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How many valves does a Subaru have?

Subaru engines typically have four valves per cylinder, which is a common configuration for modern automotive engines. This means that a typical Subaru engine will have a total number of valves that is a multiple of four, depending on the number of cylinders in the engine.


Subaru Engine Valve Configurations


Subaru is known for its use of horizontally-opposed "boxer" engines, which have a unique valve train design compared to more common inline or V-shaped engines. The key features of Subaru's valve train include:



  • Four valves per cylinder (two intake, two exhaust)

  • Overhead camshaft design, with one camshaft per cylinder bank

  • Timing chain or timing belt to synchronize the camshafts with the crankshaft


The total number of valves in a Subaru engine depends on the number of cylinders. Common Subaru engine configurations include:



  • 4-cylinder engines: 16 valves total (4 cylinders x 4 valves per cylinder)

  • 6-cylinder engines: 24 valves total (6 cylinders x 4 valves per cylinder)


So in summary, a typical Subaru engine will have either 16 or 24 valves, depending on whether it is a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine. This four-valves-per-cylinder design helps Subaru engines achieve good power output, efficiency, and emissions performance.

What is the most common problem with Subaru engines?


One of the most notorious issues plaguing Subaru vehicles is head gasket leaks, particularly in older models with the EJ series engines. These leaks can lead to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage if left untreated.



How many valves do subarus have?


Subaru EJ engine
It was designed from scratch with five main crankshaft bearings and four valves per cylinder and can be either SOHC or DOHC and one timing belt.



How many valves does a V6 have?


A V6 engine typically has either 12 or 24 valves, with 24 valves being more common in modern engines. A 12-valve V6 has two valves per cylinder (one intake and one exhaust), while a 24-valve V6 has four valves per cylinder (two intake and two exhaust).
 

  • 12-Valve V6: This design has two valves per cylinder, one for intake and one for exhaust. 
  • 24-Valve V6: This design has four valves per cylinder (two intake and two exhaust), which allows for better airflow, performance, and efficiency. 
  • Less common variants: While rare, some engines may have other configurations, like six valves per cylinder, but 12 and 24 are the standard options. 



What Subaru has a 6 cylinder engine?


Subaru models that have featured a 6-cylinder engine include the Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca (EZ series). Older models like the Alcyone/XT6 (ER series) and Alcyone SVX (EG series) also offered 6-cylinder engines, notes Wikipedia. The last models to be available with a 6-cylinder were the 2019 Legacy and Outback, which featured a 3.6-liter flat-6 engine.
 
Models with 6-cylinder engines

  • Legacy: Available with the EZ30 and EZ36 engines.
  • Outback: Available with the EZ30 and EZ36 engines.
  • Tribeca: A 6-cylinder was the sole engine option for the 2006–2014 models.
  • Alcyone/XT6: Featured the ER27 engine.
  • Alcyone SVX: Featured the EG33 engine. 

Key details about the 6-cylinder Subaru engine
  • It is a flat-6 or boxer-6 engine configuration. 
  • It is designed to be compact, similar to the 4-cylinder EJ engines, while providing more power. 
  • The EZ series engines use a timing chain instead of a belt. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.