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Forester - Headgasket Repair & Engine Rebuild

150 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2012 at 12:19 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Subaru

Messages Page 9 of 16

#75 of 150 Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [chien] by p0926

Dec 05, 2008 (1:46 pm)

Replying to: chien (Dec 04, 2008 5:06 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 150 Re: HG LEAK ON 2006 FORESTER [p0926] by ateixeira

Dec 05, 2008 (2:29 pm)

Replying to: p0926 (Dec 05, 2008 1:46 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 150 Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [xwesx] by erikwi

Dec 05, 2008 (4:18 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 05, 2008 12:50 pm)
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!

#78 of 150 Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi] by paisan

Dec 05, 2008 (6:01 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 05, 2008 4:18 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

#79 of 150 Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [paisan] by erikwi

Dec 11, 2008 (7:43 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 05, 2008 6:01 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.

#80 of 150 Re: HG leak on 06 Forester w/43k on the odo [erikwi] by erikwi

Dec 22, 2008 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 11, 2008 7:43 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.

#81 of 150 New HG problem on another 06 Forester by erikwi

Dec 26, 2008 (9:19 pm)

OK, checked Mom's 06 Forester for a head gasket leak. Car has 22k on the odo and has been serviced by the dealer who uses Valvoline Durablend 5-30. Driver's side head showed no signs of leakage unlike mine. Passenger side head is another story. Evidence of oil leakage beginning under the #4 cylinder but lessening as you look forward under the #2 cylinder. No oil or coolant present on the side of the head so it appears to be coming from the bottom of the head. I cleaned it off with some brake cleaner and used compressed air to dry it. I'll re-check it in 10k or so and if the oil comes back, I'll know it's seeping. I'd like to look at the date of manufacture to see if my 06 and her 06 were built in the same time period but I don't know where to find it. Anybody have any ideas?

#82 of 150 Re: New HG problem on another 06 Forester [erikwi] by ateixeira

Dec 29, 2008 (11:54 am)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 26, 2008 9:19 pm)
Don't wait 10k, check at each oil change, or every 3750 miles.

#83 of 150 Re: New HG problem on another 06 Forester [ateixeira] by erikwi

Dec 29, 2008 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 29, 2008 11:54 am)
Not a bad idea, will do. Found out my car was built 12/05 and hers was built 1/06. Coincidence they both have a bad gasket?
 
Called the dealer that did mine and told them about it. The service advisor said SOA had them return the HGs to SOA headquarters for analysis. Hopefully they'll figure it out. I'm wanting the same tech to do my mom's car since I know he does quality work, if it turns out the gaskets actually do need to be replaced.
 
Keep ya'll posted!

#84 of 150 Re: New HG problem on another 06 Forester [erikwi] by ateixeira

Dec 30, 2008 (9:57 am)

Replying to: erikwi (Dec 29, 2008 3:11 pm)
I'm glad to see SoA wants to analyze the HGs, see what happened to them.

Messages Page 9 of 16

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