If you’re the owner of a Subaru, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of head gasket problems. The head gasket is a critical part of the engine, and if it fails, it can result in serious damage. In this blog post, we will discuss what a head gasket is, what can cause it to fail, and what you can do to prevent it from happening. We will also provide tips for how to deal with a head gasket failure if it does happen.
Head Gasket:
The head gasket is a vital component of the engine. It’s quite thin, made of metal, and has several holes that give it somewhat of a Swiss cheese appearance. When the engine is assembled, the head gasket gets placed between the cylinder heads and the engine block.
The head gasket’s primary purpose is to maintain a seal between the engine block and cylinder head. This prevents oil and coolant from leaking into each other.
Placement and security are key for the head gasket. It must be sealed properly to prevent any oil or coolant leaks. In most cases, the head gasket will last as long as the vehicle itself before needing replacement unless major engine repairs are being done.
When a head gasket is faulty, oil and coolant begin to mix, worsening the situation. A failing head gasket will cause your vehicle to overheat frequently. The heat produced by combustion puts a lot of stress on the seals in an engine, which have to be able to expand and contract with temperature changes. If they can’t do this properly, it allows the cylinders’ contents usually just air and fuel mixture to leak into other parts of the engine where they don’t belong
Subaru Head Gasket Problems: Detailed Discussion
The Subaru EJ251, EJ252, and EJ253 engines are more likely to have head gasket problems because of the composite-style head gaskets. These 2.5-liter engines came in different configurations and were updated a few times while they were being produced.
Although any engine type could have a head gasket failure, some Subaru models are more susceptible to the problem due to their design. The engine blocks in the Subaru Forester XT, Outback XT, and Baja Turbo are more likely to warp than other models. Warped engine blocks can cause the head gasket to fail.
When a head gasket fails, it’s usually because of a combination of factors. The most common is overheating, which we will discuss in more detail later. Other causes include physical damage, chemical contamination, and improper installation.
Overheating:
As we mentioned earlier, overheating is the most common cause of head gasket failure. The seal between the engine block and cylinder head is put under a lot of stress when the engine gets too hot. If the engine overheats frequently, it will cause the head gasket to fail.
There are a few different reasons why an engine might overheat. One is a coolant leak. If the coolant level gets too low, it can cause the engine to overheat. Another reason is a problem with the cooling system itself. If the radiator, water pump, or thermostat isn’t working properly, it can cause the engine to overheat.
Physical Damage:
Physical damage is another common cause of head gasket failure. This can happen if the engine is knocked out of alignment during installation or if there is an accident that damages the engine.
Chemical Contamination:
Chemical contamination can also cause head gasket failure. This can happen if the wrong type of coolant is used or if the coolant becomes contaminated with oil or other chemicals.
Improper Installation:
Improper installation is another common cause of head gasket failure. If the head gasket isn’t installed correctly, it can cause the engine to overheat or leak coolant.
Symptoms of a Failing Head Gasket:
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate a head gasket failure. The most common is overheating. If the head gasket is failing, it will cause the engine to overheat frequently.
Overheated Engine:
Not only can a head gasket fail because the engine overheats, but it can lead to the problem too. When the head gasket isn’t sealed properly, hot gases from the exhaust end up in the cooling system or vice versa with coolant leaking into cylinders. In both scenarios, you are left with an overheating engine.
If you’re driving with an overheated engine, the cylinder heads can warp. Additionally, steam could damage the catalytic converter and end up costing you even more for repairs.
Power Loss:
A hole or crack in the engine block can negatively affect performance by allowing compressed air or fuel to escape, which reduces the compression in the engine.
When an engine lacks compression, it often runs erratically and doesn’t respond well. Additionally, there may be sounds that are reminiscent of an exhaust leak.
Oil Contamination:
If the head gasket blows, you might see sticky sludge on the dipstick or under the oil filler cap. This combination of coolant and oil has been called a milkshake.
When coolant enters your engine’s oil, continuing to drive will damage the bearings. This extensive repair will not only require a new head gasket, but also a flushed engine with a new filter, and may necessitate bottom-end disassembly to check the bearings.
Leaking Coolant:
A failed head gasket can cause coolant to leak from the engine. You might see coolant leaking from the radiator, water pump, or hoses. You might also see it leaking from under the engine or from the exhaust.
If you see coolant leaking, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. A coolant leak can lead to engine overheating, which can cause serious damage.
Leaking Exhaust:
If the head gasket is failing, it can cause exhaust gases to leak into the cooling system. This can lead to engine overheating and damage to the catalytic converter.
You might see exhaust fumes coming from the radiator or from under the engine. You might also notice a decrease in engine power.
White Smoke:
When you see white smoke coming from your car’s exhaust, it usually means that the head gasket has blown. You’ll be able to smell a sweet odor because the antifreeze has leaked past the head gasket and into the cylinders.
The coolant turns into steam as part of the combustion process. If the leak is coming from an oil passage, though it happens less often, the smoke might be blue.
External Leaks:
The gasket regularly fails between the oil or water passages and the exterior of the engine, causing either an oil or coolant leak. Even though this is still severe, it’s not as worrisome as other ways a head gasket can blow.
If your car is leaking fluids, don’t ignore the problem. Low fluid levels can cause engine issues, and leaks can also lead to car fires. Be cautious and take care of the problem as soon as possible.
Prevent Head Gasket Failure:
- There are a few things you can do to prevent head gasket failure. First, make sure you’re using the correct type of coolant and that it’s been mixed correctly.
- If your car has an aluminum engine, you’ll need to use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. For cars with a cast-iron engine, you can get away with a 70/30 mix.
- It’s also important to change your coolant regularly. The frequency will depend on the type of coolant you’re using, but most coolants need to be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
- Make sure you’re also regularly checking your engine’s oil level and quality. If the oil isn’t changed frequently enough, it can break down and form sludge. This sludge can clog up the oil passages, which can cause the engine to overheat.
- Additionally, using the wrong type of oil can also lead to engine problems. Check your owner’s manual to see what type of oil is best for your car.
- Finally, be sure to have your car’s cooling system serviced regularly. This includes flushing the radiator and replacing the coolant. It’s also a good idea to check the radiator hoses for leaks and cracks.
If you take these preventative measures, you can help avoid head gasket failure. However, even if you do everything right, it’s still possible for the head gasket to fail.
Replacement Cost of Subaru Head Gasket:
On average, a Subaru head gasket replacement will cost $2,000 to $4,000. The labor alone can make up for a significant portion of that bill, ranging from $1,200 to $3,000. Typically, the parts bill will be in the range of $800 to $1,500 once tensioners, idlers, water pumps, timing belts, and seals are included. Additionally, if your Subaru has a manual transmission you could see an additional increase of up to $ 500 in the total cost.
Unless you are an experienced mechanic, it is best to avoid repairing a head gasket on your own. The process will take at least a few days, and it is best to have an engine specialist work on your Subaru. This type of repair requires dismantling the motor, so it is important to make sure that everything is fixed properly.
To know more about Subaru Head Gasket, watch the video below:
FAQs:
Q: What are some signs that my head gasket might be failing?
A: You might see white smoke coming from your car’s exhaust or notice a decrease in engine power. You might also see fluids leaking from under the hood.
Q: How often should I change my coolant?
A: The frequency will depend on the type of coolant you’re using, but most coolants need to be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Q: What type of oil is best for my car?
A: Check your owner’s manual to see what type of oil is best for your car. I think it’s important to use the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: Does a head gasket replacement require a mechanic?
A: Unless you are an experienced mechanic, it is best to avoid repairing a head gasket on your own. The process will take at least a few days, and it is best to have an engine specialist work on your Subaru. This type of repair requires dismantling the motor, so it is important to make sure that everything is fixed properly.
Q: Can I still drive my car if the head gasket is failing?
A: You can drive your car if the head gasket is failing, but it is not advisable. It is best to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your engine.
Conclusion:
Subaru head gasket problems can be a serious issue, but there are things you can do to prevent them. Be sure to use the correct type of coolant and change it regularly. Additionally, check your engine’s oil level and quality frequently, and use the right type of oil. Finally, have your car’s cooling system serviced regularly. If you take these preventative measures, you can help avoid head gasket failure. However, even if you do everything right, it’s still possible for the head gasket to fail. If this happens, be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your engine.
I hope that my discussion of Subaru head gasket problems has been helpful. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to discuss this issue further with you.