I just purchased an Outback 2.5XT. It was using oil. I took it to a Subaru dealer and they said I need to replace the turbo. I have thoughts of upgrading the turbo at this point, but the mechanics I've spoken with don't want to mess with it, plus it jacks with the parts/labor warranty. Has anyone else dealt with this and what did you do?
Bad Turbo: What are my options?
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This is a pretty common result when an XT is using oil and the owner isn't topping it up on schedule. They are finicky and delicate machines compared to the NA models.
Ask for specifics on why they are recommending a replacement turbo.
You might look for independent subie specialists or tuner shops who would definitely get involved with aftermarket turbos. They won't be able to do anything compatible with the warranty though, so you'd be walking out on that. Ask yourself how valuable the warranty is before going that route.
If the turbo is still operating but burning a lot of oil, you really really don't want to wait. If the turbo frags it will throw chunks of metal down the intake and the repair consequences will easily triple or quadruple in scale.
Will the current warranty cover getting you a stock replacement turbo? If so, do that and you'll still be able to put in an aftermarket unit later.
Ask for specifics on why they are recommending a replacement turbo.
You might look for independent subie specialists or tuner shops who would definitely get involved with aftermarket turbos. They won't be able to do anything compatible with the warranty though, so you'd be walking out on that. Ask yourself how valuable the warranty is before going that route.
If the turbo is still operating but burning a lot of oil, you really really don't want to wait. If the turbo frags it will throw chunks of metal down the intake and the repair consequences will easily triple or quadruple in scale.
Will the current warranty cover getting you a stock replacement turbo? If so, do that and you'll still be able to put in an aftermarket unit later.
The other thing is that I wonder if it would help the resell later if I have it done by Subaru? Considering it's over 100K I doubt the original warranty would cover it.
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The folks who buy XT's which are well beyond 100K are either going to be totally unaware of the specific technical things the XT needs to have attention too or its going to be a person specifically looking for an XT because of its unique engine and power etc.
I think at this point having a respected well known shop do the work is all that matters and for you to keep all the details and receipts will be the biggest thing. For sure you want a Subaru shop to do the work but it doesn't need to be a dealer specifically.
I think at this point having a respected well known shop do the work is all that matters and for you to keep all the details and receipts will be the biggest thing. For sure you want a Subaru shop to do the work but it doesn't need to be a dealer specifically.
Unfortunately, I was a mixture of unaware of the needs, but aware of the power, etc. I'm far from a mechanic and didn't really want a "delicate" machine. How would one find a well respected shop that knows Subarus? I've called four shops, all of which claim they can do the work.
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The WRX guys tend to have a much better line on shops who build and work with turbo engines. The OB guys for the most part are mainly non tuner non turbo owners so you would have a much better chance finding the right place to do the work on the WRX forum. That is a favorite car for messing with and doing some interesting engine work so no doubt there will be a few owners who know of good shops in your area that not only can do the work but know plenty about the Subaru engines and set up etc.
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As a general rule any turbo passenger car will need a different level of owner awareness and care regarding fluids and vehicle operation. A big reason Subaru sells the 3.6 H6 is for people who want power and still have no interest in being ultra aware of turbo needs and wants. The H6 just needs basic normal car care and fluids and it does its thing. The turbo engines you need to keep a closer eye on they all will run just as far as the non turbo engines they just need a closer eye kept on them and much better oil change intervals and awareness or they do break.
Where are you?
Is the Turbo making noise? Did it coke up? Intercooler full of oil?
Any tuning shop that deals with modified Subarus of any model can boost the XT. Its all in the plumbing, fuel and ignition control. And XT remapping is not a problem as it is similar to a WRX. If you are going to up the boost, you'll end up keeping it and won't be concerned with resale.
I'm south of Springfield, MO.
Yes, the turbo is making a loud noise that I thought was the aftermarket air intake...a loud "whirring". The Soob dealer said it was the turbo. They didn't say anything about the intercooler being full of oil, but did say I need a new "turbo air filter" whatever that is.
Yes, the turbo is making a loud noise that I thought was the aftermarket air intake...a loud "whirring". The Soob dealer said it was the turbo. They didn't say anything about the intercooler being full of oil, but did say I need a new "turbo air filter" whatever that is.
Here's a scan of what they said, if it helps.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ezaelfb3d0viss7/Subaru 3_sm.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ezaelfb3d0viss7/Subaru 3_sm.jpg
That's a whole lot of "recommended", like CYA kinda "recommended". I would find a shop that works on Subarus either regularly or a pro shop that modifies Subarus so you have a "solid" need.
DefinedUSA.com - DefinedUSA.com Maybe these guys can point you in the right direction. They are local to you.
Thanks, I sent them an email
My 2005 OBXT is currently at the dealer as well for the same reason. We had them replace a seal at the oil cooler as they said it was leaking and we had noted high oil usage, but no leaks.
They repaired the leak, but the I found we were still using a fair bit of oil. I've not seen the full conclusions yet, but it sounds like it's related to the turbo failing in some way.
I'm looking at aftermarket replacements, or even stock turbo's from the WRX which apparently are a bit more durable than the turbo's in our Outback's. I'll have to let you know what I find.
Here are two threads that will help you decide on what to do:
Turbo failure wiki - Subaru Legacy Forums
Bolt up turbocharger upgrade - Vol-1 (CLOSED) - Subaru Legacy Forums
They repaired the leak, but the I found we were still using a fair bit of oil. I've not seen the full conclusions yet, but it sounds like it's related to the turbo failing in some way.
I'm looking at aftermarket replacements, or even stock turbo's from the WRX which apparently are a bit more durable than the turbo's in our Outback's. I'll have to let you know what I find.
Here are two threads that will help you decide on what to do:
Turbo failure wiki - Subaru Legacy Forums
Bolt up turbocharger upgrade - Vol-1 (CLOSED) - Subaru Legacy Forums
Sweet, thanks! Yeah, I'll post what I decide to do as well. Huge lesson learned here. I got shafted on the car purchase since I bought it off of an individual. There's no way I could have known at the time - although next time I'll pay a dealer to check it up and down for probs
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