Buy Subaru Legacy Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets

A valve cover gasket set (also called a rocker cover gasket, cam cover gasket, or valve cover seal) keeps engine oil sealed where the valve (cam) cover meets the cylinder head. On Subaru Legacy models with boxer engines, there's a cover on each side of the engine, so a "set" usually means gaskets for both sides plus other seals. The BOXER layout places two cylinder heads horizontally, which is why you'll see two covers when you open the hood. You can read Subaru's simple overview of the BOXER design here.

When this gasket ages, shrinks, or hardens, oil can seep out. That can cause a burning-oil smell when drips hit hot exhaust parts, a low-oil warning, and in some cases rough running if oil gets into spark plug tubes. See a quick symptom list from a pro article here.

A typical Subaru Legacy valve cover gasket set may include:

• Left and right valve cover gaskets
• Spark plug tube seals (on engines that use them)
• Bolt grommets/seal washers (where used)

On Subaru EJ-series engines (used on many older Legacys), the spark plug tubes pass through the cover area and are sealed by replaceable tube seals; Subaru documentation notes these seals should be renewed when the cover comes off. Learn more about EJ engines here.

Across generations, the Legacy has used several boxer engines. Older models used EJ four-cylinders; some trims used EZ flat-six engines. Newer models use FB 2.5-liter engines, and the 2020-on Legacy also offers the FA24 2.4-liter turbo. Background: Legacy model overview, FB engine, and Subaru's press on the 2020 Legacy powertrains here. (Wikipedia, 株式会社SUBARU（スバル）企業情報サイト)

Look for a wet or grimy valve cover edge, fresh oil on the cylinder heads, a sweet/burnt oil smell after parking, or oil down in the spark plug wells. If oil levels drop or you notice misfires, inspect sooner. Quick primer: Symptoms guide.

Heat cycles harden rubber over time. Overtightening can distort the cover and crush the gasket. Using silicone (RTV) in the wrong spots can make a gasket "slide" or split. Fel-Pro (a major gasket maker) explains proper RTV use and why too much can backfire here.

Most Subaru engines want only small dabs of sealant at specific corner joints-where different surfaces meet (like around cam caps)-not along the entire gasket. Subaru technical bulletins for FA/FB engines show applying ThreeBond sealant at cam cap/cam carrier junctions to stop seepage. See an official bulletin example (with diagrams) here.

Some EJ engines also use small semicircular "half-moon" plugs at the back of the head. If your engine has them and they're leaking, they get resealed or replaced during the job. (Naming and shapes vary by engine; check your exact engine code.) Subaru repair bulletins for later engines also mention using ThreeBond sealant during related reseals; example materials list is in this campaign doc (see parts table) here.

There's no set mileage. Replace when you see leaks, smell burning oil, or find oil in spark plug tubes. Catching leaks early prevents messes and misfires. Quick refresher on symptoms: guide.

Nationwide, typical valve cover gasket replacement runs about $331-$455 on average (vehicle/labor/time vary). On a Subaru boxer engine, there are two covers, so labor depends on access on both sides. See the cost breakdown here.

Moderate. Plan time for:

• Cool engine, disconnect battery, remove intake bits/hoses/ignition coils as needed
• Clean sealing surfaces completely
• Fit new gaskets/tube seals and bolt grommets (if used)
• Add tiny RTV dabs only at called-out joints (not all around)
• Reinstall carefully and torque to spec

For general "how-to" principles on installing valve cover gaskets, see Fel-Pro's step-by-step installation tips and their video notes on press-in-place gaskets and grommets here. (Fel-Pro)

To choose the right Subaru Legacy valve cover gasket set, match by year/engine (EJ, EZ, FB, FA families). The Legacy has evolved across seven generations with different engines, so using the VIN or engine code ensures you get the correct shape and included tube seals. You can confirm engine families used by generation in the Legacy overview and read about the FB and FA engines here and here. (Wikipedia)

• Inspect breather hoses and PCV lines attached to the covers
• Check coil boots and plugs for oil contamination
• Wipe down the head and exhaust shield areas so you can spot any future seep quickly
• Replace brittle bolt grommets (if your engine uses them)

For misfire/plug-tube oil issues as a symptom of gasket failure, see the pro explainer here.

Valve cover bolts generally tighten to low torque on Subaru engines-overtightening can distort covers and create leaks. Always follow the Subaru service manual sequence and torque for your exact engine, and keep RTV to the small joint areas only, as shown in Subaru's bulletin diagrams (example: ThreeBond 1217H around cam cap junctions). Reference bulletin: 02-136-12R. For sealant "do's and don'ts," see Fel-Pro's note here. (NHTSA, Fel-Pro)

Older Legacy: EJ four-cyl; some trims used EZ flat-six. Mid-2010s: FB25 2.5-liter. 2020-on: FA24 2.4-liter turbo (upper trims) and updated FB25. Subaru's own press confirms the 2020 Legacy powertrains; see the announcement here and the U.S. media kit here. (株式会社SUBARU（スバル）企業情報サイト, Subaru Media)

Let the engine cool fully, keep oil off hot exhaust parts, and dispose of oily rags per local rules. After the repair, watch for fresh oil for a few days and recheck the oil level.

• Match the gasket set to your year, engine, and trim (EJ, EZ, FB, FA families differ in shape and included seals). Cross-check with your VIN/engine code. See an overview of Legacy generations and engines here.
• If your engine uses spark plug tube seals and bolt grommets, choose a set that includes them so you can do a complete reseal the first time. Fel-Pro's installation pages show these parts and how they fit together: RTV do's/don'ts and press-in-place gasket tips. (Fel-Pro)

Start the car, let it warm up, and check the gasket edges with a light. Drive a day, then recheck for any weeping. Wipe any leftover oil from the heads/exhaust shields so new leaks are easy to spot next time.

If you'd like, I can tailor this content to a specific Legacy year/engine (e.g., 2005 EJ25 vs. 2020 FA24) and include engine-specific details and torque callouts pulled from the factory manual.