How much does it cost to change a head gasket on a 2003 Subaru Outback?

How much does it cost to change a head gasket on a 2003 Subaru Outback?

The average base head gasket job for a 2.5-liter engine is $1,500 to $1,800 that’s including Parts & Labor. Adding additional items such as Timing Belt & Components, Water Pump, Spark Plugs & Oil Seals, etc runs in the range of $2,200 to $2700. Your Subaru could be a little more or a little less.

What causes head gasket to fail on Subaru Outback?

While there are many reasons that your Outback’s head gasket can fail, the most common ones have to do with the cooling system causing the engine to overheat. Low Engine Coolant – If there is not enough coolant to properly cool the engine, it’ll overheat and blow the head gasket.

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket on a Subaru?

Depending on the year and engine configuration of your 2.5 Subaru, the base head gasket job for parts (including tax and labor) costs between $1600 and $1700. Adding the timing belt, idlers, and tensioners, seals and water pump adds about $700.

Is the Subaru headgasket the same as the second generation?

If you were to go to Subaru and order the headgasket(s) it would be the same as the ones you’re taking off. The second-generation SOHC engines use the same fiber gasket but have an updated head torque procedure and if done correctly you should not have future headgasket problems.

Can a headgasket be replaced without removing the engine?

The engine is a lot easier to work on if it’s on an engine stand but it can be done without removing the engine. First off, the head bolts will not come out if done this way. They must be left in the cylinder head and make sure not to mix up the center two bolts, they are different and will not fit the outer cylinder head bolt holes.

Can you change head gaskets on a Subaru Outback LL Bean?

Today I decided to proceed with changing the head gaskets on my newly aquired 2003 Outback LL Bean H6 engine. I have the manual that someone here posted (thank you Very much).

How much does it cost to replace a Subaru head gasket?

While replacement head gaskets are pretty cheap (around $100), the cost of labor is not. Repair estimates commonly exceed $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage and what other maintenance is performed while the mechanic is in there. Hold Up…

If you were to go to Subaru and order the headgasket(s) it would be the same as the ones you’re taking off. The second-generation SOHC engines use the same fiber gasket but have an updated head torque procedure and if done correctly you should not have future headgasket problems.

What causes a headgasket failure on a Subaru 2.5L?

The Subaru 2.5L DOHC engine had headgasket failure also which was an internal combustion leak causing different symptoms and problems. The SOHC engines have a problem with oil and coolant leaking externally and eventually the gasket failure will cause oil and coolant to mix.

When did the Subaru Outback head gasket problems start?

I was told by the dealer when I purchased my Outback that Subaru “fixed” the head gasket problem with the 2003 model year. Researching the issue on the net indicates that problems extends to the 2005 model year and possibly beyond.

How many miles does a Subaru head gasket fail?

Some Subarus have a reputation for eating head gaskets at a very low mileage. Where did this reputation come from? Though there was never an official Subaru head gasket recall, the problem is pervasive enough where it can be expected that certain original head gaskets will fail between 100,000 and 150,000 miles (160-241k kilometers).

Why is the coolant level going down on my Outback?

Loss of Coolant – If your Outback’s engine coolant level is going down, but there is no noticeable leak, it could be a sign that the head gasket has blown. While there are many reasons that your Outback’s head gasket can fail, the most common ones have to do with the cooling system causing the engine to overheat.

How do you replace head gaskets on a Subaru?

Removing the engine makes it much easier to extract the head bolts in particular, which are very long and won’t clear the body with the engine sitting normally inside the engine bay. To reach the head gaskets, a mechanic has to tear the engine down to the short block. Both gaskets are typically replaced at the same time.