Leaking Head Gaskets

[BestNurse]

Hi - I just found this group after looking for some info about leaking
head gaskets. I have a 2004 Legacy GT Limited that has 44kms on it. I
took it in for a regular service and the mechanic said that both of the
head gaskets are leaking. I had no indication of this (ie no
overheating, etc) but now I am worried about the life of my car.
Obviously, they will be replaced under warranty but now I am wondering,
do I get rid of the car? Will it be constant trouble from now on? If I
keep it, I will buy the extended warranty for sure but I really like
the car so this makes me a little sad - any suggestions as to what to
ask the dealer about, etc? Anything else I should get them to do
besides replace the gaskets? They had to order the gaskets in so I am
hoping they will be able to get replaced sometime this week. Thanks.

~Denise~

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi - I just found this group after looking for some info about leaking
head gaskets. I have a 2004 Legacy GT Limited that has 44kms on it.

Hi,

If the gaskets are covered under warranty, you should be good to go
after they're replaced. Subaru's gone thru several generations of head
gaskets (as have MANY other manufacturers, for all those who want to
jump on Subie gaskets!) to find something that lasts, and you should be
getting the latest.

While many people complain of leaking factory headgaskets (both here and
on other auto forums I've visited), few, if any, report failures of
their replacement gaskets. I think I'd sleep fine if I were you after
your car's fixed!

Rick

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hi,

If the gaskets are covered under warranty, you should be good to go
after they're replaced. Subaru's gone thru several generations of head
gaskets (as have MANY other manufacturers,--------snip------

Yeah, I asked my boss why he had a rental the other day and he said his
truck was getting a head gasket - the second one!

Ford diesel, I think he has some miles on it but likely less than 100K -
I dunno, i guess I'm not very nosy about stuff like that. His previous
Ford diesel blew its tranny at 30K miles.

Carl

 

[Michael Pardee]

If the gaskets are covered under warranty, you should be good to go
after they're replaced. Subaru's gone thru several generations of head
gaskets (as have MANY other manufacturers, for all those who want to
jump on Subie gaskets!) to find something that lasts, and you should be
getting the latest.

While many people complain of leaking factory headgaskets (both here and
on other auto forums I've visited), few, if any, report failures of
their replacement gaskets. I think I'd sleep fine if I were you after
your car's fixed!

Rick

Saab owners have had to use a solid copper head gasket to stop the
failures - my motorhead brother put it in his turbo engine during his third
replacement and it seems to have fixed the problem. I don't know if the
factory ever went to them.

Mike

 

[Rick Courtright]

Saab owners have had to use a solid copper head gasket to stop the
failures - my motorhead brother put it in his turbo engine during his

Hi,

Years back, Toyota truck owners tweaking turboed 22Rs often went to the
same fix!

Some research on "head gaskets" will reveal the gasket manufacturers
have pulled out a lot of hair in recent years trying to come up with
lasting gaskets as we demand more and more of our engines!

Rick