Minor Head Gasket Oil Leak

[avryco]

I have noticed a minor head gasket oil leak (probably losing 10-20 oz of oil during a 3000 mile period). Should I be concerned about getting my head gaskets replaced? It is worth it to have them fixed? I know this is a common scooby problem and figured you guys would have better suggestions than my, possibly money grubbing, mechanic.

EDIT: I've been changing the oil every 2000 miles just to be sure I'm not low...

[kTri]

I have the same issue with my 02' legacy wagon. It is at 158k and the head gaskets are the only thing wrong with it. I bought it from a used dealer where I bought my old 96 legacy L. My 02' drives, handles, and even smell like a new car. I feel like who ever had it before took decant care of it. But the head gaskets I know are common for subies to go wrong. I bought this car 2 1/2 weeks ago.

Anyone From Georgia or Atlanta metro area know where i can get a good quote for head gasket replacement? I'd hate for anything else to go wrong.

[Dead91silvia]

These Phase II motors are not pron the blown HG's like the old 2.5 twin cams from 96-99.... The newer motors tend to leak externally, not internal like the older ones. So just keep them topped off and you should be fine for a while.

For both of you guys, I would say have them done when its time for your timing belts to be done, if it worries you. Last time I did HG's it was on a Twin cam and if I remember right it was about $1100 with parts, labor, and tax. This was on a 98 Outback. The Phase II motors are a little less time consuming so a good shop should be no more then 1000-1500 for good parts. At least I wouldnt charge that much...

Oh, why I say to do with your timing belts... T-Belts tend to be a little spendy and if you do HG's, them your doing a t-belt anyway so the overall cost would be less doing it all at the same time...

[kTri]

I 100% believe and agree with you. I've done my research and I read about the Phase 1 and 2 differences and yes it does make sense to do timing the same time. That's what I've been hearing also. I thank you for answering our question i feel better hearing it from someone with knowledge and experience instead of a greedy mechanics out there. lol

thanks again man

[Wiscon_Mark]

When you get the headgasket job done, make sure you get the heads resurfaced properly. It would all be for naught if the heads were slightly warped and caused another headgasket leak.

[kTri]

I've seen a video that explain the best way to prep the cylinder head. Its show a method that most shops would use to do the job fast and a way that doesnt wear too much and with clean preperation and helps the install last longer

here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UYkfuTyugk

I hope subaru mechanics are doing it the second method in this video. I know that if i have mine done by a mechanic they will be advised before hand to prep the cylinder heads like shown for second method

enjoy!!!

[Mr Evolution]

You guys should check out this method to surfacing heads.

"Post-apocalyptic machine shop techniques!"
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/sho ... p?t=126868 (http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=126868)

Pretty old school, but feel its the most effective.

My passenger side HG to leaking as well and I will be pulling the motor and doing a rebuild.

2004 Legacy (H4) 2.5L 5MT 180k miles

I will have the heads resurface, valve seals replaced (Viton rubber seals), replacing all the valve guides, hot wash, and new valve seats. This will cost $250 per head, but it will be like a new.

With the above valve job, I would also need to replace the piston rings and hone the cylinder walls. New rings cost $95,honing kit, and ring compressor (maybe borrow from friend) from Autozone is fine.

Also new timing components and belt, along with engine gaskets. This should make the car go another 200k without issues, other than rust (East Coast car :0( ).

Also, gonna reseal the trans since its out anyways.

So much work, but feel its worth it for me.