98 and 2001 outback headgasket problem

#1

I own a 98 and 01 otback both with 80000 miles. I am very concerned with
headgasket problems nothing yet. Is it inevtiable that the head gaskets
will fail? Should I sell and take a loss and buy a Honda or it possible
the headgaskets will not fail.
Has Subaru fixed the problem I like the car but not the worry. I usually
keep a car for 200000 miles.

#2

"sheps58" <shepardsherwood (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Quote:

I own a 98 and 01 otback both with 80000 miles. I am very concerned with
headgasket problems nothing yet. Is it inevtiable that the head gaskets
will fail? Should I sell and take a loss and buy a Honda or it possible
the headgaskets will not fail.
Has Subaru fixed the problem I like the car but not the worry. I usually
keep a car for 200000 miles.

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.

#3

I know about the sealant but that is not a repair

#4

"sheps58" <shepardsherwood (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> writes:

Quote:

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.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA

#5

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.

#6

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

"sheps58" <shepardsherwood (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Quote:

I own a 98 and 01 otback both with 80000 miles. I am very concerned with
headgasket problems nothing yet. Is it inevtiable that the head gaskets
will fail? Should I sell and take a loss and buy a Honda or it possible
the headgaskets will not fail.
Has Subaru fixed the problem I like the car but not the worry. I usually
keep a car for 200000 miles.

#7

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

#8

Quote:

Better question: Show of hands--anyone with a 97 or 01 outback have a
head gasket fail on them yet?

Yes, 97 OBW 2.5L auto

Quote:

If so, what mileage and driving
conditions

115K mixed driving, no abuse

Quote:

and did you have the recall coolant additive?

No

--
John

#9

"mo" <roundbadger (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> writes:

Quote:

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

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.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA

#10

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

Todd H. wrote:

Quote:

"sheps58" <shepardsherwood (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> writes:

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.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA