- #71 of 97
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Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi]
by paisan
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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
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- #72 of 97
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Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [amiller1]
by xwesx
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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.
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- #73 of 97
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Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [paisan]
by erikwi
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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?
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- #74 of 97
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Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi]
by xwesx
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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. 
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- #75 of 97
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Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [chien]
by p0926
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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
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- #76 of 97
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Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [p0926]
by ateixeira
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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.
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- #77 of 97
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Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [xwesx]
by erikwi
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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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- #78 of 97
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Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi]
by paisan
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Dec 05, 2008 (5:01 pm)
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Replying to: erikwi (Dec 05, 2008 3:18 pm)
Yeah the Synthetic is just a story the dealer is telling you. You do need to wait until 10,000 miles before using synthetic on Subaru engines though.
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor
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- #79 of 97
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Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [paisan]
by erikwi
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Dec 11, 2008 (6:43 pm)
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Replying to: paisan (Dec 05, 2008 5:01 pm)
Mike, I was reading an article in End Wrench magazine that talked about the use of synthetics. It clearly said synthetic was allowed provided it meets the same API service standard as regular oil, was the same viscosity as required by the owner's manual, and was changed according to the maintenance schedule. It strikes me as odd the dealer and tech would tell me one thing only to have their own technical publication say something completely different. No mention in the article about when to use synthetic though. I think it was the August 2008 edition I saw it in.
I'll be heading to the dealer this coming Tuesday for the HG replacement. I'll keep you folks posted on whether or not they send the head(s) out for machining.
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- #80 of 97
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Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi]
by erikwi
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Dec 22, 2008 (6:55 pm)
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Replying to: erikwi (Dec 11, 2008 6:43 pm)
Car's out of the shop now with both HG replaced. Tech found no cracks in the heads or imperfections in the machining. Heads were within tolerance for straightness. I eyeballed the left side HG in the presence of the tech and the service manager. There was a rough spot on the gasket below the cutout for the oil return passage under the #3 cylinder. Both the tech and the SM spotted it too and said that was the likely cause. Long story short, bad gaskets. I hope this was an oddity otherwise they'll start seeing more 06's with seeping gaskets. The tech said I shouldn't have any further problems until 200k or longer.
I'm going to check my mom's 06 and see if her car has any seepage. The dealer uses a synthetic blend in her car versus me using full synthetic. If hers is exhibiting any sign of leakage, I'll tell her to take it to the dealer and have it checked while it's under warranty.
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