My '98 Outback runs great in between each major repair. However I have a list of major repairs that would make any Scooby fan turn Green as a Ghost. The latest problem is of course the head gaskets at 96,000 miles. The car runs fine for 30 to 60 miles then suddenly the temp gauge goes from middle to off scale and the antifreeze overfills the bottle. Dealer drove the car and confirmed my thought although did not test the compression nor knows which head is leaking, and estimated $1100 repair. I opted for a $650 repair from an independent garage who specializes in Subaru. Dealer also says he does not machine the heads. Independent says he always does.
> Dealer still charged $90 for the 1.5 hour test drive.
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> Any comments on 1) the replacement of both gaskets just because and 2) Machining necessity ?
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> 3) Since this is a more common problem with the DOHC Phase 1 engine and not as common with the simpler SOHC, does anyone know if the H6 engine which looks like the old DOHC design with two more cylinders tacked on, would be any better ?
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> "Ready for a change"