Newbie with '03 HG oil leak (not coolant). Northern Virginia

[elraton]

Hi all,

Sorry if these questions have been hashed and re-hashed. Just looking for a little validation before I sign up for repairs.

I have an '03 Outback wagon (2.5L) with 130,000 miles. Original owner. I have had a leaking headgasket for about 2 years now. It does not leak coolant, only oil. The biggest issue for me is the burning smell from the oil dripping on the exhaust manifold and the drips on the garage floor.

I have had a few estimates ranging from $2000-3000. A couple shops recommend pulling motor and sending it to machine shop for resurfacing. One shop (who happened to fall in the middle of the estimate range) recommended just replacing gaskets in place (not pulling motor). All estimates also include TB, water pump, seals, etc.

Most of what I have read here does not seem to include resurfacing; just cleaning and replacing gasket.

So, if you've read this far, opinions on:
1) resurfacing vs just clean and new gasket
2) recommended shop in Northern Virginia if these estimates seem high

Thanks much!

[rockhopjohn]

I had the same failure on my 04 a year ago. Before the dealer knew I had an extended warranty, they quoted me $1000 to fix the HG without any of the extras like water pumps, timing belts and seals.

Their repair did not involve pulling the engine, and only pulling the leaking head. It is not necessary to pull the engine. The head can need resurfacing in certain instances, but the is done after the head had has been pulled.

At a reputable mechanic, you should be able to the the HG, timing belt, oil pump seal, can seals, and front main seals done for right about $1500. Much more than that any someone is ripping you off, or doing more work than is necessary.

[elraton]

Thanks for the reply! I'm going to search for a few more estimates. If anyone out there has a mechanic in the Northern Virginia/DC/MD area, please let me know!

[rockhopjohn]

I keep forgetting you're in NoVA. That is probably going to make it harder to find scent prsices and reputable mechanics. When my best friend friend lived in Capitol Hill, it seemed like every mechanical around was out to rape you.

[mikec]

I take issue with the thought that most posts don't avocate removing the engine for the HG repair. It seems just the opposite. Please understand that the gasket that most subaru dealers will install is the subaru recommended 11044aa633 which is virtually identical to the original gaskets that are failing in increasing numbers. So you would be smart [if you use that gasket] to have the engine removed to clean the block and the heads ground to 50 RMS polish to give yourself every advantage.

[MikeC5]

I totally agree. It is very difficult to properly prepare the block surfaces with motor in-situ. Things must be way expensive around D.C. if the lower estimate of $2,000 is only to replace one HG with motor in place... If you've never overheated the engine I'd say chances are good the head will still be flat within spec (0.002") so should not need resurfacing.

[elraton]

Thanks guys. I will say that the rates have included both sides....and maybe I should have said "the posts I read in my 15 minutes of searching"...you're correct, I did find many posts advocating for removal of the engine.

I'm checking with a place in Charlottesville tomorrow.

[OutdoorOBW]

Where at in NoVa are you? If your going down to Charlottesville, check in Staunton and Harrisonburg. It might be worth the little extra drive.

[elraton]

I am in Warrenton. Do you have recommendation in either of those two places? Thanks.

[OutdoorOBW]

For Harrisonburg there is the Subaru dealership, Bob Wade Subaru 540-434-3900. My buddies dad has his own shop in Bridgewater, Davis Automotive 540-828-6776. He is a 110% honest mechanic. The only problem with his is it make take a few weeks to get in and it may be to extensive of a job. It is only him and a part-time mechanic and he does a lot of work for the city. He is the only mechanic mine and my family's vehicles have ever gone too. IMHO its worth the few week wait.

As for Staunton I'm not too familiar with. I do know there is a Subaru dealer 540- 886-3465.