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Head Gasket oil leak at 60,000 miles - second engine

20 messages,  Last post on Jul 22, 2012 at 2:17 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon

Messages Page 3 of 3

#12 of 20 Re: What's this? Crosstrek with a 2.0L engine [joybell] by dcm61

May 25, 2012 (9:11 am)

Replying to: joybell (May 25, 2012 7:41 am)
So maybe the article is referencing the Japanese and European model Imprezas.
 
Nope, the 2012 U.S.-spec Impreza (non-WRX/STi) has the new FB20 (2.0L) engine.
 
While the FB20 in my '12 Sport Limited has less HP and torque than my '03 OB EJ25, it "feels" like it has more power. Of course CVT vs. 4EAT, and slightly less weight, helps a lot .

#13 of 20 Re: What's this? Crosstrek with a 2.0L engine [joybell] by xwesx

May 25, 2012 (9:29 am)

Replying to: joybell (May 25, 2012 7:41 am)
The closed deck blocks of the turbocharged engines are a stout design that does not have head gasket issues, but you do have to watch out for past treatment of the vehicle. Many of the WRX and STi out there are run through the ringer more than a few times by their previous owner(s), so you could end up with a whole host of other problems.
 
A favorite tactic? Take an overused (abused?), highly modified WRX approaching its last leg, put it back to "stock," and try to pass it off to an unsuspecting buyer for top dollar.

#14 of 20 Re: Reliable Forester / Impreza non turbo? [dcm61] by rsholland

May 25, 2012 (11:02 am)

Replying to: dcm61 (May 25, 2012 7:17 am)
I know. Just pointing out that the non-turbo EJ engines are about to be history.
 
Bob

#15 of 20 Re: What's this? Crosstrek with a 2.0L engine [dcm61] by rsholland

May 25, 2012 (11:54 am)

Replying to: dcm61 (May 25, 2012 9:11 am)
Dave, how are you enjoying your new Impreza? Any regrets?
 
Bob

#16 of 20 Re: What's this? Crosstrek with a 2.0L engine [rsholland] by dcm61

May 25, 2012 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (May 25, 2012 11:54 am)
I'm enjoying my Sport Limited; now have ~850 miles.
 
* Pleased with power (compared to '03 OB 2.5L 4EAT)
* Loving the moonroof (haven't had one since my '86 VW Jetta GLi)
* Getting ~29 to 30 mpg on my commute (was getting ~23 to 24 mpg with '03 OB)
* Visibility is not that great (compared to '03 OB)
* I'm going to have to keep on my toes if I want to keep the front end in one piece (haven't had a car sit this low in years)
* I keep playing with the seat, but my back still gets sore ... I had no idea there was no lumbar support

#17 of 20 Re: What's this? Crosstrek with a 2.0L engine [dcm61] by rsholland

May 25, 2012 (8:14 pm)

Replying to: dcm61 (May 25, 2012 1:18 pm)
Can relate to the sore back, as I have lower back problems. I keep the heated seats on almost year-round, which helps. My WRX has no lumbar adjustment too, but I find the seats pretty comfortable and supportive. Still love the bun warmers...
 
Bob

#18 of 20 feel your pain by subiduby

Jul 09, 2012 (5:50 pm)

I just paid 1400 for the whole cat sensor array and pressure manifold sensor. Now i have to take it back in for the head gaskets at 97000 miles. I've kept my car in like new condition so the whole car looks great, but the engine is another story. Rear linkage is also out, the dealer quoted me 2400 dollars for the headgasket replacement, and 180 bucks for the rear linkage. Ive been the sole owner of this 2003 X model, since May i will have put 4k in repairs in the car. My advice, dump the car and move on.

#19 of 20 Re: feel your pain [subiduby] by joybell

Jul 09, 2012 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: subiduby (Jul 09, 2012 5:50 pm)
That engine is an insult to an otherwise great car. It's sad....our family had 5 Foresters all at the same time. The only ones without head gasket problems were the 2002 (so far!!) and a 1999. Do the math...that's 60% with HG problems!! I still have the 2003 with the replaced head gaskets. One Forester was replaced with a Volvo and the other with a Honda. We love the cars but are so reluctant to have to deal with this engine again that we are waiting (forever?) for a new model to come out with maybe a 2.2l engine instead of the 2.5l

#20 of 20 Re: feel your pain [joybell] by aatherton

Jul 22, 2012 (2:17 pm)

Replying to: joybell (Jul 09, 2012 6:32 pm)
"... we are waiting (forever?) for a new model to come out with maybe a 2.2l engine instead of the 2.5l."
 
Your wait was over with the 2011 FB 2.5L engine in the Forester, and the 2012 FB 2.0L engine in the Impreza. New head design, with separate cooling, no more coolant passing through the head gasket.

Messages Page 3 of 3

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