Head Gasket on an EA81 Brumby - Mechanic Recommendation Please

[8191Brumby]

Hi All. I'm still working my way around this site and am pretty hopeless with computers - can't even work out how to upload photos - so I'm hoping I'm doing the right thing by posting here. Anyhow, I'm hoping someone might be able to recommend a mechanic (possibly even a retired guy or a skilled amateur enthusiast who can show me how) to renew a head gasket in my 1991 EA81 Brumby. I've been told they're not too difficult but I don't have the skill or confidence to do it. Also looking for a good, long lasting repair, so I'm not sure I could do it alone. Happy to take your recommendations for a good mechanic in the Sydney area who knows about Subarus and the EA81. I'm in the inner west, but can travel. Here's a video of the problem:
https://youtu.be/3gWpN2KfQwc
Thanks very much if you're able to help. Cheers

[8191Brumby]

PS. Was told by All Drive Subaroo of Penshurst that they don’t do anything with EA81 engines anymore as they are too “old.”

[8191Brumby]

PPS: Deshele Performance at Oakville don't work with the EA81 engines either. Hmmm.

[El_Freddo]

I can’t help with a mechanic in the Sydney area I’m sorry. I wouldn’t even know where to start looking!

Get a Haynes manual from SCA or gumtree second hand. Have a read of that.

If you know how to spin a spanner, clean your shower and what a torque setting is, you can do this! As daunting as it seems it is possible to DIY for the first time.

We can provide tips when the time comes - there’s a couple of good tips that will ensure the longevity of this maintenance

First is to clean everything you can get to within an inch of its life - this makes tear down much easier and the assembly less frustrating

Cheers

Bennie

[8191Brumby]

Was recommended R and C Automotive at Wollongong. Was told Chris knows absolutely everything about Brumbys. Comes highly rated. Thought this would be helpful if anyone was looking for someone who knows and deals in the early stuff as well.

[El_Freddo]

Thanks for sharing 8191 Brumby!

It’s great to see information found being updated on the OP’s thread when they find it! Keep up the good effort and all the best with the HG job - let us know how it goes

Cheers

Bennie

[8191Brumby]

Thank God I didn’t attempt to do the head gasket as it turned out to be something very simple ... a rusted thermostat housing and a water pump not operating at 100%. R & C Automotive in Wollongong were brilliant! They specialise in Subaru’s and Chris, the guy I was dealing with, did his apprenticeship on the Brumbys. They were professional, knowledgeable, and fair priced.

[El_Freddo]

That’s awesome news and I dare say a pot load cheaper too!

HGs given a full bill of health I’m guessing?

Cheers

Bennie