioner by hand, insert a pin through the lever into the access hole
to lock the plunger in place then remove the 2 bolts, tensioner, guides and right side timing
chain.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 10

•

After turning the crankshaft CLOCKWISE, repeat the procedure for the LEFT side with the
timing marks (Δ) positioned as shown below. Align the crank sprocket keyway with RH
chain dowel pin (shown in red below).
8:00

Dowel Pin

1:00

•

Compress the chain tensioner by hand, insert a pin through the lever into the access hole to
lock the plunger in place then remove the 2 bolts, tensioner, guides and the left side timing
chain.

•

After the left chain is removed, turn the crankshaft in a COUNTER CLOCKWISE direction
until the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket (NOT the keyway) is back to the 6:00
position as shown below. This positions all the pistons away from TDC and prevents
accidental contact between the pistons and valves.

Timing Mark

Crankcase Seam

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 11

•

Before proceeding, it is best to rotate the engine on the stand 90 degrees so it is vertical with
one cylinder head facing up (head gasket surface horizontal).

•

Remove the rocker cover then the cam carrier from the head that is “up”. Do not disturb the
small camshaft end cap covers. Remove the cam carrier with the camshafts as an assembly.
At this point, the rest of the valve train is sitting loose on the cylinder head. It is imperative
all the rockers, selective lash caps and rocker pivots be returned to their original
positions and orientation on the cylinder heads during reassembly. This eliminates the
need to check and / or adjust the valve lash / cam clearances. TIP: An egg carton for
each head makes a perfect organizer tray. Make sure to mark it as necessary (front, intake,
exhaust) to eliminate any mixing of parts.

•

Loosen the cylinder head bolts in proper order, remove the head, then flip the engine over and
repeat the same steps for the opposite side.

•

It is very important to take the time necessary to thoroughly clean the old silicone sealer from
all the removed components before reassembly. It is a good idea to clean the surrounding
areas then use tape to block off any oil passages in the front cover and cam carriers so any
small bits of removed silicone debris are kept from entering the oil passages and possibly
causing problems after reassembly. Once all the old sealer has been removed, remove any
block-off tape, rinse out any oil passages thoroughly with brake cleaner and shop air.

•

Don’t forget to replace (one-time use) the filter screens in the cam carriers. In addition,
always be sure to do a thorough inspection and cleaning of the oil pan, pick-up tube and
screen as shown in the photos below before reassembly.

Cam Carrier Filter Screen

Oil Pick Up Tube/Filter Screen Assembly

REASSEMBLY
Begin by putting the new short block onto your engine stand using the same mounting points as
before.
Important Reminders:
• Install the new one-time use PCV adapter. NOTE: Never try to reuse the original.
• Swap over the PCV assembly and the PCV baffle plate onto the front of the block.
NOTE: No sealer is used between the baffle plate and the block.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; Revised: 08/22/18

Page 12