What causes a head gasket leak on a Subaru Outback?
Assuming the cooling system was bled correctly, air in the heater core is almost always caused by a head gasket leak. This issue is common on second generation Outbacks, as those leaks tend to be internal. 3) Overheating One of the telltale symptoms of a head gasket leak is an overheating engine.
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.
Is it safe to drive a 2012 Subaru with a blown head gasket?
While there is no definitive “safe” year, head gasket leaks tend to be much less common on newer models. If your Subaru is a 2012 or newer, odds are really good that you won’t have any issues. Can You Drive With a Blown Head Gasket?
What to do if you have a head gasket leak?
One of the telltale symptoms of a head gasket leak is an overheating engine. If your engine starts to overheat, pull over to let it cool down for a bit before you continue driving.
Is there a problem with the Subaru Outback head gasket?
The head gasket problems have been apparent in most Subaru models since the 1990s, affecting the Subaru Outback, Subaru Impreza, Subaru Baja, Subaru Forester, and Subaru Legacy. Unfortunately, when a Subaru undergoes head gasket problems, the head gasket must be fixed for the car to continue running.
When did the Subaru Impreza head gasket problem occur?
Subaru head gasket problems have occured in the Forester, Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Baja in 2005. Subaru head gasket problems are prevalent in 2006 in every model except for the Baja. Subaru head gasket problems are in every model in 2007 except for the Baja.
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.
Are there any problems with the Subaru Outback?
By 2011, the Subaru Impreza was the only model that experienced head gasket problems. The Subaru Outback was re-designed in 2012, and the new motor has fixed all of the leaking issues. The engines that are within these cars are considered boxer-style engines.
What kind of engine does a Subaru Outback have?
Starting in 2012, reports say the Japanese automaker redesigned the 2.5-liter engine in the Forester and Outback and has fixed the problem.
What are the 4 Subaru models most likely to need head gaskets replaced?
They have identified four popular Subaru models with the potential to have this engine issue. CR says the 2001-2009 Subaru Forester, 2001-2009 Subaru Outback, 2006-2008 Subaru Impreza, and the 2006 Subaru Baja are more likely to need the head gaskets replaced than other models. Why do head gaskets fail on some Subaru models?
Can a Subaru Tribeca have a head gasket failure?
Head gasket failures are less common on the Subaru 3.0 and 3.6 L H6 models like the Tribeca. They are also rare on the turbo models such as the turbo Baja, Impreza WRX, and Impreza WRX STI. The black carbon deposit on the bottom of cylinder #4 (right) is a textbook symptom of a head gasket leak.
Can a head gasket fail on a Subaru Outback?
ECU’s can fail for any number of reasons. 2008 Subaru Outback Base. 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i. 2013 Harely-Davidson FLHTK. ECU’s can fail for any number of reasons. Click to expand… They can, but very seldom do in a Subaru.
Head gasket failures are less common on the Subaru 3.0 and 3.6 L H6 models like the Tribeca. They are also rare on the turbo models such as the turbo Baja, Impreza WRX, and Impreza WRX STI. The black carbon deposit on the bottom of cylinder #4 (right) is a textbook symptom of a head gasket leak.
Starting in 2012, reports say the Japanese automaker redesigned the 2.5-liter engine in the Forester and Outback and has fixed the problem.
They have identified four popular Subaru models with the potential to have this engine issue. CR says the 2001-2009 Subaru Forester, 2001-2009 Subaru Outback, 2006-2008 Subaru Impreza, and the 2006 Subaru Baja are more likely to need the head gaskets replaced than other models. Why do head gaskets fail on some Subaru models?
Can a blown head gasket cause an oil leak?
A blown head gasket can manifest in several ways. On first generation Outbacks and second generation Legacy models, the gaskets tend to leak externally. You may notice oil leaks between the head and the block of the engine.
What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket in a Subaru?
When the head gasket materials start to break down over time and begin to erode, you should be able to notice some or all of the tell-tale symptoms that your Subaru has a blown head gasket. One of the symptoms of a blown head gasket in a Subaru is white exhaust leaking from the tailpipe.
Assuming the cooling system was bled correctly, air in the heater core is almost always caused by a head gasket leak. This issue is common on second generation Outbacks, as those leaks tend to be internal. 3) Overheating One of the telltale symptoms of a head gasket leak is an overheating engine.
How much does it cost to replace a head gasket in a Subaru?
If the coolant is fairly fresh I’d add a bottle (or two) and drive it for a week or two and keep an eye on it. If the coolant is old, new Subaru coolant + conditioner and see how it goes. Should be in the $100 range at a shop or a lot less if you DIY. Has the conditioner been in the car at past coolant services? Click to expand…
While there is no definitive “safe” year, head gasket leaks tend to be much less common on newer models. If your Subaru is a 2012 or newer, odds are really good that you won’t have any issues. Can You Drive With a Blown Head Gasket?
A blown head gasket can manifest in several ways. On first generation Outbacks and second generation Legacy models, the gaskets tend to leak externally. You may notice oil leaks between the head and the block of the engine.
What to do if your Subaru engine overheats?
Once coolant leaks into your car’s cylinders or into the combustion chamber itself, you will see telltale white exhaust smoke. If the radiator in a Subaru is repaired or replaced, it’s best to test the vehicle before taking onto the road to ensure that the engine won’t overheat again.
Why does my Subaru engine keep running out of coolant?
In this situation, the coolant repeatedly needs replenishing, despite there being no trace of oil or fluid on the ground. The likely reason is that coolant is being sucked into the head gasket and ejected from the exhaust.
What’s the torque procedure on a Subaru Outback?
From what I recall, the torque procedure for the 2.5 SOHC (phase II) engine was specifically created to seat the revised gaskets and minimize leaks. Out of an abundance of caution, I looked at the torque procedure for the turbo motor and it’s different, not surprisingly.
Can a Subaru Impreza have a head gasket problem?
A damaged head gasket of a Subaru model. The Group 2 or second generation models are the Legacy and Outbreak from 2000, the Forrester from mid-1998, and the mid-1998 Impreza. These cars develop an external oil leak at the head gasket and coolant leak at the gasket’s left side. Both problems lead to engine overheating recurrently.
When did the Subaru Forrester head gasket problem start?
The Group 2 or second generation models are the Legacy and Outbreak from 2000, the Forrester from mid-1998, and the mid-1998 Impreza. These cars develop an external oil leak at the head gasket and coolant leak at the gasket’s left side. Both problems lead to engine overheating recurrently. Subaru Head Gasket Problem: Why Did It Start?
When did Subaru start using composite head gasket?
The problem started when Subaru started using a composite head gasket in some of their car models from 1997 to 1999.
How can I tell if my Subaru is overheating?
You can get another fairly definitive test response by having a hydrocarbon sensor “sniff” the bubbles emanating from the coolant (rad cap or expansion tank if visible) to show exhaust gases present in the coolant. That nails the diagnosis.
How long does it take for Subaru engine to warm up?
Allow the engine to warm up and the thermostat to open so the temperature gauge reads normal. This can take 10 to 15 minutes, and be sure to keep topping up the funnel as required.
What should I do if my Subaru water pump overheats?
Also note that Subaru water pumps are also ultra-reliable, so when you replace the HGs DO of course replace the t-belt (since it comes off!), and test its tensioners, but leave the water pump alone to save a few bucks. Sounds like heresy, but remember that Subies are unlike Hondas, Toyotas and VWs that eat water pumps for lunch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lqn_XwBnuM
Which is the first generation Subaru Outback?
The Group 1 or first generation models include Impreza, Forrester, Legacy G.T., and Outbackbetween 1996 and 1999. These cars face the problem of an internal leak in the head gasket that causes the engine to overheat. A damaged head gasket of a Subaru model.
Where is the timing belt set on a Subaru Outback?
With most cars, timing is set to top dead center on number 1 piston. But on a Subaru with their funny horizontal boxer engine, it is set at mid-stroke. For those not familiar, I will explain what that means later. This DIY post will explain the most minimal way to access the timing belt for doing a timing belt change.
What to do about an oil leak in a Subaru Outback?
There are two very common oil leaks on this engine (and most engines with age that are so equipped) that are relatively simple and easy to do. valve cover gaskets and oil cooler gasket. they are simply maintenance items required for 200,000 and 300,000 miles.
Can a failing head gasket cause an oil leak?
I have a 2007 outback 2.5 that’s the EJ253, non-turbo. 1700 miles ago I had my oil changed and since then it started leaking oil. It’s on the oil filter and looks like what happens when the oil cooler o-ring/gasket fails on a turbo car. My question is: will a failing head gasket cause oil to leak?
Can a head gasket leak in a generation 2.5 car?
Yes, head gasket oil (or coolant) leaks are one of the typical symptoms in that generation 2.5. However, HG leaks in these cars usually develop over time, not suddenly. If the oil filter is wet with oil, but not the area of the block above it, I’d suspect the filter itself or the installation.
How much does it cost to repair a Subaru head gasket?
(I have been the person to do this – repaired a Subaru for $200 after friend is quoted $5,000 for major engine repair – wash-rinse-repeat, seen it before). *** Oil in the spark plug holes often causes cylinder misfires and poor running because the plugs and wires are saturated in oil.
What causes oil on spark plugs in Subaru Outback?
Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. As I was suggesting earlier, oil on the spark plugs is caused by the rocker cover gaskets (not the head gaskets) and every Subaru dealer workshop knows this! To fix the problem requires new rocker cover gaskets and about 2 hours labour.