Hi.
Im a bit worried and have a few questions. Any helpo would be great.
One of my radiator hoses split the other day and my engine got pretty hot. Replaced the hose and now ive got water in the oil and oil in the water. Does this sound like the head gaskets? Would it be a straight foreward job swappoing them or could the heads have warped? Could any other damage have been done?
How much would this job cost at a garage?

Many thanks, Rob.

 

Hi Rob

The hose splitting was probably a symptom of the head gasket failure, not the cause.

You will need to get the heads checked for cracks and flatness before refitting them.

 

OK, thanks Pete. What a nightmare!

 

expensive

 

Get busy making more body parts to pay for it.
Not good news when it breaks, i can hear your wallet opening now.

Zippy

 

It could also be the oil/water heat exchanger ( oil cooler ), as it failed on my car some time ago. It gradually contaminated the coolant with oil. To be honest, I have heard of very few subarus needing head gaskets..

[Edited by ustolemyname??stevieturbo - 8/8/2002 5:05:13 PM]

 

Thanks for the advice/ condolonces!
Sounding very much like the head gaskets now, spoken to a few specialist garages and they all agree. Looking at £800 labour, £200 parts plus VAT.
Thinking of stripping it down myself and getting the heads checked by a pro. Have done a few heads before but never on a scoob.
Anyone else attempted this job by themselves? or am I mad!
Thanks again, Rob.

 

Mine went at about 50K miles.
Had them skimmed before fitting back and been good as gold since.
Cost about £800 +VAT all in.
That was labour, gaskets + skimming (only £50).

Cars run better since then. Maybe the extra bit of compression helps. Had it dynoed just after to check the improved compression didn't cause detonation and it was fine, but then I run an extra oil cooler and water injection, so I wasn't expecting a problem really.

 

Rob

Dunno where that blokes getting his prices from but the head gaskets £35 each from the scooby dealer so would do a bit of shoping round if i where you.

 

John 555: If its gaskets for an STI import it will be a bit more than £35. Also there will be new oil + filter and fluids. Also they usually recommend changing the cam belt whilst the engine is out, so maybe that's included.

 

Rob,
I've got a spare pair of head gaskets (new, obviously! ) which I bought when mine failed on my 95 WRX. I used Sti IV metal gaskets in mine, if you want them give me £10 + postage. They're still in the plastic wrapper, genuine subaru ones part no. 11011AA35.
Mail me as per profile if you want them mate.
Leigh

 

Cheers for all your help lads, I will let you know how I get on.
Rob.