I wish I could offer good advice on the 2.5 but I don’t know that set up.

I expect that we are going to see more questions like this on this list so hopefully those with knowledge on this engine or this type situation can help. 
It would be good for the OP to get answers on this topic in this thread.

Alfred, If you can start a second thread on your 1.9 I’d love to hear about it’s history and current milege. 

I opted to do an engine conversion but went from 1.9 to 2.3 water boxer. 

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto 

> On Oct 25, 2020, at 1:51 PM, abagdan <abagdan@SHAW.CA> wrote:
> 
> The Subaru engines have problems with head gaskets.  Just google “Subaru Engine issues” .
> I was contemplating doing the engine conversion, but changed my mind.  The 1.9 litre in my 85 Vanagon still runs fine after 35 years.  
> 
> Alfred
> 
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> 
> From: Bill MacLachlan
> Sent: October 25, 2020 10:53 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Subaru 2.5 issues
> 
> H