Headgasket/timing belt cover oil leak ?'s

badfish1134 · 06-17-2009, 05:12 PM

Hello. I have a MY99 Impreza 2.5rs, ~130k, with the phase 1 SOHC, and appear to be leaking coolant out of both headgaskets. The passengers side seems to be leaking more than the drivers. I haven't had any overheating issues yet, so I think I may have caught it just in time. What made me notice this was my oil level, I checked it about 3-4 weeks ago and it was at where it needed to be. I check the oil yesterday and noticed that it was at the "Low" mark. So I threw some oil in it and got under the engine and peeked around. There seems to be an oil leak from the timeing belt cover.

Now I'm not a mechanic so I can't say for sure, but I'm about 75% sure than these are the two problems. I've talked to three mechanics in my area (for the locals: Smart Service, PIA, and Gregs Japanese Auto), and all three have quoted me at ~$2500. One also added that I should have the whole engine "rebuilt" with all new sealants etc etc for about 4k.

This has really hit hard, as I'm pretty low on funds at the moment. I'd like to know what you all have inmind. I basically need a list of things that need to be done, and things that also should be done.

Thanks.

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kaptainkevlar · 06-17-2009, 05:29 PM

swap!

Thats pretty much the same boat I'm in. I know my rear main seal is leaking and it's about time to do the timing belt and the head gaskets could be done soon, so instead of spending all the money on getting everything back to normal I'm just gonna buy a newer, better motor. Depending on what you get and what you do it could be cheaper than having your motor fixed.

badfish1134 · 06-17-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaptainkevlar

swap!

Thats pretty much the same boat I'm in. I know my rear main seal is leaking and it's about time to do the timing belt and the head gaskets could be done soon, so instead of spending all the money on getting everything back to normal I'm just gonna buy a newer, better motor. Depending on what you get and what you do it could be cheaper than having your motor fixed.

Right, but the problem is money right now. A swap will easily cost double what fixing this will be. Of course I want to swap it, but unfortunately it's not in the cards right now

...

yarrgh · 06-17-2009, 06:48 PM

2500 is way too much for a simple head gasket change. You can buy all seals you need with a gasket kit for ~$300. Do a search for headgasket issues, there is plenty of info on what you'll need to do this. Hell, buy some beer and pizza for some local enthusiasts and they'll help you with the labor.

loccomoffo · 06-18-2009, 08:53 AM

For the water prob, warm the engine up so the thermostat is opened up, then w the radiator cap open, rev the engine and see if you see air bubbles in the radiator. This will tell you if you're head gasket is gone between a cylinder and coolant passage. If so this is bad, $$$.

If this wasn't the case, get a bike pump, attach a tire valve to it from an old car tire, that to a hose, and the hose onto the radiator auxilary tank hose pipe just under the radiator cap, now pump away until the radiator cap starts letting pressure go. Now get under the car and have a looksee where the water is coming from, fix by tightening or silicone.

For the oil. take the timing cover off. have a look where the oil is coming from. if its too messy w oil, clean it up with kero/water then put back together and come back to it in a few days. Now find where the oil is coming from. to replace the worn seal, pry the old seal out w a screwdriver and bang the new one in flush with the engine block (flat piece of hard wood and hammer). just moisten the inner seal lip w a bit of oil first so it isn't damaged when inserted.

Bob's your aunty!!

06-17-2009, 05:12 PM	#1
badfish1134 Scooby Specialist Member#: 172591 Join Date: Feb 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Top of the West, Fed/Seattle Vehicle: 99' GM6 74F....sold :/	Headgasket/timing belt cover oil leak ?'s Hello. I have a MY99 Impreza 2.5rs, ~130k, with the phase 1 SOHC, and appear to be leaking coolant out of both headgaskets. The passengers side seems to be leaking more than the drivers. I haven't had any overheating issues yet, so I think I may have caught it just in time. What made me notice this was my oil level, I checked it about 3-4 weeks ago and it was at where it needed to be. I check the oil yesterday and noticed that it was at the "Low" mark. So I threw some oil in it and got under the engine and peeked around. There seems to be an oil leak from the timeing belt cover. Now I'm not a mechanic so I can't say for sure, but I'm about 75% sure than these are the two problems. I've talked to three mechanics in my area (for the locals: Smart Service, PIA, and Gregs Japanese Auto), and all three have quoted me at ~$2500. One also added that I should have the whole engine "rebuilt" with all new sealants etc etc for about 4k. This has really hit hard, as I'm pretty low on funds at the moment. I'd like to know what you all have inmind. I basically need a list of things that need to be done, and things that also should be done. Thanks. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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06-17-2009, 05:29 PM	#2
kaptainkevlar Scooby Specialist Member#: 80109 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA Vehicle: 07 spec B	swap! Thats pretty much the same boat I'm in. I know my rear main seal is leaking and it's about time to do the timing belt and the head gaskets could be done soon, so instead of spending all the money on getting everything back to normal I'm just gonna buy a newer, better motor. Depending on what you get and what you do it could be cheaper than having your motor fixed.

06-17-2009, 06:48 PM	#4
yarrgh Scooby Specialist Member#: 80465 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Aurora, CO Vehicle: 2001 2.5RS Black Diamond Pearl	2500 is way too much for a simple head gasket change. You can buy all seals you need with a gasket kit for ~$300. Do a search for headgasket issues, there is plenty of info on what you'll need to do this. Hell, buy some beer and pizza for some local enthusiasts and they'll help you with the labor.

06-18-2009, 08:53 AM	#5
loccomoffo Scooby Newbie Member#: 200891 Join Date: Jan 2009 Chapter/Region: International Location: Western Australia Vehicle: 1995 Impreza EJ18 Shabby White	For the water prob, warm the engine up so the thermostat is opened up, then w the radiator cap open, rev the engine and see if you see air bubbles in the radiator. This will tell you if you're head gasket is gone between a cylinder and coolant passage. If so this is bad, $$$. If this wasn't the case, get a bike pump, attach a tire valve to it from an old car tire, that to a hose, and the hose onto the radiator auxilary tank hose pipe just under the radiator cap, now pump away until the radiator cap starts letting pressure go. Now get under the car and have a looksee where the water is coming from, fix by tightening or silicone. For the oil. take the timing cover off. have a look where the oil is coming from. if its too messy w oil, clean it up with kero/water then put back together and come back to it in a few days. Now find where the oil is coming from. to replace the worn seal, pry the old seal out w a screwdriver and bang the new one in flush with the engine block (flat piece of hard wood and hammer). just moisten the inner seal lip w a bit of oil first so it isn't damaged when inserted. Bob's your aunty!!