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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19283 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 9:15 AM

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV


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Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 1790 of 1929

#17886 of 19283 Re: 2004 Forester Connecting Rod problems [ateixeira] by tanager

Oct 10, 2008 (2:14 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 10, 2008 11:17 am)
Yes I am shocked too. And I just found out that a rebuilt engine is going to run me more like $4600. I am at a loss. Does anyone think I have any recourse with Subaru over this? I am planning on bringing it to my local dealer to see if they can offer any assistance, but I fear that's going to end up costing me even more in the long run.

#17887 of 19283 Re: 2004 Forester Connecting Rod problems [tanager] by ateixeira

Oct 11, 2008 (6:55 am)

Replying to: tanager (Oct 10, 2008 2:14 pm)
Depends on the cause they diagnose, but even then you're out of warranty for it.
 
See if they can find a wreck in a junk yard that was hit in the back, and swap engines.

#17888 of 19283 Re: 2004 Forester Connecting Rod problems [tanager] by aatherton

Oct 11, 2008 (4:36 pm)

Replying to: tanager (Oct 10, 2008 2:14 pm)
"... 2004 Forester XT with 105K miles... bought it in 2006 and it had 58K miles on it then... connecting rod is knocking into the block and that my engine is basically shot... I have been excessively diligent with the maintenance on this vehicle... Does anyone think I have any recourse with Subaru over this?"
 
Maybe the first owner abused the engine or was not so diligent about maintenance. I would not think Subaru can do much about a second hand car with 105K miles.

#17889 of 19283 Re: 2004 Forester Connecting Rod problems [aatherton] by kurtamaxxxguy

Oct 12, 2008 (10:14 am)

Replying to: aatherton (Oct 11, 2008 4:36 pm)
A scrap yard might be good place to get new engine parts. You might contact those in the NorthWest part of the country as there are many more Subarus up here than most places.

#17890 of 19283 Re: noise in gearbox [wade8] by toboggan

Oct 12, 2008 (7:21 pm)

Replying to: wade8 (Oct 01, 2008 11:20 pm)
The noise could be coming from the gearshift mechanism. My '98 OBW shift lever mechanism "rattles" in second and 4th gears. At first I couldn't hear it but it has slowly gotten noisier. But when I rest my hand on the shift lever, the noise "goes away".
 
MNSteve

#17891 of 19283 Re: Forester with connecting rod problem by tanager

Oct 14, 2008 (5:43 am)

Thanks for the suggestions. I will see what the dealer says tomorrow when I get my car towed there, and I'll report back with any relevant news.

#17892 of 19283 Subaru Parts by phil2000

Oct 14, 2008 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Oct 12, 2008 10:14 am)
I was told the reason for my check engine light was that I need fuel level sensors. Where can I get them on the internet? And do I need one or two? Thanks

#17893 of 19283 Update on '04 Forester XT needing new engine by tanager

Oct 16, 2008 (8:39 am)

Here are my latest (fairly somber) options:
1) have my independent mechanic, who has taken great care of me in the past, put an '05 Forester engine in my car with 58K miles for $4600.
2) authorize Subaru to do a tear-down and inspection, which will cost $850. Only then can they determine if there is damage to the cylinder heads and cam shaft, and only then can Subaru headquarters provide an answer on what type of assistance, if any, they can give me. If no damage is found to the above-mentioned components, I'm looking at a remanufactured shortblock with new engine gaskets for $4150. This price includes the $850 for tear-down. If I had a crystal ball and knew there would be no further damage found, this would be the way to go because Subaru's warranty on a remanufactured engine is better than what my independent mechanic will get at a scrap-yard. BUT....if there is damage to the heads and shaft, the total estimate for repair is $8000.
Every day I am shocked by some new piece of news. If that's the case, I can't do it. I'll have to bring it back to my mechanic and cut my losses on the $850 for tear-down. This is getting ridiculous. I feel like every option I have is awful. I called Subaru headquarters again today (in tears) and someone is supposed to call me back later to further discuss my options. But I know they need that tear-down before they can guarantee me anything. At their request, I provided all of my records to my Subaru dealer so they can see that I have taken care of the car to an anal degree. Don't know if this will help.
Is there a third option? Does anyone have any idea what I can get, if anything, for a Forester that---with the exception of the ENGINE--is in really good shape, with new, high-quality tires, new timing belt and pulleys, and new brakes? Would anyone give me anything for this car? At this point I would feel lucky to be able to just pay off my loan and start from scratch.

#17894 of 19283 Wow... by kyfdx HOST

Oct 16, 2008 (9:21 am)

That sucks... and, I'm sure.. it's the not knowing that makes it worse...
 
Seem obvious that you are going to have to pay for that tear-down.. If everything else is as you describe, then I feel there is a good chance that Subaru will step up and help out with this. (At least, that is the healthful attitude to take). Try to stay positive with the Subaru reps, letting them know that you have no doubt that they will come through for you, even if you have major doubts..
 
Because, I sure wouldn't want to have to pay $4600 for a used engine....
 
Good luck.. and hang in there!

#17895 of 19283 Re: Update on '04 Forester XT needing new engine [tanager] by kurtamaxxxguy

Oct 16, 2008 (9:35 am)

Replying to: tanager (Oct 16, 2008 8:39 am)
Your records should help. Subaru appears very stringent on proper maintanance for getting their cars fixed under warranty, or implied warranty. The fact you have done so should make a positive impression on them.
 
My suggestion would be to give Subaru some time to respond, if possible.
If they don't come through, it sounds like your independent mechanic is the way to go. An engine swap's a major piece of work, unfortunately.

Messages Page 1790 of 1929

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