Repair, diagnostics and maintenance manual for the Subaru EJ18 1.8L engine. Includes detailed diagrams, instructions for disassembly and assembly, valve adjustment, timing belt replacement, fault diagnostics and electrical systems. Service procedures and routine maintenance, Troubleshooting, Recommendations for setup and repair
Main characteristics of the EJ18:
Type: Opposite, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke
Capacity: 1820 cm³
Power: 103–115 hp
Torque: 140–150 N m
Timing: SOHC, DOHC, belt drive
Fuel system: MPFI (multi-point injection)
Cooling: Liquid
Cars with EJ18:
Subaru Impreza GC, GF (1992–2000)
Subaru Legacy BC, BF (1989–1994)
Subaru Legacy BD, BG (1994–1998)
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 On-Car Services | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Engine Mechanical DOHC | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Engine Lubrication System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Fuel Injection System (MFI-Turbo) | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Fuel System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Exhaust System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Clutch System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Engine and Transmission Mounting System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Diagnostics, Error Codes List | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Electrical Wiring Diagrams | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Emission Control System & Vacuum Fitting | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Engine Mechanical Section | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Engine Cooling System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Exhaust System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Fuel Injection System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Fuel System | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Engine Electrical | Download |
Subaru Impreza GC, GF EJ18 Wiring Diagram | Download |
1️⃣ High oil consumption
❌ Cause: wear of oil scraper rings, leaks through gaskets.
✔ Solution: replace rings, use oil with 5W-40/10W-40 approval, check level.
2️⃣ Oil leaks through gaskets and seals
❌ Cause: aging and drying out of valve cover gaskets, crankshaft and camshaft seals.
✔ Solution: regular replacement of gaskets and seals.
3️⃣ Timing belt problems
❌ Cause: untimely belt replacement, breakage can lead to bent valves.
✔ Solution: replace belt and rollers every 90,000 km.
4️⃣ Unstable idling
❌ Cause: dirty throttle body, faulty idle air control valve (IACV), vacuum leaks.
✔ Solution: clean throttle body, diagnose sensors, replace faulty components.
5️⃣ Engine overheating
❌ Cause: clogged radiator, faulty thermostat, coolant leaks through cylinder head gaskets.
✔ Solution: check cooling system, replace thermostat, flush radiator.
6️⃣ Increased fuel consumption
❌ Cause: faulty mass air flow sensor (MAF), oxygen sensor (O2), clogged injectors.
✔ Solution: diagnose sensors, flush or replace injectors.
7️⃣ Noise of hydraulic compensators (in early versions of EJ18)
❌ Reason: contamination of lubrication channels, use of low-quality oil.
✔ Solution: change the oil to high-quality 5W-30/10W-40, flush the hydraulic compensators.
Conclusion
The EJ18 engine is one of the most reliable among the EJ series, with proper care it easily passes 300,000+ km. The main thing is timely maintenance, oil, coolant and timing belt control. 🚗🔧