[Artbuc]

Hi folks - I am brand new here. Trying to help a widow friend with her 2007 Outback wagon with 2.5L engine and around 60k miles. While changing the oil last week, I saw a small oil leak around the filter which was dripping down on the exhaust manifold. Was hoping it was the old filter but the new Subaru filter I installed did not solve the problem. I can't locate the source but it seems pretty low, ie it does not look like a VC gasket. Doing a little research it looks like a classic Subaru oil separator flex plate leak or perhaps rear main seal.

Friend took it to Subaru and they said she needed both HG's replaced which would cost $2800 but maybe they could get it down to $2500.

Looking at this sub-forum tells me this Subaru engine is notorious for HG failures. However, how can we know for sure she needs new HG's? Will I see bubbles or oil in the coolant or do we have to do a leak down test? Also, if she does need new HG's, what is a reasonable cost? Should she let the dealer do it or go to an independent shop?

Thank- you very much.

 

[Artbuc]

07 original owner? Records? Drop Subaru a note via their owners contact page on their website. Subaru might help sort out the issue and help cover some costs. 07 with proper care and history shouldn't have these issues

Not the first owner and no maint history - your pretty much left with the bill and fix. good luck

Yes, original owner with all the maintenance records with most maintenance done by Subaru.

How can we know for sure if HG's are bad? Leak down test? Thanks.

 

[Artbuc]

Grossgary, can I determine if the car has an oil cooler by the VIN? Thanks.

 

[Artbuc]

No oil cooler. I talked with Subaru USA and sent them the info they asked for. Fortunately, the same dealer who sold them the car also did all of the service. The power train warranty just expired in June. I bet you a million bucks it was leaking while still under warranty but no way to prove it. Will keep you posted. Thanks for your help - I really appreciate it.

 

[Artbuc]

Update: Subaru USA is kicking in and dealer will replace head gaskets for $400 total compared to his original estimate of $25-2800. Considering the car is out of power train warranty by less than 4 months (only 52k miles) and oil leak almost certainly started before warranty expired, I thought Subaru might take of the whole thing especially since friend is original owner with all recommended service performed by the selling dealer.

Several things do concern me:

1. Engine will not be pulled and I read that it is difficult to properly torque head bolts with engine in car.

2. Dealer reuses old head bolts without measuring to see if they are stretched.

3. Dealer uses whizz wheel instead f block sanding.

I would appreciate any comments about these concerns. my impression is that the dealer is going to do a slam-bam thank-you ma'am job which may not last much beyond the 12 month warranty.

 

[Artbuc]

Some suggested reading:
Head Gasket - Seattle Subaru Repair

Thanks. I had already seen this which is why I pressed on the whizz wheel.

 

[Artbuc]

Our '05 2.5 (in a forester) had oil leaks in the head gaskets- was covered under warranty.

What was the age/mileage when your HG's failed?