Ask the Car People.SM


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 44

#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!

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

Dec 15, 2009 (7:15 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 15, 2009 5:46 pm)
Yeah that's what I'm thinking too. If I can talk to the rep tomorrow, I'm going to tell her 2 things: (1) I want this in writing and (2) I'm going to offer my car to the engineers so they can research it, so long as they give me something to drive.
 
I'm more bothered by a lack of cause (other than open deck design) than the actual problem. OCD kicking in I guess.........
 
If I had plenty of time on my hands, I'd take my own engine apart and find what could be causing this. I told her today it looked like the DS HG was showing signs of seepage again and asked her what the odds are I'd get 2 defective gaskets. Her response was a million to one. As I told her, I'm not faulting the tech or the servicing dealer for the new leak, unless I get evidence to the contrary. Wish I could find some UV dye to put in so I could tell if this is a current, ongoing leak or not.

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

Dec 15, 2009 (7:44 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 15, 2009 5:38 pm)
"... 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..."
 
That is only part of what the Service Schedule says. Footnote 9 says:
9. The ATF filter is a maintenance free part. The ATF filter needs replacement
only when it has physical damage or if the ATF has leaked.
 
One issue of Subaru's EndWrench publication says:
The transmission filter does not require service under normal conditions.
http://www.endwrench.com/pdf/drivetrain/02Winter4EATDiagServ.pdf
 
Another issue of EndWrench says:
The external oil filter requires no scheduled maintenance, although it can be changed if neces- sary. The new filter is in addition to the metal valve body screen found on previous models. The screen is still present and can be flushed...
http://www.endwrench.com/pdf/feb2004pdf/4EATPhase2.pdf
 
"... 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..."
 
If sludge buildup in the filter was a problem, then the filterless transmissions from 2008-on avoid it by distributing the sludge throughout the transmission. Which is a good reason for a BG flush by the dealer:
-----------------
BG Quick Clean for Automatic Transmissions is a safe and effective solvent/dispersant cleaner that will quickly remove accumulated deposits from the valve body, filter screen and other automatic transmission components. This product is designed for use in the BG Power Flush and Fluid Exchange System.
The BG PF5 Power Flush and Fluid Exchange System dissolves and removes harmful deposits from... all internal transmission components including torque converter, valve body assemblies, lines and cooler vanes. and exchanges the old, oxidized ATF for new fluid...
http://www.bgprod.com/products/transmission.html
-----------------
 
I have not seen where Subaru recommends against flushing. My dealer flushes.

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

Dec 15, 2009 (7:50 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 01, 2009 6:25 pm)
"... 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?"
 
My dealer pushes the flushes. The flushing machine is an expensive investment, and does take some training to use. Maybe some dealers don't want to offer that service and badmouth it.
 
It is unlikely that SOA would really tell some dealers it was OK and others that it was not.

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

Dec 16, 2009 (4:00 am)

Replying to: aatherton (Dec 15, 2009 7:50 pm)
I'm just going by what the closest dealer told me. I have 2 other dealers to chose from, both about an hour away, so I'm going to call them and see if they have a machine. If I can find someone to flush, then I won't worry about changing the filter out. Back when I was a Honda/Acura tech, we changed the ATF on those cars every 15k. I don't know about the new Honda products but the mid-90's models didn't have a filter at all, just a screen inside to catch the large particles, thus the reason to do a drain/fill every 15k. Drain plug was the magnetic type and I don't recall ever seeing one that didn't have some metallic sludge sticking to it.

#319 of 439 Extended warranty on HG leak? by vtdog

Dec 19, 2009 (1:50 pm)

My son has an '02 Forester with just under 90k miles. He is losing coolant and I suspect the HG leak. Does SOA have a "policy" of extended warranty to cover the HG problem?

#320 of 439 Re: Extended warranty on HG leak? [vtdog] by ateixeira

Dec 20, 2009 (11:29 am)

Replying to: vtdog (Dec 19, 2009 1:50 pm)
Some 02s were covered, others were not. That was the last model year.
 
But...you had to have gotten a letter from SoA and used the coolant conditioner at a dealer, then the warranty was extended for 7/100 IIRC.
 
You may be past the 7 years, though, and did they ever send you a letter?
 
Our 02 Legacy was not covered, then again it never had a problem, either.

Messages Page 32 of 44

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement