Comments on: Subaru Head Gasket Problems Explained. http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/ All Wheel Drive Auto is a unique independent Seattle area Expert Subaru service & repair facility. We combine years of dealer experience with a local neighborhood shop atmosphere. We use high quality Subaru parts & test equipment and have the expert knowledge to fix it right the first time. Call us at 425-828-3600 to get a quote or find out more. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:54:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8614 Justin Stobb Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:53:31 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8614 Dan, I am afraid you may have been misinformed, there was only 60k warranty on the head gaskets for the DOHC 2.5l found in the 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback, not sure about any warrant y coverage @ 125,000. Pretty good life for a gasket. Justin Dan,

I am afraid you may have been misinformed, there was only 60k warranty on the head gaskets for the DOHC 2.5l found in the 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback, not sure about any warrant y coverage @ 125,000. Pretty good life for a gasket.

Justin

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8613 Justin Stobb Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:51:24 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8613 James, The heads need to be checked for warp, and if warped, corrected, the ones that overheat have a greater chance of being warped, which is one reason it makes sense To fix the Subaru before it gets to that point. The gaskets we use, require a good finish to seal, as will any gasket. Justin James,

The heads need to be checked for warp, and if warped, corrected, the ones that overheat have a greater chance of being warped, which is one reason it makes sense To fix the Subaru before it gets to that point.

The gaskets we use, require a good finish to seal, as will any gasket.

Justin

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8612 Justin Stobb Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:44:42 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8612 Sarah, Most of the issues we see with the 2005 and newer Subaru Models as it pertains to head gaskets is oil leaks, no coolant leaks, and the mileage is much higher than the 2000 to 2004 models. I won't say there are no issues, I will say not nearly as much as in the past. Justin Sarah,

Most of the issues we see with the 2005 and newer Subaru Models as it pertains to head gaskets is oil leaks, no coolant leaks, and the mileage is much higher than the 2000 to 2004 models.

I won’t say there are no issues, I will say not nearly as much as in the past.

Justin

]]> By: Dan Browne http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8562 Dan Browne Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:04:49 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8562 I have a 1999 legacy outback. I had it serviced by a subaru specialist recently and they told me that my head gaskey was leaking just as you describe and I can expect it to over heat on long mountain passes. They told me that at 125,000 miles i might just be under warranty still and should go jump up and down and yell at the subaru dealership and might get a free replacement. My question is what exactly do I need to say to the dealer to get the head gasket replaced? Should I go in person? Email? call? Thank you! I have a 1999 legacy outback. I had it serviced by a subaru specialist recently and they told me that my head gaskey was leaking just as you describe and I can expect it to over heat on long mountain passes. They told me that at 125,000 miles i might just be under warranty still and should go jump up and down and yell at the subaru dealership and might get a free replacement. My question is what exactly do I need to say to the dealer to get the head gasket replaced? Should I go in person? Email? call? Thank you!

]]> By: James http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8557 James Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:27:44 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8557 Hello Justin, I stumbled across your site for the first time, and have been here reading for the past two hours....I wanted to ask a couple of questions if I could? I've been a heavy equipment and truck mechanic for years and also had my fair share of "Boxer Bugs" years ago. I know my way around mechanical devices in general, but I have recently inherited a 2004 Forester X; 110000K on it. Among other things, there are two concerns I have: 1. The first is the famous oil and coolant leak from the left head. I plan on doing the gasket job myself, but I was wondering if you feel that most of these jobs can be performed without milling the heads....how "forgiving" are the new gaskets? Any percentages on HG jobs you perform that including milling? How many include new bolts? 2. I also have a rather loud engine tick/almost knock especially when the engine is cold. The colder it is, the louder it is (which happens a lot here in Buffalo). The tick smooths out a lot when the engine gets hot- almost not noticeable. I recently replaced the timing belt, tensioner, and updated bracket which, although due, did not affect the tick. My stethoscope helps to generalize the tick location...it seems to be coming from the Left Front (#2?) cylinder or head area. Its does not sound like piston slap. Can the valves be the cause of this noise, and which are more prone to needing adjustment- the exhaust valves I presume? You input and expertise would be greatly appreciated.....and thanks for taking the time to maintain a resource like this! James Hello Justin,
I stumbled across your site for the first time, and have been here reading for the past two hours….I wanted to ask a couple of questions if I could? I’ve been a heavy equipment and truck mechanic for years and also had my fair share of “Boxer Bugs” years ago. I know my way around mechanical devices in general, but I have recently inherited a 2004 Forester X; 110000K on it. Among other things, there are two concerns I have:

1. The first is the famous oil and coolant leak from the left head. I plan on doing the gasket job myself, but I was wondering if you feel that most of these jobs can be performed without milling the heads….how “forgiving” are the new gaskets? Any percentages on HG jobs you perform that including milling? How many include new bolts?

2. I also have a rather loud engine tick/almost knock especially when the engine is cold. The colder it is, the louder it is (which happens a lot here in Buffalo). The tick smooths out a lot when the engine gets hot- almost not noticeable. I recently replaced the timing belt, tensioner, and updated bracket which, although due, did not affect the tick. My stethoscope helps to generalize the tick location…it seems to be coming from the Left Front (#2?) cylinder or head area. Its does not sound like piston slap. Can the valves be the cause of this noise, and which are more prone to needing adjustment- the exhaust valves I presume?

You input and expertise would be greatly appreciated…..and thanks for taking the time to maintain a resource like this!

James

]]> By: Sarah http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8549 Sarah Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:27:35 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8549 Hi Justin, I am "letting go" of my 97 Legacy wagon,automatic. I want to replace with the same everything, just newer. Re: head gasket thing, is the problem still occurring with 04-06 models, or are they having any other issues that I might want to know about? Thanks so much for all this incredible information! Sarah Hi Justin,
I am “letting go” of my 97 Legacy wagon,automatic. I want to replace with the same everything, just newer. Re: head gasket thing, is the problem still occurring with 04-06 models, or are they having any other issues that I might want to know about?

Thanks so much for all this incredible information!
Sarah

]]> By: Marty http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8500 Marty Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:39:33 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8500 Great Site, like the information received. I have a 2001 Subaru Outback Wagon ltd, 2.5. Replaced the left head gasket back in Jan 2004 @ 38k miles. Under Warranty at local Subaru Dealership here in Upstate NY. Had 90k mile service performed at end of September 2009, 90480miles on car then. Took my car in for a standard LOF and too check out couple noises. Have smealt coolant couple x's in last month, which I wanted to have checked out and possibly replace hoses & connector if that was the cause. Was informed that one of the noises is being caused by torque converter vibration until the fluid heats up. Also was informed that replacing the hoses was not the issue, but that the head gaskets were leaking and need to be replaced. Looking to call original dealership that I had perform the original Left head gasket replacement to see if they will repair the gasket under the warranty that should still be in effect by SOA (8yrs/100K extended from date of repair). Hoping this will fix the issues. This is a decent car, but have started to see that some of the emission and suspension parts are starting to fail and need to be replaced, much of which are typically costly to say the least. Thanks again for Having a Great site with lots of detailed information about the Subaru Cars. Marty Great Site, like the information received. I have a 2001 Subaru Outback Wagon ltd, 2.5. Replaced the left head gasket back in Jan 2004 @ 38k miles. Under Warranty at local Subaru Dealership here in Upstate NY. Had 90k mile service performed at end of September 2009, 90480miles on car then. Took my car in for a standard LOF and too check out couple noises. Have smealt coolant couple x’s in last month, which I wanted to have checked out and possibly replace hoses & connector if that was the cause. Was informed that one of the noises is being caused by torque converter vibration until the fluid heats up. Also was informed that replacing the hoses was not the issue, but that the head gaskets were leaking and need to be replaced. Looking to call original dealership that I had perform the original Left head gasket replacement to see if they will repair the gasket under the warranty that should still be in effect by SOA (8yrs/100K extended from date of repair). Hoping this will fix the issues. This is a decent car, but have started to see that some of the emission and suspension parts are starting to fail and need to be replaced, much of which are typically costly to say the least.

Thanks again for Having a Great site with lots of detailed information about the Subaru Cars.
Marty

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8484 Justin Stobb Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:04:23 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8484 Hello Kim, I also sent you an email. Any Subaru Dealer that wants to charge you for an oil dye test to figure out if you have a Head gasket leak is a little concerning. A good Subaru Tech will know what is wrong without a dye test. The head gasket price is about average, but I suspect the repairs will be made in the car. Justin Hello Kim,

I also sent you an email.

Any Subaru Dealer that wants to charge you for an oil dye test to figure out if you have a Head gasket leak is a little concerning. A good Subaru Tech will know what is wrong without a dye test.

The head gasket price is about average, but I suspect the repairs will be made in the car.

Justin

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8483 Justin Stobb Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:01:47 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8483 Terry, I can probably help with that. I will send you an email with some prices. Justin Terry,

I can probably help with that. I will send you an email with some prices.

Justin

]]> By: Kim http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8451 Kim Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:22:05 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/#comment-8451 Hello - I posted my question last night, but now I don't see it here. My apologies for any duplication. While my 2004 Impreza Wagon (2.5) was at the dealer yesterday to diagnose a noise (turned out to be some kind of belt) they "noted an oil leak at head gasket area." They've recommended to clean the engine and insert a die to do a black light inspection to see where the leak is. They've also quoted $1500-1600 to replace the hg, barring anything else wrong. I'm out of warranty at this point. Does the test sound reasonable? Does the repair price sound fair (I'm in Olympia). Thank you for your opinion. Hello - I posted my question last night, but now I don’t see it here. My apologies for any duplication. While my 2004 Impreza Wagon (2.5) was at the dealer yesterday to diagnose a noise (turned out to be some kind of belt) they “noted an oil leak at head gasket area.” They’ve recommended to clean the engine and insert a die to do a black light inspection to see where the leak is. They’ve also quoted $1500-1600 to replace the hg, barring anything else wrong. I’m out of warranty at this point. Does the test sound reasonable? Does the repair price sound fair (I’m in Olympia). Thank you for your opinion.

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