'01 OBW head gaskets

[John Rethorst]

I'd smelled something for the last couple of days, so took it in and they told
me one of the head gaskets was leaking. Warranty repair. Should I have had the
other one replaced at the same time?

 

[John Rethorst]

I'd smelled something for the last couple of days, so took it in and they
told me one of the head gaskets was leaking. Warranty repair. Should I
have had the other one replaced at the same time?

My thinking is that what goes wrong on one side is more likely to go wrong on
the other. If the engine has been disassembled enough to replace one, labor
costs to replace the other at the same time will be much lower. The warranty
wouldn't cover the other gasket, since it wasn't leaking, but why wait for the
engine to spring a leak?

Or - head gaskets on Subies don't generally spring leaks? There was a recent
thread here about leaks on '02 Outbacks. Does the '01 share the problem?

Thanks,

 

[Edward Hayes]

If your a regular customer at a dealer for your service then he SHOULD
be able to spot the 2d HG leak for a warranty work.

 

[Mickey]

My thinking is that what goes wrong on one side is more likely to go wrong on
the other. If the engine has been disassembled enough to replace one, labor
costs to replace the other at the same time will be much lower. The warranty
wouldn't cover the other gasket, since it wasn't leaking, but why wait for the
engine to spring a leak?

Or - head gaskets on Subies don't generally spring leaks? There was a recent
thread here about leaks on '02 Outbacks. Does the '01 share the problem?

Thanks,

I would suspect the failed gasket to be the one on the left aft side.
This is the typ location I'm told. Subaru is on their third design
and I'm told it is much improved over the original. If it were me and
it was recently, I'd replace both.

I believe the normal practice is to pull the engine. Depending upon
how many miles you have, I'd give thought to having the engine
completely resealed. While the engine is out, it is much easier to
replace various seals and gaskets than otherwise. Specially thinking
about rear main seal. Again depending upon mileage would also give
thought to replacing the timing belt and water pump.

I had to foot the complete bill for my repair and it cost me $1300 for
both gaskets and all new seals at an independent subaru shop.

Mickey

 

[John Rethorst]

I would suspect the failed gasket to be the one on the left aft side.
This is the typ location I'm told. Subaru is on their third design
and I'm told it is much improved over the original. If it were me and
it was recently, I'd replace both.

I believe the normal practice is to pull the engine. Depending upon
how many miles you have, I'd give thought to having the engine
completely resealed. While the engine is out, it is much easier to
replace various seals and gaskets than otherwise. Specially thinking
about rear main seal. Again depending upon mileage would also give
thought to replacing the timing belt and water pump.

I had to foot the complete bill for my repair and it cost me $1300 for
both gaskets and all new seals at an independent subaru shop.

Knowledgeable and helpful advice. Thanks.