2026-10-08 · 5 min read
Subaru Forester Head Gasket Malaysia — FB20 vs EJ
Forester FB20 (SJ/SK): head gasket failure is NOT a known issue — FB20 addressed the weakness of the older EJ engines. Maintain coolant and avoid overheating. If you own an older SH/SG Forester with EJ20 and head gasket is unknown — get it pressure tested before purchase. Malaysia repair is major.
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