I have a 2001 Legacy L wagon with 79,000 miles which has been a great car. In 2004 it was the subject of a external coolant leak recall involving the head gaskets. Per the recall, coolant conditioner was added at that time. Now it has started to leak. At the time, Subraru stated that they were extending the warranty to cover external coolant leaks from the head gasket to 8 years/100,000 miles. Have any of you had your head gaskets replaced under this warranty? I'm wondering if this minor leak (it smells but it doesn't puddle in the garage) warrants the major surgery. It has also been suggested that I replace the timing belt ($80) and tensioner ($150) if I have the heads done, even though the belt is not due until 105K miles. Thanks, Dale
I would definitely bring it into the dealer and see if it is indeed a external leak. BTW, which dealership did you bring your car in for the recall? Also two thing you might consider replacing too is your water pump and the thermos.
I agree that it's worth a trip to the dealer to talk to them about it and get it checked out. Better to do it now than wait until the warranty is about to run out. If you do end up getting the head gaskets replaced, I think it makes sense to get the timing belt and related parts changed at the same time as long as they don't charge much extra labor to do so. The timing belt would have to come off anyway, and the tensioner is only one bolt... There's also a link in the top of the Modifications/Maintenance/Technical section that has a lot more info about headgaskets and the recall.
Thanks for the responses. The car is at Morrie's in Brooklyn Park, which is where I picked up the conditioner 2 years ago, and installed myself. (I'm driving a free loaner 2007 Forester today, which is nice) Morrie's just called and said that while 1 head is leaking coolant, the other is leaking oil. The extended warranty only covers the coolant leak. Getting the other side done and doing the timing belt and tensioner will come to about $1350. I'm inclined to not do anything now, and keep driving it until the 100K mile limit is about to expire.
oh crap 1350? i spend about 400 on mine. FULL engine gasket kit(seals,rings,etcc) which did include the head gasket. Also did waterpump, thermostat,timing belt, both a/c,p/s belts,radiator flush and some more. the amount you can save when you do your own labor. anyways, i've heard of that recall. my car tipped 100K so i guess im' screwed anyways.
I went ahead and had the warranty work done, and am very pleased with both Morrie's and Subaru of America (case #939504). Now I'll keep an eye on the other side and if it starts leaking coolant before 8 years/100K miles I expect they'll warranty that side too.
Just for your info.... I have done many headgaskets. 99% of the time, the left one will be the only one to leak coolant. It's not uncommon for the right one to leak oil, but I wouldn't worry about it. They usually only seep oil, so the amount you lose won't be very high. It's just the smell factor and the part of your brain that knows your car is leaking.
It's that time again This car is now at 115k miles and the right head gasket started has started leaking antifreeze. I got a quote from a local shop on replacing the gasket, the timing belt and the water pump, but it's pretty scary, like near $2000. They also said the left head gasket is leaking again too, but I'm not sure how bad. Given the amount of labor involved is it likely that I am better off looking for a used/reman engine? As for the swap, I got guys for that. Any advice appreciated.
No way, finding a used engine, it will most likely have leaky gaskets as well, and if it doesnt already, It will.
The sti gasket is the fix. PM driftin240 or subytek about doing the job, They will be far more affordable.
See if maybe someone around here will do it for you? I had mine done recently by another member and saved a good deal on labor.
STi gasket, say what? :eek4: Glad I asked. From doing some searching, I gather you are saying that the stock graphite head gaskets are subject to this problem but the newer multilayer steel gaskets are not. When the dealer did the left head gasket 2 years ago they used part number 11044AA632. Please to confirm that is the offending graphite gasket, and that the part number of the steel gasket that I want is 11044AA642? If the above is true, I conclude that if I want to keep this car I should go ahead and replace both head gaskets now with the steel variety. I guess I can congratulate myself for limiting the repairs the dealer did to only what the warranty would pay for. :roll:
Used/reman engine True enough on the used engine, and I was quoted $3600 for a reman, so that doesn't look like a practical alternative.
yup, the old crap gasket is the 632 (Actually its now a 633) and the 642 is the multi layer steel sti gasket.
Well, at 180K miles this '01 Legacy is now being driven by my daughter and I need something to replace it. So I'm looking at an '06 Outback 2.5L with 120K miles. Had the head gasket situation improved by '06? Anything else to look out for?
