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03-04-2009, 09:19 AM | #51 | |
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03-05-2009, 12:56 AM | #52 |
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MWSOC
Location: pontiac, Mi
Vehicle:2003 Baja regatta red/two tone |
Head gasket question..AGAIN!
Hey Team Subaru...Quick question. AFTER getting the 2003 Baja HG replaced, should I put the coolant additive in? If it blocks small leaks, it can block bigger things like the heater coil, right? What would you all recommend? The Baja is getting fixed at a local mechanic that we trust, I will hopefully get it back Monday when I get home from work (I am traveling for work..woo-hoo!). So I will see what the real "damage is". At least $2200-to maybe $2500 (as I am getting my new tires, and the extra maint. and timing belt, too). Sigh. Anyone know what the right thing to do in tis case?
Summary: 03 baja with new hg's. To coolant or not to coolant? That is the question! THANKS!!! It sounds like yes? Last edited by thedivascloset; 03-05-2009 at 01:03 AM. |
03-05-2009, 06:13 AM | #53 |
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In my opinion, the problem is not the gaskets failing, but the aluminum block. Due to the thin cylinder walls on thee 2.5L there's movement of the block in up-down direction between the liners. This causes the block to rub the head gasket, and since the head gasket is steel, it wins. Eventually, the block deck wears out to the point where there's not enough tension between block and gasket and the 'gasket fails'. When replacing the gaskets, you will also have to deck the block to prevent it from happening again within reasonable time.
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03-05-2009, 11:29 AM | #54 |
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Vehicle:1998 Legacy GT White |
Well mine just totally failed at 131k. It actually started to go at 126k when I purchased it but used the GM coolant sealer tabs and got another 5k out of it. Did the head gaskets at my shop and the newer head gaskets are 1000 times better than the old ones. Much beefier and appear to have much more durability. Purchased the cam holding tool here - http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...ool_alt_k.html
I've only really worked on GM vehicles and I must say it wasn't that hard of a job for my first time. Biggest PIA was getting the timing belt back on correctly with all the notches aligned. |
03-05-2009, 08:06 PM | #55 | |
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DO NOT let it run any less than that, or yes, you will goop up everything. |
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03-05-2009, 10:05 PM | #56 |
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Thanks...Im still just so sad this happened. And disappointed.
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03-06-2009, 08:12 AM | #57 | |
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104K and no issues. Having had over 17 Subarus, most 2.5 N/A in my family, I noticed a trend. |
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03-06-2009, 11:03 AM | #58 |
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Vehicle:2004 Impreza TS Silver |
I noticed a leak earlier this week on the driveway. Took the car in yesterday for an oil changed at the dealership and asked the guys to take a look at it while it was up. Head gasket on the driver-side is leaking. Quoted me a rough estimate of 1600 plus taxes to do both gaskets. I figured while the engine was out I’d get them to do the timing-belt as well. The car has 117,000kms( 72,700miles), which I know is early for this repair. I bought the car 16 months ago with 93,000kms on it. The previous owner had it maintained at the same dealership. This is a tough one to take, I really hope nothing else goes on the car. I have really enjoyed it over the last year and a bit. But, this works out to cost me an extra hundred dollars a month that I have owned it. Thanks “denskil” for posting the feedback from SOA, I’m going to write them today.
On the bright side, they lent me an 09 Impreza with the sport package, I really wished it was snowing here this week instead of this balmy 8 degree weather. |
03-06-2009, 11:53 AM | #59 |
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Just curious, I always have a slight smell of anti-freeze under the hood.
I have a 07 2.5i wagon, with 17K on it, is there a way I can check for possible leaks, would it or could it be related to a HG? |
03-06-2009, 08:08 PM | #60 |
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Thanks Brys- should I still add the coolant each time? I get the baja back sunday night when I get home (woo-hoo!).
I do have a question tho, if you or anyone has a second. I never had to deal with this before..so was this a good deal? It was $2700 to 1) Change the gaskets, 2) timing belt, 3) water pump-someone recommended this since they were in there anyway, 4)new tires, 5) scheduled 100,000 main. What does all this usually cost? No dealerships around me, it was done at the mechanics that has actually saved me thousands at one point. Any idea? I'm tired of whining about how much it was, I just wonder if I got hosed, or if this is good. Comments? Questions? Rude remarks? |
03-06-2009, 09:12 PM | #61 | |
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And no, add it once, it will seat into any weak spots (hopefully none), then do a coolant flush every 30-40K, sounds excessive, but it doesn't give it a chance to start becoming acidic, react with the metals and eat the gaskets. |
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03-07-2009, 09:25 AM | #62 |
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Thank you!!
Awesome...Mr Subie Guru. That makes sense to drain every so often...Looking forward to getting my little red beast back.
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03-09-2009, 09:45 AM | #63 |
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So - add the coolant conditioner, then change the coolant every 30k - 40k. Does that mean add the conditioner again each time you change the coolant?
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03-09-2009, 10:09 AM | #64 | |
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03-09-2009, 12:08 PM | #65 |
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Ok thanks, I missed that post. I just don't understand what the conditioner actually does. Thought it was to be mixed with coolant and that's how it's effective.
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03-09-2009, 12:09 PM | #66 | |
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03-15-2009, 06:21 PM | #67 |
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03 baja 37k miles - left head gasket leaking
I'm original owner, always treated it with love and respect.
Started getting a coolant smell a whole back, brought it in to Subaru for oil change, they saw nothing. Now a year later, and out of warranty, it has progressed to a faster leak; brought it in, they confirmed HG leaking, added conditioner to coolant. They said if that works, great; if not, $900 to change out HG on driver's side. (I only drive maybe twice a week, about 30 miles total) I called SOA Friday, will have it back to dealer tomorrow, will let you know what happens. It's frustrating, as there's just no way for this to be acceptable. I've seen mixed info on whether 2003's are affected and / or covered. Thoughts ? |
03-16-2009, 09:21 AM | #68 |
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Vehicle:2003 Baja regatta red/two tone |
Oh No..I feel your pain!
There's not alot of 2003 from what I have been told/ or seen. But! Read all these posts, many are 2003's. I think the problem will be consistent. I worked yesterday and talked to 2 subie techs, and they all say that we/they will see alot of 03's soon, as they are just getting up to the mileage that we will see the leaking, etc. All told, I spent a bit on mine, complained to Subaru (but nicely). I am at 72,000 miles, and 6 years old as well...but they sent me a one time "goodwill" of $500 to help. I had 2 techs tell me that if I had taken it to a dealership, they might have covered the whole thing...it's a faulty design/bad gasket that they use even to replace, I've heard...I am NO EXPERT! Just know what all these great folks know, from what they have said! But I agree the subie tech I talked to that there will be more 03's with this issue, even though they claim it's not covered. Anyone else have any thoughts?? STILL LOVE MY CAR, and LOVE that Subaru gave me money, even though they didn't have to. Go Subaru.
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03-20-2009, 05:30 PM | #69 |
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Vehicle:2004 Impreza TS Silver |
Here’s my update hopefully it helps out- The dealership charged $1750 to replace the gaskets on both sides. I’ve been back and forth with Subaru Canada the last couple of weeks and they won’t cover the cost of parts or “goodwill” money for this. This is because service records for the maintenance of the vehicle could not be provided to them.
I understand Subaru’s view on this and I can’t blame them because the coolant has never been changed or conditioned. I’m still a little peeved off because I purchased this car used on the pretense that it was dealer maintained and serviced (the Subaru Dealer’s Service Manager confirmed this). When Subaru went looking into the maintenance records none of the major service milestones were done, only regular engine tune-ups, oil changes and warranty issues. So lesson learned, get the records of all maintenance done and don’t assume “dealer serviced” means the Subaru Maintenance Guide has been followed. |
03-20-2009, 05:48 PM | #70 |
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03-21-2009, 03:50 AM | #71 | |
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Vehicle:1999 2.5 RS Black |
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03-21-2009, 09:39 PM | #72 |
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2001 Legacy L Wagon with 66000 miles
looking at this vehicle tomorrow morning and am wondering if anyone here has any input. It is at a vw dealership and they are asking $8488. I'm not terribly car savvy, but have researched this head gasket thing pretty well and am wondering if I should avoid all subaru's with this type of engine/problem. Any input/recommendations/experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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03-23-2009, 12:07 PM | #73 |
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Location: pontiac, Mi
Vehicle:2003 Baja regatta red/two tone |
Just wanted everyone to know I got a check for $500 from Subaru (I think I got it Saturday, just didn't check the mail!)
GO ME!! $$$$$$$$ |
03-24-2009, 11:57 AM | #74 |
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Location: Ontario, Canada
Vehicle:1999 Legacy GT 2.5L Black |
Got a legacy 2.5L 1999. Replaced the HG at 110 000 km.
Now it's at 260 000 km, and I'm getting a lot of symtoms of another bad HG. So it seems like it lasted a little more the second time, but the HG problem is still not fixed (was replaced in 2003). I'll try the coolant conditioner, but I'm afraid it's too late already. Now I'm faced with the decision of whether or not I want to invest more money in my car or just dump it. The car is amazing when it drives good, but it's been a money pit for me. HG as mentioned, transmission failed too and lots of things here and there. |
03-29-2009, 11:43 AM | #75 |
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