Which model years had piston slap & head gasket problem?

Question

Looking at buying a used Subaru, anyone know which model years had thepiston slap and leaking head gasket problem?

jakkerma · Accepted Answer

I owned a 1995 legacy 2.0 na hydraulic lifters, which started to rattle in the morning after 100000 km. Drove to 230000km though, I think it would have lasted to 300k After that I owned a 1997 Impreza 2.0 na, mechanical lifters, also started to rattle after 100k, swapped it after 220k, still in ok condition. Now I drive a 2000 Legacy 2.5 na phase1. Blew a headgasket after 50k..., but no piston slap yet.

"ed" wrote in news:d9Ore.10235$ snipped-for-privacy@nnrp1.uunet.ca...

Edward Hayes · Answer

2.5L engine from 1997 and 1999 had blown head gasket problems, but in reality only a very small percentage had any problem. The 2.5L engine from 2000 on to ? had occasional head gasket weeping problems that forced Subaru to recommend a "cooling system conditioner" be install free resulting in an 8 year 100,000 mile system warranty. My 91,000 mile 2000 Forester is fine. Head gasket weeping seems to be a problem with most all manufactures today and install a conditioner in at the factory. Piston slap I don't have it in 91,000 miles on my 2000 Forester but, then I do an easy break-in for 2,000 miles to get everything polished instead of grinding the pieces into place by beating my engine. JMHO

Paul · Answer

I have a 1993 impreza, 1.8L manual, and absolutely no problems. I have

179,000 miles on it, doesnt burn any oil, and my mom has the same year and her's has 299,000 miles on it and still runs great. I can definately vouch for this engine.

Paul

Tom Reingold · Answer

So are there preventative things we can do?I have a 2000 Legacy L wagon.Tom

Edward Hayes · Answer

Subaru has a "cooling system conditioner" that they will put into the radiator. When done, Subaru will extend the warranty for cooling system seepage to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Contact  and email them with your vehicles vin # and thy will get you the information. There was a recall for this and I was sent a letter stating what to do.

Which model years had piston slap & head gasket problem?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?