headgasket problem??

[subaru_terrence]

Hey guys,

i thought only the older generations leggy have head gasket problems but I met some guy who works for subaru is telling me headgasket problem goes for any 2.5NA from 99 - 05 subies including my BE as well.

He was saying how my headgasket will go either in this summer or sometime in this year which kinda freak me out.

He was also saying my pistons are going soon too because of the ticking sound?

this is a video after driving for about 1 hr
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/05/th_MVI_5095-1.jpg (http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z145/subaru_terrence2/?action=view&current=MVI_5095.flv)

[AJM]

With the headgaskets just keep checking for oil in your anti freeze ,and anti freeze in your oil. Other than that the only other major system that is usually assciated with that problem is massive overheating. Don't worry about it unless it happens.

As far as that tick, it sounds like valve lifter tick, not any piston issues. Are you burning oil? Losing compression? If not I would not worry about your pistons. Edit, at worst it's knocking ,or it's the pistons slapping a bit.

One thing you might wnat to think about is this, if he works for a dealer, he might tell you a lot of bull to get you to spend a lot of dough. IDK if that is the case, but something to consider if he does work for a dealer.


If you do have some massive failure, it is usually cheaper to go with a used engine than get one rebuilt. Don't have a dealer do it.

[subaru_terrence]

he works at a dealer but I didnt meet him @ a dealer. He even told me to go back to the dealership that I always go and see if i can get it covers under warranty.

I guess I have to check my oil tomorrow.

[Huffer]

+1 for AJM's advice. Just cos "a guy" from a dealership says something doesn't mean it's gospel. I have stock HG's on an engine doing 214k and everyone's told me the HGs are going to go...they started telling me that at 160k.

Scaremongering. Just keep checking your car and stay on top of the maintenance.

[02legacygt]

WOW, your car sounds exactly like mine does like i mean exactly, they kinda sound like they are almost a diesel engine?
at least that how they sound to me! Crap now you got me worried!

[subaru_terrence]

now i hate my leggy even more!!

i really really want to trade in my car >.<

but if my car is supposed to sound like that and dont worry about it... I guess i will keep driving it and mod it until I graduate from university

[Huffer]

You could sell it to me. :twisted:

Edit: I just heard the clip - it doesn't sound that bad at all.
Why don't you switch to 10w40 and see if that changes things?

[decke48]

yes the headgaskets can go in phase 2's just there just as not wide spread as the phase 1's.. as for the noise it sounds like valve lifter noise than piston slap. like AJM said.

[J-Rock!]

Sounds like the dude you talked to is an idiot. No offense. Subarus are known to be loud and like the other guy said. Sounds to me like lifters , witch in some cases there is alot of other subarus that sound the same with tons of miles. Change your oil regular and shouldnt be a problem. And for the headgaskets yes they do tend to leak but if its an external leak just keep coolant in it. and like they said always check the coolant resovoir for oil. only if theres oil in the coolant then replace. but for external just keep it topped off..

[subaru_terrence]

should I try 5w40 oil?

well.. I guess I will keep the car and install the swaybar then.

I was gonna trade it in with all the "problems" i had..but now.. i will order new shocks and brakes since they need to replace soon anyways

[Huffer]

Run 10w30 or 10w40.

If you ever decide to sell, just let me know first. It'd be a good excuse to visit Toronto.

[02legacygt]

im almost thinking of trading in mine, there is a local subby dealer that has a 05 GT-Spec B with 34,000 miles for 19,995

[rougeben83]

how much mileage do you have on yours? There's a TSB (in the US at least) for HG's on the Phase 2 motors...SOA will cover (all or partial) the HG work if yours fails before 100k miles.

Only caveat is that you need to be running the coolant additive at the time (buy the $2 bottle, pour it in your radiator, or not...just keep the receipt).

[subaru_terrence]

74000KM on my car

[Huffer]

im almost thinking of trading in mine, there is a local subby dealer that has a 05 GT-Spec B with 34,000 miles for 19,995

BWAAHAHAHAHAHA

What a rip off. You can get an 05 GT w/ 40k for $14-16...

[J-Rock!]

how much mileage do you have on yours? There's a TSB (in the US at least) for HG's on the Phase 2 motors...SOA will cover (all or partial) the HG work if yours fails before 100k miles.

Only caveat is that you need to be running the coolant additive at the time (buy the $2 bottle, pour it in your radiator, or not...just keep the receipt).
some cases you wont even need to buy the additive the mojority of the the cars are still under that coolant conditioner recall

[02legacygt]

yeah my car only has 64k, and the dealer I bought it from gave us lifetime free oil changes, so we take the car in every 3,000 and they use 5w30, ill tell them I want 10w40 next time!

As far as the 05 GT, its not the normal GT is a SPEC-B

[Huffer]

Spec-B = different interior. The tune is different, but not enough to warrant several thousand dollars. Shoot you could get an ECUtek tune and still have enough leftover...

[02legacygt]

well seeing how your everywhere an pretty much know the answer to every question I have asked!, Im gonna take your word that they are charging way to much!!!!

thanks!!

[Huffer]

^^ Lol... not true. I'm just quick.
I've seen Spec B's and I just don't see enough differences to warrant the MAJORITY of people buying a specB over a regular GT. The interior is different, and the suspension is revised.

But heck - most of us here will mod a stock model quickly, regardless of it's trim level. Even if it's just changing wheels. If you're doing that, you might as well start with something that isn't going to lose too much value if you beat it up.