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Subaru Forester Engine problems

439 messages,  Last post on Aug 25, 2012 at 2:58 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Engine, Wagon

Messages Page 32 of 45

#305 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [xwesx] by erikwi

Dec 02, 2009 (4:02 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 01, 2009 8:09 pm)
I'm not against flushing with a machine. One of my employees had it done on his delivery car when the tranny started hanging in gear and it solved his shifting problems completely. The machines pump new fluid in reverse flow and collect the old fluid and dirt. It has risks, especially on high mileage gearboxes or if the operator sets the pressure too high. I was curious to know since the dealer I use now told me it wasn't recommended. Personally, I'm going to stick with whatever Subaru recommends. This is my first auto box so I'm just not sure how to maintain it aside from doing a drain/fill every 30k. I am going to have the spin on filter replaced during the 60k though. I don't see how that filter can be "lifetime" because I've seen the metallic sludge created by an auto box. Never hurts to be a little obsessive compulsive.......

#306 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [erikwi] by xwesx

Dec 02, 2009 (11:14 am)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 02, 2009 4:02 am)
That's true, and sounds like a good bet.
 
I agree with you on the flushing..... do it when it is necessary.

#307 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [xwesx] by erikwi

Dec 02, 2009 (5:02 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 02, 2009 11:14 am)
Mom has an appointment Thursday afternoon at 3pm EST for them to check her car. I talked to the service manager at this dealer and sent him the pictures, the same ones I linked to here. His exact words were "Judging by pictures, the warranty isn't going to cover that. That's just a smudge! You have to have actual fluid loss before we can fix that." I'll post again when I have their decision.
 
Funny, the dealer I now go to is the one that spotted mine in the first place and mine looked nearly identical to her car. I have a feeling they're going to balk at covering but I will reserve judgement until I hear from them.
 
Any of you folks with an 06 check yours? By the way, the date of manufacture on my car is December 2005.

#308 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [erikwi] by erikwi

Dec 03, 2009 (5:09 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 02, 2009 5:02 pm)
Mom called a little while ago with the results from the dealer. The passenger side HG leak has been confirmed by the dealer and photos taken by the service manager for the factory rep. They're going to push to have BOTH head gaskets replaced under warranty in case the other side springs a leak. The dealer is having to order the parts because they don't stock them normally and will be doing the work next week. Maybe now that another 2006 has been found with a HG leak SOA will sit up and notice and dig for a cause. Don't have a date of manufacture on her car but will post when I get the info.

#309 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [erikwi] by ateixeira

Dec 03, 2009 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 03, 2009 5:09 pm)
There's always more than meets the eye. Glad to hear they're taking care of her.

#310 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [ateixeira] by erikwi

Dec 03, 2009 (8:05 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 03, 2009 6:48 pm)
You and me both!

#311 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [erikwi] by aatherton

Dec 15, 2009 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 03, 2009 5:09 pm)
"... Maybe now that another 2006 has been found with a HG leak SOA will sit up and notice and dig for a cause..."
 
Subaru has always known the cause to be the open deck engine block. They are changing to a semi-closed deck for the diesel, which requires a different more expensive casting process:
"The BOXER DIESEL adopts a semi-closed cylinder block deck to improve the rigidity around the head gaskets..."
http://www.boxerdiesel.com/engineering/en/index.html

#312 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [erikwi] by aatherton

Dec 15, 2009 (1:54 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 01, 2009 6:25 pm)
"... What about using a flushing machine? My closest servicing dealer said SOA advises against using a flusher but my mom's servicing dealer says they've never been told not to use this machine on a Subaru AT. Thoughts?..."
 
A flush is the only way to replace all 10 quarts, because a simple drain only lets out 3.75 quarts. A flush also cleans which a drain does not. My dealer uses a BG machine:
"BG PF5 Power Flush and Fluid Exchange System... cleans all internal transmission components including torque converter, valve body assemblies, lines and cooler vanes."
http://www.bgprod.com/products/transmission.html

#313 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [aatherton] by erikwi

Dec 15, 2009 (5:38 pm)

Replying to: aatherton (Dec 15, 2009 1:54 pm)
I posted this info on subaruforester.org forum so I figured I'd put the info here too. SOA rep called me today, responding to the letter I sent to the CEO. Her offer is coverage of any future HG issues and a free 60k service. Does this offer sound like a good deal? I don't know if there is a mileage limit to the HG coverage but will ask.
 
My local dealer does not have a flushing machine nor do they plan to get one since their factory rep told them SOA doesn't recommend the use of a flushing machine. I like the idea of flushing out the old fluid and gook but don't have a clue who can do it in my area. When I take it in for the 60k, I'm going to request that the external tranny filter be replaced. I don't care if they say it's supposed to be a lifetime filter, I want it replaced simply because there is no way that filter is supposed to remain free flowing for life. I'm sure there is clutch pack sludge buildup in the filter which will eventually restrict flow and may cause the clutch packs and bands to start slipping. That will lead to tranny failure down the road.

#314 of 439 Re: 2006 Forester HG leak? [erikwi] by xwesx

Dec 15, 2009 (5:46 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 15, 2009 5:38 pm)
SOA rep called me today, responding to the letter I sent to the CEO. Her offer is coverage of any future HG issues and a free 60k service.
 
That sounds like a pretty good deal to me. At least, it should put you at ease regarding the possibility of future gasket leaks. You need to have it in writing, though!

Messages Page 32 of 45

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