ATTENTION:

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

2013-2016MY Legacy/Outback
2011-2016MY Forester
2012-2016MY Impreza
2013-2017MY Crosstrek

SUBJECT:

Remanufactured FB Engine Short Block Program –
Removal & Handling

NUMBER: 02-177-18
DATE: 08/01/18

INTRODUCTION:
In conjunction with the launch of our new Remanufactured FB Engine Short Block Program, SOA
would like to reinforce Core Return Policy (See Parts Policy & Procedures Manual – Section 12.3
Core Returns – Reman) and provide suggestions for removal and handling of the short block.
PART INFORMATION:
Part Number

Applicability

SOA402F100R1

2015-2016MY Legacy/Outback

SOA402F200R1

2013-2014MY Legacy/Outback,
2014-2016MY Forester

SOA402F300R1

2011-2013MY Forester

SOA402F400R1

2015-2016MY Impreza,
2015MY XV Crosstrek and
2016-2017MY Crosstrek

SOA402F500R1

2012-2014MY Impreza

SOA402F600R1

2013-2014MY XV Crosstrek

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
Relevant Guides and Bulletins:
•
•
•
•
•

MSA5P1105C: Technician Reference Booklet – Chain Driven Valve Train Boxer Engine
02-157-14R: Technical Service Bulletin – Engine Oil Consumption
SNLG_01: Engine, Transmission & Turbocharger Serial Number Location Guide
Parts Quick Reference Guide: subarunet.com > Parts Operations > Parts Quick Reference
Guide > Page 46 Short Blocks
STIS-Subaru Tech Info Sys: subarunet.com > Service Operations & Technical
Continued...

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Bulletin Number: 02-177-18; Date 08/01/18

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

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Follow the Service Manuals available on STIS and use the proper Engine Gasket and Seal Kit where
needed.
Do not damage the sealing surfaces and threaded holes during removal and disassembly of the short
block. In addition, handle the core with care and place it in the proper container after it is fully
drained of all fluids. Below are some guidelines on how to remove and disassemble the short block:
Separating the Engine Assembly from the CVT Transmission Assembly:
•

Utilize the pry relief point near the Short Block Serial Number location on the driver side.

•

Be cautious not to apply too much pressure and avoid twisting the tool to prevent damage to the
mating surfaces.

Image: Pry Relief Point
Separating the Engine Assembly from the Manual Transmission Assembly:
•

There is no pry relief point on manual transmissions.

•

Carefully rock the engine assembly in a sideways motion as you pull it away from the
transmission assembly.

•

When there is a sufficient space, use an adequate plastic pry tool to pry the engine away from the
transmission.

Image: Plastic Pry Tool Set

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-177-18; Date 08/01/18

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Separating the Front / Timing Chain Cover from the Engine Assembly:
•

After all bolts securing the chain cover are removed, be EXTREMELY careful not to damage the
sealant surfaces.

•

Do not pry on the sealant contact surfaces. Use plastic pry tools if necessary.

•

Gently pry on several available locations to gradually break the silicone sealant’s bond. It may be
helpful to install timing cover guide pins, PN J-51972 to prevent dropping the timing cover.

•

Below are some examples of pry locations:

Image: Examples of Chain Cover Pry Locations
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-177-18; Date 08/01/18

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Be EXTREMELY careful NOT to pry on the lower corner of cam carrier as this area is not
supported and very prone to getting damaged. In the case below, the cam cap cracked, requiring a
complete cam carrier replacement.

Image: Examples of WRONG Chain Cover Pry Location
Handling and Packaging of the Short Block:
•

Do not lift the short block by the crankshaft snout.

•

Ensure all the fluids have been drained.

•

Place the short block in the proper container.

•

Strap it down with the built-in straps.

•

Follow the steps in the Parts Policy & Procedures Manual – Section 12.3 Core Returns – Reman
to ship the core

•

Poorly handled short block cores may result in loss of core credit.

Visual Imperfections:
•

Visual imperfections that do not affect function or performance are considered acceptable.

•

Image: Examples of Acceptable Visual Imperfections – The imperfections are outside of the
sealing surface

Image: Examples of Acceptable Visual Imperfections- The imperfections are on non-sealing mating
surfaces
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-177-18; Date 08/01/18

Page 4 of 5

Image: Examples of Acceptable Visual Imperfections- The imperfections are on non-sealing mating
surfaces

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT/WARRANTY INFORMATION:
•

Assembly installation or replacement claims must include the serial number of the unit installed
(as shown on the remanufactured short block tag). The serial number must be placed in the “Misc
Detail” field of the claim entry.

•

The Credit Request and Diagnosis Form will need to be completed when the core is being
returned for a part warranty claim. Technicians must record the required information on the form.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as
previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 02-177-18; Date 08/01/18

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