My 97 Legacy 2.2L engine with just 106,000 miles has developed leaks from the valve cover and pan gasket and perhaps others. had noticed a burning smell for about a year but when smoke came billowing out the other day(after a long highway drive appearenly streaked it back onto the exhaust system) i took it in for a closer look and there are appear to be several oil leaks (although not enough to require topping the oil in 3K-4K oil change intervals). also...there is greenish discharge that was said to be from a cracked block although the exact point of origin was not visible.
the diagnosis to fix all this was well over $1000, or several thousand for a remanufactured engine. from a AAA recommended mechanic I trust, but not necessarily a Subaru expert.
before even considering those options, i was gonna try one of the oil additives said to rejuvenate leaky seals and was wondering if
1) anyone has had any luck with these and 2) if there is any risk to the engine.i think i might have the PCV valve checked based on an earlier thread.
also was thinking about one of the block sealants for the coolant leak, although the amount so far is so little that the fill jar appears essentially unchanged. the ones you put and leave in risk clogging the heater core, but has anyone tried the ones you put in with water (and the heater core closed off) and drain out after they've done their things? or should i ignore this seemingly trivial seepage?
tia, jim