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The main problems with Legacy EJ20Gs is the bad rap they have over premature valvetrain ticking. With a bit of time invested before you install your motor, this problem can be greatly reduced or eliminated.

This how-to picks up after you have removed the timing covers, timing belt and camshaft sprockets. It only applies to Legacy EJ20Gs with the stub rockers for valve actuation.




















There are still good reasons to look for a WRX EJ20G, but this procedure eliminates one of the biggest reasons not to look for a Legacy one.

Nice write-up and pics. Are the pivot retaining clips not the same as the ph. II EJ22? Or not available?

beatersubi wrote:Nice write-up and pics. Are the pivot retaining clips not the same as the ph. II EJ22? Or not available?

Not sure. I've always assumed they were unique. But, most think that the HLAs are also. I will have to try and investigate the Phase 2 parts and update.

beatersubi wrote:Nice write-up and pics. Are the pivot retaining clips not the same as the ph. II EJ22? Or not available?

Last time I checked PHII Ej22's used roller rockers like a SOHC Ej25.

One other comment is that I personally use a tuna can of oil when I bleed HLA's. It seems a waste of oil to contaminate a whole gallon of oil just to bleed 16 hlas.

Matt Monson wrote:

beatersubi wrote:Nice write-up and pics. Are the pivot retaining clips not the same as the ph. II EJ22? Or not available?

Last time I checked PHII Ej22's used roller rockers like a SOHC Ej25.

One other comment is that I personally use a tuna can of oil when I bleed HLA's. It seems a waste of oil to contaminate a whole gallon of oil just to bleed 16 hlas.

exaggeration? lol looks like a quart to me.

Still.....a tuna can is better than a quart.

I believe it was endwrench or one of the tech booklets I have that say to use a 10mm socket to bleed the lifters. I'll have to look for it and scan it.

kimokalihi wrote:

Matt Monson wrote:

beatersubi wrote:Nice write-up and pics. Are the pivot retaining clips not the same as the ph. II EJ22? Or not available?

Last time I checked PHII Ej22's used roller rockers like a SOHC Ej25.

One other comment is that I personally use a tuna can of oil when I bleed HLA's. It seems a waste of oil to contaminate a whole gallon of oil just to bleed 16 hlas.

exaggeration? lol looks like a quart to me.

No, it wasn't an exaggeration. I just misjudged the size of his jug. I guess the fact that I never buy anything but 5 quart bottles biased my vision.Regardless, like Josh said, my suggestion is still a good one.

Nice pics of the process.

As mentioned above, you can use a socket to hold the HLA while bleeding. A small allen key also works to push the check valve in.

A clear gladware/tupperware container gives a wider pool of oil to work in, and is resealable.

I have an ej20g w/ a nasty lifter tick and luckly it is covered under warranty though and they are willing to fix it but before i do i need to DOUBLE TRIPLE Check to make sure that the ej22 sohc lifters would be a direct replacement. or would i need to get a different set of ej20g heads w/ the rocker style lifters? or does anybody have a spare set that i could buy the problem with this is that if they go to fix it and it isn't the same then i am screwed until i get some new heads.. so if anybody could please help me out with this dilemma then that is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

or would i be able to purchase these lifters? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-Suzuki-Ki ... 21#vi-desc
please let me know! thanks

Awesome right up, I need to do this cause that noise is just freaking annoying.

Man, I had forgot I posted this thread. I can say that in the last 3 years since, I have not had the ticking return outside of the first seconds of a cold start.

As far as what HLAs are compatable. I can say 100% that the first gen EJ22s are compatable in form and fitment. They will work. What I cannot say is if they have the same "firmness" while in operation. I *ASSUME* that they do and would install them in my own motor without giving it any thought.

Is this recommend if your engine is still in the car? lol

The EJ20G lifters should perform with identical stiffness as the EJ22 lifters.