Search Results

  • A Better Subaru 25l Head Gasket In Seattle

    • The second generation 2.5l is a SOHC (Single Over Head Cam) uses an entirely different gasket, it has been superseded by Subaru a few times through the years but the replacement gasket does look somewhat similar to the O.E. Gasket.  We have still never seen a Subaru vehicle that we have repaired in the Seattle area develop a second head gasket leak but in the last few months the number of posts to my article about head gasket

  • Do I Have To Take My Subaru To A Subaru Dealer

    • Subaru just like every other car company loses a little money every time a repair is done under warranty, as such technicians will never go looking for warranty work.  If you have been to a dealer service you may have observed retain terminology such as “customer states” or “unable to duplicate concerns”. The terminology is key in order for a Dealer to be reimbursed by Subaru for warranty repairs.  As such if someone independent of the Subaru dealer network doesn’t help with the service of your vehicle you may be leaving money spent on repairs after the warranty expires on the table.  The single biggest example of this is Head gasket head gasket repairs made at 60,000 miles as an out of pocket expense which would have been covered if it could have been caught.

  • Expert Used Subaru Buying Advice

    • Taking your Subaru to a general repair shop is really a bad idea as they really do not know what is typical for the vehicle. While they should be able to tell you if the tires are worn and the brakes are safe. They may not know that there is a service campaign on the head gaskets and that minor fluid leak is about to be a big repair in the coming months.

  • How Many Miles Can I Get Out Of My Subaru

    • The lower end of a Subaru engine (this would include the pistons, rings, crankshaft and bearings) is virtually bulletproof as long as it is never starved for oil they will last a very long time without ever needing repairs. We have done several head gasket repairs on Subaru’s with over 200,000 miles and the cylinder walls of the engine block still look great.

  • Independent Seattle Subaru Service
  • One Reason Why Your Subaru Head Gasket Repair May Not Last

    • One Reason Why Your Subaru Head Gasket head gasket Repair May Not Last?

  • Seattle Subaru Check Engine Light Part Ii

    • P0420 Catalyst efficiency below threshold.  My favorite, Here is why the code is set.  Starting in 1996 every vehicle for sale in the U.S. had to have a way of monitoring Catalyst function.  The job of the Catalytic Converter is to take Carbon Monoxide (a by product of internal combustion) and convert some of it back to Oxygen, this is done with three precious metals, temperature & fuel mixture.  There is an Oxygen Sensor, or O2 sensor mounted in front of the Catalyst and one after.  The ECM (Engine Control Module) uses data from the O2 sensors to know if the Catalyst is doing its job of creating Oxygen.  Now the ECM does not constantly monitor the Catalyst system, this starts to get a bit complicated but depending on how the vehicle is being driven it is not always possible for the Catalyst to function properly as such in the ECM’s programming it will only monitor the Catalyst function after certain events have been met in a drive cycle.  Once the ECM is looking at Catalyst it uses the voltage values created by the front and rear O2 sensors to determine if the Catalyst is working with in the programmed threshold.  there are a couple of ways to properly test a Catalyst, but the most accurate way is to do a Catalytic Converter efficiency test.  This test involves running the vehicle until it is up to temperature, then install a 4 or 5 gas analyzer probe into the tail pipe of the exhaust, then shutting the vehicle off, disabling spark and fuel (to keep the vehicle from starting), injecting propane into the intake manifold, and cranking the vehicle over and obtaining the readings from the gas analyzer.  The reason for the test procedure is to remove the ECM, Mixture and O2 sensors from the loop, to purely test the Catalyst’s ability to function and it is a pass or fail test with a few Grey areas.  It is not possible to simulate this test with a generic scan tool in the Auto parts store parking lot.  A failed Catalyst is just one of many possible causes of this code and at the time of writing this article the list price for a one piece Catalytic Converter (found in most 1999 to 2004 models) from Subaru was $974.00 not including labor or gaskets.  If the Catalyst is not the cause which is very possible and the culprit is a O2 sensor there are other possible ramifications of not repairing the vehicle properly. If the Catalyst has failed, reasons as to why need to be investigated to avoid a quick repeat of the failure.  The number one cause we see at the shop is a failed head gasket allowing coolant into the exhaust and degrading the Catalytic Converter and or 02 sensors.  But we have also seen contaminated  gas, slow O2 sensors, and Mixture problems cause this as well.  You have to remember the Catalyst function is measured by the ECM as seen through the “eyes” of the O2 sensors.  If you live in Washington State and fail an Emissions test as a result of a check engine light and a PO420 code set, you can request they perform a tail pipe test and if it passes so should your car.  Why is this?  There is chatter that there is a disconnect in some cases between oxygen content in the exhaust and cars that will still run below the legal “measured” tail pipe Emissions standards for that year. 

  • Seattle Subaru Service Specials

    • off of labor on any other service, such as brakes or Head gasket head gaskets up to $75.00.

  • Should I Buy An Aftermarket Warranty For My Subaru

    • On most, not all mind you but most,  other than a head gasket repair there isn’t much that will come up on the majority of the Subaru’s out there, and the aftermarket warranty will not cover 100% of the true costs of the head gasket

  • Six Star Subaru Head Gasket Kits

    • head gasket" src="https://allwheeldriveauto.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1252-1024x768.jpg" alt="Six Star Subaru Head Gasket

  • Subaru 2 5l Sohc Head Gasket Kit

    • You can purchase the Six Star SOHC Head Gasket head gasket Kit here.

  • Subaru Changed There Head Gasket For The 2010 25l

    • I wanted to post a few pictures and let everyone know that Subaru has finally changed the head gasket design for the 2010 models 2.5L N/A (Naturally Aspirated) models.

  • Subaru Check Engine Light And Code P0420 Explained

    • The next part is a little less scientific and a little more in the grey area, its entirely possible for a check engine light to occur after the battery is disconnected and set a PO420 even though there were no indications of a catalyst issue prior.  The why is learned data that has been lost typically with light off parameters, coolant temperature and maybe engine repairs that make changes in Combustion temperature   such as replacing leaking head gaskets.  But I will save that for another article.

  • Subaru For Sale In Seattle

    • Head Gasket head gaskets, Timing belt, Tensioner, and all idlers, Clutch, Front Brakes, Tires.

  • Subaru Head Gasket Change

    • Like I have posted, and will continue to do so as time and information allows is that it seems that Subaru has finally gone to a MLS Head gasket head gasket for the 2010 Outback.

  • Subaru Head Gasket Problems Explained

    • At our Subaru shop we see a fair amount of Subaru’s with failed head gaskets. There are two separate groups or years of production that the failures fall into. The following information is aimed at educating our customers about the problems, what to look for, tips on how to avoid future problems, and what to if your Subaru has developed problems with the head gasket

  • Subaru Head Gasket Repair

    • Subaru Head Gasket head gasket Repair in Bothell, WA

    • As you may have heard if you own a pre 2010 Subaru Legacy, Outback or a pre 2011 Subaru Forester with a 2.5l H4 there is a pretty good chance that at some point in time you may be faced with the need to take care of leaking Subaru Head Gasket head gaskets.

  • Subaru Head Gaskets Problems Explained Part Ii

    • Subaru Head Gasket head gaskets Explained part II

  • Subaru Leak Repair
  • Subaru Leak Repair
  • Subaru Maintenance Check Your Oil

    • There is NO coolant level light only a temperature gauge, which if it reaches the red zone means its overheating and the damage has been done already typically the kiss of death for your Head Gasket head gaskets.

  • Subaru Model Guide And Tips

    • The 1996 2.5l has hydraulic valve train and composite head gaskets that are like in design as the 2.2l from 1990 to 1998

  • Subaru Repair Seattle Did Subaru Ever Fix That Head Gasket Thing

    • A Question that I still seem to be asked quite often is did “Subaru ever fix the head gasket problem”  or do Subaru’s still blow Head gasket

  • Subaru Repair Seattle Dont Overlook The Radiator

    • In early 2000 Subaru had some issues with external coolant leaks from the Head gasket head gaskets.  Subaru issued a Campaign (WWP-99) instructing Subaru Dealers to install a bottle of what they called coolant conditioner, which was essentially stop leak.  This kicked the can down the road if you will at best.

  • Subaru Service Seattle Check Your Radiator Cap

    • This excessive pressure over time coupled with low coolant levels and air pockets did in fact damage a set of head gaskets.  One potential warning sign is a collapsed radiator hose.

  • Subaru Service Seattle Have Your Subaru Inspected Before The Warranty Expires
  • Subaru Service Seattle Oil Changes At All Wheel Drive Auto

    • What we do at the shop that separates us from a quick lube center and the quick lube department at your Subaru Dealership, is at our shop the same Technician that does Head Gasket head gasket repairs and Diagnoses is the one who changes the oil on your Subaru, we don’t employ High school kids who learn on the job while the shop lowers their overhead.

  • Subaru Service Seattle Subaru Oil Filters Explained
  • The Wrong Subaru Head Gaskets In Seattle

    • Pictured below are some after market  head gaskets we recently took out of a 1st generation 2.5l DOHC in a 1997  Subaru Legacy Outback.  They are the single worst idea I have seen in trying to address an issue that Subaru has already resolved.

  • Whats Included With Your Subaru Oil Change

    • What we do at All Wheel Drive Auto that separates us from a quick lube center and the quick lube department at your Subaru Dealership, is at our shop the same Technician that does Head Gasket head gasket repairs and Diagnoses is the one who changes the oil on your Subaru, we don’t employ High school kids who learn on the job while the shop lowers their overhead.

  • Which Coolant Is Right For My Subaru

    • If you own a 1999 to 2008 SOHC 2.5l you should use the O.E. Subaru Long Life Coolant that is green in color pictured below.  If you have not had the Head Gasket head gaskets replaced or they were done at the Dealer you should also use the Cooling system conditioner as well.  If you have had the Head gasket

  • Why Changing Your Oil In Your Subaru Every 3000 Miles Is A Must For Most Drivers

    • As the engine is injecting fuel into the cylinders to provide the explosion that powers the engine not all of the fuel is burnt, we do not achieve 100% combustion with the internal combustion engine.  The excess fuel slides past the piston rings and into the crankcase where it mixes with the engine oil.  Over time a lot of excess fuel can end up in the crankcase.   The fuel mixed with the oil can degrade the lubricating properties of the oil and lower the flash point of the oil as well.  Another words the longer the oil is in the engine, the more fuel it collects, and as this oil fuel mixture is used to lubricate the parts in the combustion chamber the more likely it is to burn away, out of the engine into the exhaust and out the tail pipe.  Over time the engine can burn a significant amount of engine oil.  Next fuel is a solvent that can and will eat away at seals and gaskets causing leaks that will need to be repaired.  Try pouring a thimble full of gasoline on asphalt and watch how easily the fuel eats away at the road.  Imagine what contaminated oil can do over time to the head gaskets in your Subaru.

  • Why Its Not Just An Air Filter To Your Subaru

    • One of my favorite scenarios to point out is there are a lot of shops out there charging the same as we do, with no where even close to the level of experience we have with your Subaru in many cases much much more.  If a Good reputable independent shop in your part of town is 5 or 6 dollars higher for an oil change than the “high school lube shop” do not be fooled into thinking the service will be the same.   Most good independents have the same Technician capable of replacing your Head gasket head gaskets, or diagnosing a difficult drivability problem also change your oil.

  • Why You Should Never Use Stop Leak In Your Subaru

    • Pictured above is an upper radiator hose on a 2002 Subaru Outback as you can see in the picture it is full of stop leak. The radiator was over 60% restricted after installation of the stop leak by another repair shop to the point where the vehicle overheated where as it never had any overheating problems prior to the stop leak being introduced into the cooling system. The car now needs a radiator, head gaskets, attempt to clean or replace the  cylinder heads, most likely a engine block, all cooling system hoses and a heater core.  A very unfortunate set of circumstances.    As soon as the Technician removed the upper radiator hose we knew it was going to be bad.

  • Will Stop Leak Fix My Subaru Head Gasket Leak

    • I have never found anything in a bottle that will resolve what happens to a Subaru Head gasket head gasket.  I took some pictures from a Subaru Outback in the shop today that had some stop leak put in, only to over heat the next day.   The cooling system is just full of this stuff and it really did no good as seen in the pictures below.