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Forester - Headgasket Repair & Engine Rebuild

97 messages,  Last post on Jun 24, 2009 at 6:36 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Subaru


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#68 of 97
HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER by amiller1
Dec 04, 2008 (3:42 pm)
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I have been trying to decide on what car to buy, and am having a very hard time with it. My choice is between the Honda CRV and the new Subaru Forester. I drove both and really liked the Forester. Was almost going to make that decision until I read about the HG problem. My understanding was that the issue was in older Forester's models and was resolved by Subaru and now I am wondering if this was just a isolated incident or more to come. Please new Forester owner's what is your take??????????
#69 of 97
Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [amiller1] by chien
Dec 04, 2008 (4:06 pm)
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Replying to: amiller1 (Dec 04, 2008 3:42 pm)

I have a 1998 Forester and rebuilt the engine last year after the headgasket blew. I did that as a matter of economy and also (most importantly) because I really, really trusted my mechanic to get the best rebuilder and fight for me in case anything went wrong. If I had my druthers, I would have bought a new Honda Element. Honda has a better track record for long lasting-ness.
 
I loved my Subaru and bought it with the understanding it would run to 200,000 with only minor problems. Needless to say, I was not happy I had to pay $5000 for a rebuild (of my own engine) after only 100K. Subaru America also totally ignored the faulty engine design (no bulletins), but replaced it with a redesign after only one year. I no longer trust Subaru as a company.
 
If you are looking to keep a car for 20 years or 200,000 miles, I think a Honda is a better bet.
#70 of 97
Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [paisan] by erikwi
Dec 04, 2008 (8:16 pm)
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Replying to: paisan (Dec 02, 2008 6:57 pm)

Be nice if I could but I'd be moving every week! Just think of the gas I'd save. You're probably right Mike. I'm just concerned about this and venting a little. I'd expected long life and was a little shocked at work this big so early. Heading to the dealer in the AM to get it done and hoping this is just an anomaly. Mom bought hers 4 months after I bought mine. She's got a few less miles on hers and no HG leaks so maybe mine was just built on a Monday.
#71 of 97
Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi] by paisan
Dec 05, 2008 (3:28 am)
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Replying to: erikwi (Dec 04, 2008 8:16 pm)

Yeah, as Juice said this is the first HG problem that has come up on the 09s and probably the first we've heard of on most of the newer gen cars.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor
#72 of 97
Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [amiller1] by xwesx
Dec 05, 2008 (8:39 am)
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Replying to: amiller1 (Dec 04, 2008 3:42 pm)

Many 2006 Foresters have been on the road for nearly four years at this point. If head gasket issues were still commonplace, we would be hearing far more about them than we have. This incidence here is clearly, though unfortunately for the owner, an isolated event. Such events will happen with all makes once in a while - machines can and do fail.
#73 of 97
Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [paisan] by erikwi
Dec 05, 2008 (9:29 am)
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Replying to: paisan (Dec 05, 2008 3:28 am)

Well, I'm back from the dealer. They couldn't do the work b/c they didn't have all the necessary parts, specifically valve cover gaskets. It's been rescheduled for 12/16. Tech checked it and the left side is leaking oil and coolant. Right side is beginning to seep some oil now. He was telling me that he'd heard something about a few of the 06 Foresters possibly having some bad machining on one or both of the heads but hadn't seen anything official on it. They've also suggested that my using pure synthetic oil may have caused the leak which I don't buy. Tech told me Subaru doesn't recommend the use of synthetic oil in the engine until it has at least 75k on it. If this is the case, why does it not say "No synthetic oil" in the owner's manual?
#74 of 97
Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi] by xwesx
Dec 05, 2008 (11:50 am)
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Replying to: erikwi (Dec 05, 2008 9:29 am)

The no synthetic story is BS. It is possible that there is an issue with the machining - especially if both are leaking. If it comes back that they have to machine the heads, I would press harder for that extended warranty as it was clearly a manufacturing defect.
#75 of 97
Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [chien] by p0926
Dec 05, 2008 (12:46 pm)
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Replying to: chien (Dec 04, 2008 4:06 pm)

Actually Subaru addressed the problem with the 1st generation Forester head gaskets by providing a leak-sealing coolant. And if you used their coolant, Subaru agreed to extend the warranty to 100k. Also, Subaru waited 5 years (not 1) before they changed the design (it took that long for the problem to manifest itself).
 
But I do agree that you should be able to expect a Subaru to last longer than 100k before any major works needs to be done. On the otherhand, it is a 10 or 11 year old vehicle we're talking about...
 
In any case, by all means, go buy a Honda, they NEVER fail
 
-Frank
#76 of 97
Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [p0926] by ateixeira
Dec 05, 2008 (1:29 pm)
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Replying to: p0926 (Dec 05, 2008 12:46 pm)


 
Let's not forget the 2002 CR-Vs had that engine fire problem when the oil filter gasket would stick to the engine block. I recall at least 9 or so caused engine fires.
 
I had a 98 Forester that went about 90k trouble-free miles, sold it, now we have a 2009 Forester that we trust completely.
 
You have to see a pattern of failures, i.e. not just one or two, to conclude a certain problem is common.
 
There's a guy in the RWTIV thread saying he has a Fit that goes through $1000 worth of brakes every 5000 miles, but even if it's true (doubtful) that doesn't mean the Fit has poor brakes.
#77 of 97
Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [xwesx] by erikwi
Dec 05, 2008 (3:18 pm)
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Replying to: xwesx (Dec 05, 2008 11:50 am)

I wasn't buying the "No synthetic story" either. Porsche uses Mobil 1 in their stuff and I've never heard of any issues with the few owners I know. Then again when you plunk down 70k+ for a new 911 you expect perfection.
 
I'll keep ya'll posted on this, especially if they have to send the heads out for milling. I really and truly have no desire to trade and have car payments again. Plus this thing just flat goes in the snow. Can't wait to test it with the new Blizzaks I installed Wednesday!

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