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The head of All Drive Subaroo workshop explains:
A number of things can happen when your head gasket fails, depending on whether the leak is internal or external. In recent times we have seen an increase in external leaks on the 2.5 litre Subaru non-turbo engines. Subaru head gaskets using “multi-layer” gaskets don’t often fail, but when they do the failure is usually a result either of high mileage or poorly maintained cooling systems. Regardless, the single layer gasket will inevitably fail owing to inherent weakness and ineffective design. Our Subaru Service Centre can fix all Subaru problems, and help prevent them from reoccurring in the future.
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(mainly turbo models EJ 205, 207, 255, and 257)
The head gasket forms a seal between the Subaru engine block and cylinder head. It is the most critical gasket in the engine and the most difficult to diagnose. It seals both the combustion chambers and the coolant galleries in a Subaru engine. The Subaru head gasket has to cope with high internal temperatures and combustion gases under high pressure. Due to the extreme range of hot and cold temperatures and pressures on a large surface it is common for head gaskets to leak between chambers over time. These leaks are not externally visible. You may see bubbles in the overflow reservoir, or sludgy residue on the walls of the overflow reservoir, or you may experience random engine overheating.
When a head gasket fails it can either leak engine oil to coolant or coolant to the compression chamber. Either of these may cause engine damage and significant operational problems like burning oil and overheating, which may show up as white exhaust smoke. Occasionally, there will be a compression leak in the gasket, which will have to be replaced, before severe damage occurs. If the gasket fails in this way, a variety of problems can occur, from power reduction, or a rough running engine, to exhaust gases being forced into the cooling system, leading to the engine overheating and increased engine wear due to the motor oil being mixed with coolant.
Over the years we have not seen many non-turbo models with internal head gasket issues, while we have replaced many turbo WRX, STI, Liberty RS ¬¬, Forester GT/XT head gaskets, and if in the advanced stages, provided exchange engines. However, we have also seen an increase of liberty/Outback H6 EZ engines with internal defective gaskets at about 150 to 200 000km.
Internal head gasket leaks in turbo models are usually caused by problems with one or more of the peripheral components, such as excessive turbo boost, failure of cooling fans, defective wiring, radiator leaks and blocked radiator cores. A blown head gasket in a turbo model usually indicates a replacement engine. There are two reasons for this: the OEM pistons consume excessive oil, increasing the risk of a future engine failure due to low engine oil. Also, it is common when a head gasket fails on a turbo model for bearings, crankshafts and other components to be damaged.
(EJ251, 252, 253) and (EZ30)
A view of the cylinder head where external leaks often occur
These leaks result in coolant and engine oil seeping out past the head gasket and running down the cylinder head, where they are usually visible under careful inspection. They can’t be fixed by simply re-torqueing the head. They are sometimes hard to spot, showing only as slight staining where the head bolts onto the block. EJ25 and most EZ30 Subaru non-turbo engines are prone to this type of leak, which will often go undetected for some time as it is only in the advanced stages that coolant loss causes overheating. Customers who are attuned to their Subarus may report unusual smells, caused by coolant residue burning on exhaust pipes, and hot components; however most customers will be unaware of the problem. Additives such as cooling system conditioners, Bars Stop Leak, WWP-99, and Wynn’s Stop Leak should never be used as these can compromise the cooling system, causing overheating and serious damage to engine components. The only practicable solution is a proper Subaru head gasket repair, which is one hundred percent effective when done correctly.
In virtually all cases of head gasket failure in non-turbo 4-cylinder engines the cause is the design of the single layer OEM head gasket. If the problem is repaired using another OEM single layer gasket then the same issue will inevitably arise again. The mileage of the vehicle at the time of failure should determine the course of action. If the engine has travelled less than 120,000 kilometres it makes sense to replace the head gasket. At the same time, we advise performing a major service as this will mean a considerable saving in labour costs. If the engine has travelled 150,000 or more, consideration should be given to replacing the engine with a rebuilt or remanufactured engine from Subaru Engines Australia. External head gasket leak problems are rarely reported in turbo models, which are all fitted with the more robust multi-layer gasket.
While these models are not as prone to the same problems as the 4-cylinder models, they have their own unique vulnerability, with the heater core. Unlike other models the EZ30 heater does not have a separate tap, and runs in series with the engine cooling system, meaning if the heater core becomes blocked, circulation of coolant is impeded throughout the system and the engine will overheat. The only early warning sign drivers might notice is an intermittent gurgling sound from behind the dashboard. If the heater core is replaced at this stage no further repairs should be required. However, if the early signs are overlooked, the engine will begin within two years to repeatedly overheat and the head gasket will fail, possibly damaging other components such as bearings, rods and crankshafts. The heater cores in these models commonly begin to fail around the 120K kilometre mark.
The sooner the problem is found and fixed the less expensive it will be. If you have any doubts call us.
Subaru have never acknowledged a problem with their single layer head gaskets leaving the only fix up to us.
Subaru dealers use only the single layer head gasket. Only ADS use the multi-layer gasket for a permanent fix.
All of the SOHC non-turbo models have the OEM single-layer gasket, and all will fail. We have the only permanent fix.
Call an ADS consultant now on 02 9915 9900
External head gasket leaks never result in immediate engine failure. It’s a slow process, and the attentive Subaru driver can spot the early warning signs and possibly save money on repairs by catching the problem before additional damage occurs. If an external head gasket leak is in its early stages it may be detected visually very easily but if it’s in the advanced stage there may be more happening that is not visible. It’s hard to know just how advanced a head gasket leak is, from external signs alone. Bring your Subaru in to us as soon as you notice any of the early warning signs. All Drive Subaroo have specialized equipment to test for hydrocarbons in the coolant and if these are detected early enough it might save your engine from a catastrophic failure and save you from a great deal of unnecessary expense.
If you notice these signs, the head gasket leak is at an advanced stage and it is likely that the engine will have suffered other damage and will need to be replaced.
Delaying repairs to a leaking head gasket is a false economy. It might seem like you’re getting a few more miles out of your engine before paying for the repair, but continuing to drive with a leaking head gasket will cause more expensive problems to arise including:
ADS multi-layer head gasket–the permanent fix
Head gasket problems can be subtle things to diagnose and repairs can turn into a bad investment if the diagnostic groundwork is not properly done and other problems that need to be addressed are missed. The ultimate decision will depend on a number of factors, including the mileage, the type of engine and the extent of the damage. Your Subaru might require a simple head gasket repair and service, or a replacement engine. As a full service center, with everything from new engines to timing belts in stock, and Australia’s foremost team of Subaru expert diagnosticians, we can assess your needs and provide the best solution in a seamless operation, with no mistakes. Whether you have a turbo or a non-turbo model, and whether you need a new gasket or a new engine, we have the knowledge equipment and supplies to diagnose and repair, with the fastest turn-around time in the business.
If you’re thinking of taking your Subaru to a dealer, be aware that they will fit a replacement single layer head gasket, and eventually the problem will reappear. But that doesn’t have to happen: All Drive Subaroo use high strength multi-layer stainless steel head gaskets engineered and proven to ensure many years of reliable operation for all your Subaru models and aare far more durable than the OEM original item. Over ten (10) years and hundreds of repairs using the revised gasket, we have never had a re-occurring problem.
After many years of experience with head gasket repairs, and our own internal research, we have come up with two head gasket repair packages, one for the most economical yet reliable repair possible and the other, recommended, the best possible repair for long-term reliability and service from your Subaru. If you plan to keep your Subaru for a long time, we recommend the second option.
This option is a basic head gasket repair only. We re-use all existing parts (if still serviceable) and we do not perform any additional servicing of your vehicle, other than the included radiator service. If you want long-term service from your Subaru, and you like to keep your vehicle in top condition, we recommend the Option two repair.
Note that this option is the best choice if you are looking for long and reliable service life from your vehicle. It includes many new parts, including the water pump, hoses, and timing belt bearings. In addition we perform a major service on the vehicle to ensure you will have a long period of reliable motoring.
Australia’s only distributor of multi-layer revised head gaskets (the permanent fix)
Australia’s most trusted and efficient Subaru head gasket repairer
Australia’s most technically advanced Subaru trained support team
Some Commonly Asked Questions:No, in fact turbo models are fitted with Multi –layer gaskets which have proven to be robust.
For a while, yes you can. Should you? No, not unless you have a yen to spend a whole lot more money than you need to.
Yes, these models do sometimes have problems, but not as often as the others, and usually caused by the heater.
It’s impossible to say, but the range would run from a few weeks to a year approximately, depending on the type of leak, and on how the vehicle is driven.
It may be cheaper to get a used engine from a wrecker, but this is usually a false economy. Given the inherent weakness of the head gaskets, it’s virtually certain that all the affected models will fail eventually.
Yes, all EJ25 non turbo Subaru engines up to the current models are fitted with the inherently weak head gaskets.
Yes, we can supply head gasket kits. Please visit our online store.
Between $2,000 to $3,500 depending on the additional damage and the auxiliary parts required. Call for free inspection and quote now 02 9915 9900
No, Subaru dealers will fit the standard head gasket, meaning the problem is highly likely to recur if you own the vehicle long enough.
Yes it is good practice but it also depends on the mileage.
No not usually but an O2 or AF sensor catalyst code may appear.
Replacement of big end and main crankshaft bearings may be necessary. This will depend on the mileage the engine has run, and the condition of the bearings. If your engine has high miles, or has overheated or lost oil pressure as a result of the leaking head gasket, the bearings will be damaged and should be replaced.
There are a number of parts that need to be replaced with your head gasket, and some that may need to be replaced depending on mileage or condition. A list of these follows below.
Remember, the more specific details you can provide, the more accurate our response will be.
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