98 and 2001 outback headgasket problem

[sheps58]

I own a 98 and 01 otback both with 80000 miles. I am very concerned with
headgasket problems nothing yet. Is it inevtiable that the head gaskets
will fail? Should I sell and take a loss and buy a Honda or it possible
the headgaskets will not fail.
Has Subaru fixed the problem I like the car but not the worry. I usually
keep a car for 200000 miles.

 

[Sparky Polastri]

I own a 98 and 01 otback both with 80000 miles. I am very concerned with
headgasket problems nothing yet. Is it inevtiable that the head gaskets
will fail? Should I sell and take a loss and buy a Honda or it possible
the headgaskets will not fail.
Has Subaru fixed the problem I like the car but not the worry. I usually
keep a car for 200000 miles.

There's a recall item involving an additive to the coolant to help keep the
seals better. Check with your dealer or look up such items yourself.

 

[sheps58]

I know about the sealant but that is not a repair

 

[Todd H.]

I know about the sealant but that is not a repair

It appears that you're asking for a crystal ball. Dunno if anyone on
the group has got one.

Yes, statistically it's quite possible the head gasket will not fail.

Better question: Show of hands--anyone with a 97 or 01 outback have a
head gasket fail on them yet? If so, what mileage and driving
conditions, and did you have the recall coolant additive?


Best Regards,

 

[George Adams]

My 1998 Forester went 187,000 miles before head gasket failure. I had
the timing belt and water pump replaced while the engine was torn down,
so I saved considerable labor on those items.

 

[Guest]

Under the coolant service, Subaru is extending the warranty on the head
gasket for my 2001 to 100k miles.

 

[mo]

any possible links to the coolant service recall additive situation
kinda thing for my 2000 obw that i bought used? thanks much

 

[John]

Better question: Show of hands--anyone with a 97 or 01 outback have a

head gasket fail on them yet?

Yes, 97 OBW 2.5L auto

If so, what mileage and driving
conditions

115K mixed driving, no abuse

and did you have the recall coolant additive?

No

 

[Todd H.]

any possible links to the coolant service recall additive situation
kinda thing for my 2000 obw that i bought used? thanks much

Basically it was something I got in the mail--has to do with possible
early head gasket failure, and the need for a coolant conditioner to
help keep it at bay. If you take it into a
subaru dealer, they can find out if you need it via your VIN number.
It only takes a few minutes. I believe the 2000's were also affected
by this.

 

[casper]

My 1999 outback went 200,000 km (120,000mi) before head gasket failure

 

[Sparky Polastri]

It's not a repair, its a prevention. Jackass.

Go back to grade school and learn a little about probability. Get the
sealant treatment (for free from your dealer, or not if you can find out
what the stuff is) and reduce the probabliity of head gasket leaks. Dont
get the sealant, and you have whatever risk there is (not high, but enough
that people talk about it here and other places on the internet). If you
keep your cars a while, you should know all about prevention already. So
you are just being a jackass.

 

[SpongeBob]

I own a 98 and 01 otback both with 80000 miles. I am very concerned with
headgasket problems nothing yet. Is it inevtiable that the head gaskets
will fail? Should I sell and take a loss and buy a Honda or it possible
the headgaskets will not fail.
Has Subaru fixed the problem I like the car but not the worry. I usually
keep a car for 200000 miles.

1999 Subaru Outback headgasket done at 119,000. Mostly highway miles. No
warranty. No recall. No more Subaru's!