98 and 2001 outback headgasket problem

There's a recall item involving an additive to the coolant to help keep the seals better. Check with your dealer or look up such items yourself.

I know about the sealant but that is not a repair

It appears that you're asking for a crystal ball. Dunno if anyone on the group has got one.

Yes, statistically it's quite possible the head gasket will not fail.

Better question: Show of hands--anyone with a 97 or 01 outback have a head gasket fail on them yet? If so, what mileage and driving conditions, and did you have the recall coolant additive?

Best Regards,

-- Todd H.

My 1998 Forester went 187,000 miles before head gasket failure. I had the timing belt and water pump replaced while the engine was torn down, so I saved considerable labor on those items.

Under the coolant service, Subaru is extending the warranty on the head gasket for my 2001 to 100k miles.

any possible links to the coolant service recall additive situation kinda thing for my 2000 obw that i bought used? thanks much

Yes, 97 OBW 2.5L auto

No

Basically it was something I got in the mail--has to do with possible early head gasket failure, and the need for a coolant conditioner to help keep it at bay. If you take it into a subaru dealer, they can find out if you need it via your VIN number. It only takes a few minutes. I believe the 2000's were also affected by this.

-- Todd H.

My 1999 outback went 200,000 km (120,000mi) before head gasket failure

Todd H. wrote: