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Automotive ·2 min read ·Reviewed ·By Meridian Parts

Subaru Oil Pickup Tube: O-Ring Failure, Symptoms and Fix

Subaru EJ oil pickup tube problems: O-ring failure, sealant clogging the screen, symptoms, how to check it, doing the job right and bearing damage.

On Subaru EJ engines, the oil pickup tube draws oil from the pan to the pump and seals to the block with an O-ring. If that O-ring hardens, is pinched or is left out, the pump can draw air instead of oil, and oil pressure drops. Excess sealant squeezed into the pan during a reseal can also break off and clog the pickup screen. Either way, the result can be a spun rod bearing, so replace the O-ring whenever the pan comes off, use sealant sparingly, and keep the oil level full.

Symptoms of an oil pickup problem

  • Oil pressure light flickering at idle, under braking or in long corners.
  • Low or fluctuating oil pressure on a gauge.
  • Ticking or knocking that gets worse as the engine warms; see spun rod bearing.
  • Symptoms that started soon after an oil pan or timing job.

Stop the engine if the oil light comes on while driving; see oil pressure light and low oil pressure.

Common causes

  • Old or damaged O-ring at the pickup tube flange.
  • Too much RTV sealant on the oil pan, which squeezes inside and can be drawn into the screen.
  • Cracked pickup tube or a loose bolt.
  • Low oil level. EJ engines can use some oil, and a low pan uncovers the pickup sooner in hard cornering.
  • Oil starvation on track from sustained cornering, which is why many track cars add a baffled pan.

How to check it

  1. Confirm the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge.
  2. Drain the oil and look for sealant pieces, metal or bearing material.
  3. Remove the oil pan and inspect the pickup screen and O-ring.
  4. Check the tube for cracks and the bolts for tightness.

Doing the job right

  • Fit a new O-ring every time the pickup tube is removed.
  • Clean all old sealant from the pan and block, then apply a thin, even bead as the service manual describes.
  • Torque the pickup and pan bolts to specification.
  • Consider a baffled pan or larger-capacity pan for track use.

If the bearings are already damaged

A knock after an oil starvation event usually means bearing damage. The fix is a rebuild or a replacement short block. Examples we list include the IAG 1150 Series EJ25 Short Block ($9,499.99) and the Turn In Concepts Stage 3+2 Track Closed Deck EJ257 Short Block ($6,799.00). Browse EJ25 engines.

Related

See EJ257 problems, EJ25 problems, oil pan gasket leaks and FA20 vs EJ25.

More guides: bad oil pump symptoms.

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