3.6R engine cover

[Cordy]

Originally posted by eps105


...
You actually have to give it two good, firm yanks straight up from there rear, one each about 1/3 of the way in from the left and right back corners. The cover is basically snapped in from underneath near the rear, with two slotted supports in the front. You MUST pull up from the rear first.

...

I found out the hard way - broke one of the front housings off completely and cracked the other. Oh well, functionally it really doesn't matter and you cannot tell visually....

[ardvark11]

Originally posted by Cordy


I found out the hard way - broke one of the front housings off completely and cracked the other. Oh well, functionally it really doesn't matter and you cannot tell visually....

But you will know it's there,,,,

[TM875]

Ewww, plastic manifolds... WTF Subaru?

How long until one of them explodes from constant heating/cooling wear???

[eps105]

Originally posted by TM875
Ewww, plastic manifolds... WTF Subaru?

How long until one of them explodes from constant heating/cooling wear???

Why is it that in the absence of real information and data, people typically jump to the most negative conclusion?

Plastic manifolds are way more common than you may realize. And while there have been specific issues in the past from other manufacturers' poor designs or material selection, the vast majority have proven to work well and last the lifetime of the car. They save weight, and improve fuel economy and HP due to optimized internal design.

I personally have faith in Subaru's design, as well-engineered, long-lasting boxer engines are one of their core strengths.

[Aorys]

I broke the front part on mine too when I yanked it up to pull it off the same way I pulled off the Charger's cover. Dealership mechanic said they serve no purpose except that non-gearheads would rather see the clean plastic cover than all those confusing engine components. Also, the covers discourage people from working on their own cars.

[AltaBrig]

He's not responsible for what he's doing
Coz his mother made him what he iz.

[jonlong724]

lol, plastic manifolds are extremely common and are no more susceptible to heat/cold as all the other plastic in the engine compartment. Remember that the intake manifold is constantly being cooled by the passage of outside air. It's not like an exhaust manifold, which experiences a great deal of heat and pressure. Also, plastic is a better heat insulator for the intake flow.

With regard to the engine cover - As someone who works on my car for 99% of repairs, I would probably leave it on for noise insulation. In a sportier car with something to show off, I might take it off. Also, it's not something that needs to come off often, and it's so easy to remove.

[vtmecheng]

I think it looks better with the cover off but that's just me. If I had the 3.6 it would stay on as that's what Subaru intended. The insulation could be there for just sound or to help maintain a more constant temperature, though my guess is sound, so it's not worth messing with it.

Regarding the plastic manifold, like many have said it is normal these days. My '05 Corolla has them and that model car was the first to have them in either '03 or '04. I had to replace the gasket because it would get hard over time and leak due to the difference in expansion between the head and manifold. Toyota changed the gasket and now it isn't a problem. Considering that's almost 10 years ago I think we are going to be good with the new Outbacks.