Subaru concerns about the motor

[upwardr]

We are looking at a 2008 Subaru Forester but there is some oil wetness under the engine. Because it has the boxer engine is this typical as in the Porsche style dripping.
Anyone have any experience with the Subaru engines?

[sc_rufctr]

No direct experience but an issue like that would prompt me to get it inspected by a Subaru mechanic.

It may turn out to be nothing.

[pavulon]

nearly 100K on my '08 Outback. bone dry underneath.

[Mrmerlin]

usual failure mode on Subies is one or both head gaskets leaking .
NOTE if its dry and your close to 100 k miles it should be getting wet soon..
we do PPIs on them from the used car dealers,
and when one comes in they are usually traded in because the HGs are leaking.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Mrmerlin

usual failure mode on Subies is one or both head gaskets leaking .
NOTE if its dry and your close to 100 k miles it should be getting wet soon..
we do PPIs on them from the used car dealers,
and when one comes in they are usually traded in because the HGs are leaking.

^^^^ what he said.

That and My 2.2 had leaking cam seals. As I understand it, the HG's are a DIY thing if you're good with a wrench. Also another thing to consider is if it's 2.5 you'll want to do the timing belt if it's unknown when it was done last. Don't fear them, they'll run forever. My 2.2 leaked 2 quarts every 3000 miles and had 190K on it and it was not babied.

Oh yeah! If it's a turbo Forester you might want to be aware they did have some turbo problems but I don't recall which engine had the troubles.

[upwardr]

So if it needs head gaskets how much $$$ is required to budget?

[pors1968]

1500.00 CND or you can buy JMD engine.

[bri450sl]

Our Outback is not old - 2011. However, its going on 65k and never had one issue. Amazing. I think Subaru builds cars to last.

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by cabmando

^^^^ what he said.

That and My 2.2 had leaking cam seals. As I understand it, the HG's are a DIY thing if you're good with a wrench. Also another thing to consider is if it's 2.5 you'll want to do the timing belt if it's unknown when it was done last. Don't fear them, they'll run forever. My 2.2 leaked 2 quarts every 3000 miles and had 190K on it and it was not babied.

Oh yeah! If it's a turbo Forester you might want to be aware they did have some turbo problems but I don't recall which engine had the troubles.

Head gasket is a common failure. My company make aftermarket head gaskets and the volume is higher than engines of similar age. The engine is also a favorite of those who race which may explain the high demand.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by upwardr

So if it needs head gaskets how much $$$ is required to budget?

I looked into it back in December when I was considering an Impreza with leaking gaskets but can't remember exactly what parts cost. I think if you go with the timing belt and water pump kit plus new gaskets around $600 but don't rely on that I'm going off memory and it's not what it once was.

I think dealer cost was around 1200 to 1500 to replace. I think if you take a look at on youtube there are videos on replacing them. If you want to go wild, these engines come out REALLY easy. I would say easier than my 3.2 came out but that's mostly because the transmission stays in the car with a suby where the trans comes with the engine on my Porsche.

[cabmandone]

I think the stuff below should cover you. When I did my timing belt I didn't replace the water pump but some people do. It's another 70-80 for the pump. I didn't think it was that hard to get at and didn't replace my pump since it was working and not leaking.

http://www.*********.com/gbproducts/DC/18998-05312318.html?utm_content=DN&utm_term=2000-2009+Subaru+Outback+Head+Gasket+Set+DNJ+Rock+00-09+Subaru+Head+Gasket+Set+2005&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_campaign=*********+Google+Base&ad=47433970452

http://www.amazon.com/Gates-TCK304-Timing-Belt-Component/dp/B002R8HMAY

http://www.*********.com/gbproducts/DC/379-05312462.html?utm_content=DN&utm_term=1999-2009+Subaru+Impreza+Intake+Manifold+Gasket+Set+DNJ +Rock+IG715+99-09+Subaru+Intake+Manifold+Gasket+Set+2000+2001&fp=pp&gbm=a&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_campaign=*********+Google+Base&gclid=Cj0KEQjw3Le4BRDxx5bk4aDn9t4BEiQAfmxQGS8jfEye cmXguTLfn8f2h14xLEyv_C1wEF1vwMlzopsaApus8P8HAQ&ad=47433970452

[Scott R]

I drive an old Legacy on the really bad weather days here in Denver and I did the head gaskets about six weeks ago. It was 10 hours of misery.

[gordner]

That year of Subaru is not prone to head gasket failure like the earlier models, I have that engine in an 07 Impreza. The cam seals are prone to leak, but first thing I would check is the sensors mounted to the Front right bank and back left. Top of the forward most cylinder and top of the rearmost, the forward is an oil pressure sensor and the aft I am not sure a sI have not replaced mine yet.
25$ part and ten minutes to swap it, solved my weeping oil leak that every one said was head gaskets. Was weeping down the cylinder and burning off the headers, left a drop in the driveway every time i parked.

[bleucamaro]

Had an '05 STi. I put 150k miles on it with tons of autocrossing and hard driving. It never leaked a drop.

[Rinty]

Originally Posted by upwardr

Anyone have any experience with the Subaru engines?

My 2007 Legacy recently developed a leak, and it was just a variable valve timing switch. It was $132 to fix, part and labour.

If you are interested in the car, suggest you have a PPI done by a Subaru specialist, and negotiate an appropriate discount. Also, I spoke with my local independent Subie specialist, and he said that the '08 models are prone to head gasket issues like other years, when they accumulate mileage.

In any event, these are great cars. I haven't had head gasket issue on the two 2.5's that I've owned.

[BoxsterSteve]

Head gaskets for sure.
Any year NA Subie motor can throw up head gaskets, it's not a model year issue, but a poor choice of head gasket by Subaru on all the non turbo cars.
My 2007 EJ25 Forester had them leaking badly at 81,000 miles. My indie used the multilayer steel head gaskets used in the turbo cars, and no leaks since, knock on wood.
DO NOT get this repaired at a dealership; they'll use the same inferior single layer gaskets the factory used, and you'll get to do it again in a year or so.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

With the 10 years of owning a Subaru I can tell you that oil leaks were not something I really dealt with. Now that it's about fully built, I am chasing down turbo oil leaks and a slight leak on the valve cover that I'm not 100% sure of yet. Keeping an eye on it. Guess it comes with the territory of modifications, hah. How many miles are on it?

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by gordner

That year of Subaru is not prone to head gasket failure like the earlier models, I have that engine in an 07 Impreza. The cam seals are prone to leak, but first thing I would check is the sensors mounted to the Front right bank and back left. Top of the forward most cylinder and top of the rearmost, the forward is an oil pressure sensor and the aft I am not sure a sI have not replaced mine yet.
25$ part and ten minutes to swap it, solved my weeping oil leak that every one said was head gaskets. Was weeping down the cylinder and burning off the headers, left a drop in the driveway every time i parked.

I think the one on the back you're talking about is a knock sensor.

[Black968]

A friend has a 2014 Forester with 133,000 km (yes that is correct). A new motor was installed at 98,000 km due to excessive oil consumption. Not exactly sure what motor it has. Have heard that this is not an uncommon problem.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Black968

A friend has a 2014 Forester with 133,000 km (yes that is correct). A new motor was installed at 98,000 km due to excessive oil consumption. Not exactly sure what motor it has. Have heard that this is not an uncommon problem.

I have read some of the newer engines are having that issue. I haven't seen or heard anything on the suby forums to indicate the older 2.5's had that issue.
FWIW, a lot of manufacturers are having this problem. I know Toyota has as well as Infinity. And don't even get me started on the CVT transmission problems in the different brands.