01 Outback Head Gasket #2

[Steve]

I recently had the left side head gasket replaced now the right side has
developed the same problem.
As soon as I can raise the funds I will have the other gasket replaced...but
I can never remember having so many problems this early with any of my
Subarus. (Barely over 100,000 miles)
Is there anything else I should have done when they have the engine apart? I
had the timing belt done with the first gasket replacement so that's no
longer an issue.

Are there any other issues with this year's Outback that I should know
about?

 

[Steve Parker]

Steve
Are they pulling the engine to do this? If so I would do the main seals
front and rear and the camshaft seals.
Did you have them replace the water pump with the cam belt. If not I
would put in a new water pump.
Sparky

wrote:

 

[Steve]

Thanks Sparky...I have printed your reply and will take it with me when I
have the work done to see what is feasible.
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. It is appreciated.

Steve
Are they pulling the engine to do this? If so I would do the main seals
front and rear and the camshaft seals.
Did you have them replace the water pump with the cam belt. If not I
would put in a new water pump.
Sparky

wrote:

=----

 

[Kevin Hall]

It's not just the '01s. Lots of the 2.5 sohc engines seem to be digesting
their head gaskets. Our '99 has been through 3 lots and a shortblock in
120,000 km., not miles.

There is obviously a problem with the gaskets themselves. My regular
garage replaced the o.e.m. gaskets with aftermarket types last time 'round,
and there has been no trouble since. Interestingly, my mechanic tells me
that every Suby he's used the oem gaskets on has had subsequent leaks, but
every one on which he's used a good grade of aftermarket gasket on has
stayed coolant-tight.

GM is also facing what may potentially be the largest class action lawsuit
in history for their continued use of head gaskets they have known to be
faulty for years.

KH

 

[.._..]

FYI there is a coolant additive that can mitigate some of that. (Its a
recall item on the '01s)

If you switch coolants, you need to get the additive put in again.

Check the Jan 22 thread for more information.

 

[Edward Hayes]

Phase 1 engines had the bad internal HG problem. The phase 2 engines
(SOHC) has external weeping issues which are much less of a problem
and the Genuine "Subaru cooling system conditioner" proved effective
in most weeping issues.

 

[Kevin Hall]

Our 99 Forester has the sohc engine, and it leaked both in and out. The
first time it ate it's head gaskets the dealership refused to believe me
when I told them it they were done, and put off doing the job until 6 weeks
and 3 more visits later. A very short time after they'd replaced the head
gaskets the engine started knocking badly, sounding like there was
something in there fighting to get out. When Suby finally agreed that
there was something seriously wrong in there they replaced the shortblock.

Their explanation was that the coolant leaking into the cyl. bores had
removed the moly-type coating from the pistons and accelerated piston and
bore wear. With the extremely short pistons in these modern engines which
are greatly oversquare it doesn't take much to start them slapping.

KH

 

[Kevin Hall]

I'm well aware of the coolant additive, which is little more than a Rad
Stopleak type product. It is being used as a stop-gap measure in the hope
that it will get the large number of affected engines to hold together long
enough for their warranties to expire. After that the company could care
less what happens to 'em. The idea is a joke among most mechanics.

The problem is poor gasket design and manufacture, and the cure isn't some
wonder-goop. Sure it may get you a few more miles before the dreaded
high-dollar gasket job, but it's like the old emergency remedy for a
leaking rad; shoving a couple of eggs in the rad to congeal in the hot
water and plug the hole. It works, but it ain't the right solution.

KH

 

[Edward Hayes]

The coolant conditioner was more than a stop-gap measure since if
dealer installed the warranty was upped to 8 years or 100,000 miles.

 

[bugalugs]

I'm well aware of the coolant additive, which is little more than a Rad
Stopleak type product. It is being used as a stop-gap measure in the hope
that it will get the large number of affected engines to hold together long
enough for their warranties to expire. After that the company could care
less what happens to 'em. The idea is a joke among most mechanics.

The problem is poor gasket design and manufacture, and the cure isn't some
wonder-goop. Sure it may get you a few more miles before the dreaded
high-dollar gasket job, but it's like the old emergency remedy for a
leaking rad; shoving a couple of eggs in the rad to congeal in the hot
water and plug the hole. It works, but it ain't the right solution.

A handfull of pepper is also very effective in stopping/blocking a leak
in the radiator

 

[Edward Hayes]

I put the conditioner in my system at ~ 28,000? miles and still going
strong at 116,000 which is more than a "few miles". Now that I've said
it I'll cross my fingers. Ed

 

[Terrance Chenard]

I recently had the left side head gasket replaced now the right side has
developed the same problem.
As soon as I can raise the funds I will have the other gasket replaced...but
I can never remember having so many problems this early with any of my
Subarus. (Barely over 100,000 miles)
Is there anything else I should have done when they have the engine apart? I
had the timing belt done with the first gasket replacement so that's no
longer an issue.

Are there any other issues with this year's Outback that I should know
about?

thats why I did both HGS at the same time and all my Seals.... even put
on a new water pump.. I think I need a better Rad.... ah well I have a
EA-82T so go figure lol