01 Outback Head Gasket #2

Thanks Sparky...I have printed your reply and will take it with me when I have the work done to see what is feasible. Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. It is appreciated.

replaced...but

It's not just the '01s. Lots of the 2.5 sohc engines seem to be digesting their head gaskets. Our '99 has been through 3 lots and a shortblock in

There is obviously a problem with the gaskets themselves. My regular garage replaced the o.e.m. gaskets with aftermarket types last time 'round, and there has been no trouble since. Interestingly, my mechanic tells me that every Suby he's used the oem gaskets on has had subsequent leaks, but every one on which he's used a good grade of aftermarket gasket on has stayed coolant-tight.

GM is also facing what may potentially be the largest class action lawsuit in history for their continued use of head gaskets they have known to be faulty for years.

FYI there is a coolant additive that can mitigate some of that. (Its a recall item on the '01s)

If you switch coolants, you need to get the additive put in again.

Check the Jan 22 thread for more information.

Phase 1 engines had the bad internal HG problem. The phase 2 engines (SOHC) has external weeping issues which are much less of a problem and the Genuine "Subaru cooling system conditioner" proved effective in most weeping issues.

Our 99 Forester has the sohc engine, and it leaked both in and out. The first time it ate it's head gaskets the dealership refused to believe me when I told them it they were done, and put off doing the job until 6 weeks and 3 more visits later. A very short time after they'd replaced the head gaskets the engine started knocking badly, sounding like there was something in there fighting to get out. When Suby finally agreed that there was something seriously wrong in there they replaced the shortblock.

Their explanation was that the coolant leaking into the cyl. bores had removed the moly-type coating from the pistons and accelerated piston and bore wear. With the extremely short pistons in these modern engines which are greatly oversquare it doesn't take much to start them slapping.

I'm well aware of the coolant additive, which is little more than a Rad Stopleak type product. It is being used as a stop-gap measure in the hope that it will get the large number of affected engines to hold together long enough for their warranties to expire. After that the company could care less what happens to 'em. The idea is a joke among most mechanics.

The problem is poor gasket design and manufacture, and the cure isn't some wonder-goop. Sure it may get you a few more miles before the dreaded high-dollar gasket job, but it's like the old emergency remedy for a leaking rad; shoving a couple of eggs in the rad to congeal in the hot water and plug the hole. It works, but it ain't the right solution.

The coolant conditioner was more than a stop-gap measure since if dealer installed the warranty was upped to 8 years or 100,000 miles.

A handfull of pepper is also very effective in stopping/blocking a leak in the radiator

I put the conditioner in my system at ~ 28,000? miles and still going strong at 116,000 which is more than a "few miles". Now that I've said it I'll cross my fingers. Ed