Been quoted £1200 for Head gasket?
06 December 2013, 12:33 PM
#1
Been quoted £1200 for Head gasket?
Hi Guys.
Basically devastated at the moment.
Only had my Widetrack STi for 4 weeks and the head gasket is showing early signs of failure.
Previous owner knew I think but that's done now.
Car has only done 39k.
Just got back from my Subaru specialist and he's done a chemical test and there's exhaust gasses in the system.
I didn't think it was the HG as the car isn't overheating, the heater works, but there is a water swooshing sound when you rev the car.
Anyway, he's quoted me £1200.
Is that a bit steep?
Just wanted some opinions.
Thanks.
Basically devastated at the moment.
Only had my Widetrack STi for 4 weeks and the head gasket is showing early signs of failure.
Previous owner knew I think but that's done now.
Car has only done 39k.
Just got back from my Subaru specialist and he's done a chemical test and there's exhaust gasses in the system.
I didn't think it was the HG as the car isn't overheating, the heater works, but there is a water swooshing sound when you rev the car.
Anyway, he's quoted me £1200.
Is that a bit steep?
Just wanted some opinions.
Thanks.
06 December 2013, 02:23 PM
#4
£1200 is a basic head-gasket job, from a dealer, probably NOT including replacement of such items as cambelt tensioners, or water pump, which can be a good idea.
Many respected tuners recommend also splitting the block and replacing main and crankshaft bearings, since Scoobs have a tendency to chew them up soon after an HG change......
I'd be asking someone David O'Brian like API for advice, maybe even get it to them.
Many respected tuners recommend also splitting the block and replacing main and crankshaft bearings, since Scoobs have a tendency to chew them up soon after an HG change......
I'd be asking someone David O'Brian like API for advice, maybe even get it to them.
06 December 2013, 02:51 PM
#5
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I had a bugeye 2001 wrx and used to get the water swooshing noise all the time. Never got it fixed as no signs of any problems and the car is still going strong to my knowledge. I remember reading a post years ago about it being something to do with the air con or something. So all could be not lost yet mate. Also I cant remember where I read it though im pretty sure it was on sidc which I dont frequent anymore. As I say this was a good 4 or so years ago mate. Fingers crossed not head gasket mate as it does sound odd on such a low mileage car?
Cheers
Cheers
06 December 2013, 03:15 PM
#6
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The new age cars are better for hanging onto the crank and bearings once a head gasket is done. It is a GC8 where we would never contemplate just doing the head gaskets alone.
£1000 + VAT seems OK if just the head gasket job. Water pumps last forever and unless there is a sign of an oil leak from the tensioner bearing it will be OK.
That car is a 2.0 so no need to worry about pistons like you would on a 2.5.
So I reckon it's about right for a quote. We'd certainly do it for that cost.
David O'BriEn [ alcazar !!! ] with an A is the british spelling, with an E is the oirish way, my lot came from Cork city about a whole millenia ago. LOL
£1000 + VAT seems OK if just the head gasket job. Water pumps last forever and unless there is a sign of an oil leak from the tensioner bearing it will be OK.
That car is a 2.0 so no need to worry about pistons like you would on a 2.5.
So I reckon it's about right for a quote. We'd certainly do it for that cost.
David O'BriEn [ alcazar !!! ] with an A is the british spelling, with an E is the oirish way, my lot came from Cork city about a whole millenia ago. LOL
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06 December 2013, 06:56 PM
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If this is of any help, I have just done the H/G myself, with new head studs, new ACL Race bearings, Gates Racing belt etc etc etc etc, and had the heads and block skimmed.
This has come in at around £1000/£1100 in total, and that includes a new ally rad, see details below. Although I haven't finished yet
https://www.scoobynet.com/wales-26/9...ld-thread.html
I would have been looking at atleast double from a garage.
This has come in at around £1000/£1100 in total, and that includes a new ally rad, see details below. Although I haven't finished yet
https://www.scoobynet.com/wales-26/9...ld-thread.html
I would have been looking at atleast double from a garage.
06 December 2013, 07:30 PM
#10
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I agree, headgasket is in the realms of "experienced home mechanic", I've done it too... Bit of a complex job on a subaru though, and £1200 sounds like a good deal if they'll guarantee their work...
06 December 2013, 07:42 PM
#11
Hi Guys.
Basically devastated at the moment.
Only had my Widetrack STi for 4 weeks and the head gasket is showing early signs of failure.
Previous owner knew I think but that's done now.
Car has only done 39k.
Just got back from my Subaru specialist and he's done a chemical test and there's exhaust gasses in the system.
I didn't think it was the HG as the car isn't overheating, the heater works, but there is a water swooshing sound when you rev the car.
Anyway, he's quoted me £1200.
Is that a bit steep?
Just wanted some opinions.
Thanks.
Basically devastated at the moment.
Only had my Widetrack STi for 4 weeks and the head gasket is showing early signs of failure.
Previous owner knew I think but that's done now.
Car has only done 39k.
Just got back from my Subaru specialist and he's done a chemical test and there's exhaust gasses in the system.
I didn't think it was the HG as the car isn't overheating, the heater works, but there is a water swooshing sound when you rev the car.
Anyway, he's quoted me £1200.
Is that a bit steep?
Just wanted some opinions.
Thanks.
06 December 2013, 07:50 PM
#12
The new age cars are better for hanging onto the crank and bearings once a head gasket is done. It is a GC8 where we would never contemplate just doing the head gaskets alone.
£1000 + VAT seems OK if just the head gasket job. Water pumps last forever and unless there is a sign of an oil leak from the tensioner bearing it will be OK.
That car is a 2.0 so no need to worry about pistons like you would on a 2.5.
So I reckon it's about right for a quote. We'd certainly do it for that cost.
David O'BriEn [ alcazar !!! ] with an A is the british spelling, with an E is the oirish way, my lot came from Cork city about a whole millenia ago. LOL
£1000 + VAT seems OK if just the head gasket job. Water pumps last forever and unless there is a sign of an oil leak from the tensioner bearing it will be OK.
That car is a 2.0 so no need to worry about pistons like you would on a 2.5.
So I reckon it's about right for a quote. We'd certainly do it for that cost.
David O'BriEn [ alcazar !!! ] with an A is the british spelling, with an E is the oirish way, my lot came from Cork city about a whole millenia ago. LOL
06 December 2013, 11:10 PM
#13
Guys, thanks for all your replies, much appreciated.
Before I go on i'll make it clear that I'm no mechanic and by no means an expert but have some basic knowledge so if what I say I rubbish then please go easy!
Basically, I'm not convinced it is the HG.
I say this firstly because I have no real signs of HG failure apart from the water noise which could be other things.
I have no smoke through the exhaust, no overheating, the heaters work, no bubbling in the header tank and the coolant level stays constant.
Only thing that was low was the overflow bottle.
I know the test has been done but I never seen it get done. Mechanic mentioned about something turning from green to blue but I never paid much attention because I was in so much shock at the fact he said my HG was gone.
Another reason I think it might not be is this particular establishment has been known to extract money out of folk in the past but they have a real good name in the area so doubt he'd lie about it.
I was thinking about draining the system and re-filling from scratch and then keep an eye on things.
The car only has 1 previous owner and has a full stamped book. I know a stamped book isn't going to prevent a HG going but its had so much attention I fail to believe someone would have missed it.
Of course, it has gone through my mind that the guy I bought it off knew the HG was going. he was such a nice guy but I just don't think he would have done it.
Or I could just be in denial!
Before I go on i'll make it clear that I'm no mechanic and by no means an expert but have some basic knowledge so if what I say I rubbish then please go easy!
Basically, I'm not convinced it is the HG.
I say this firstly because I have no real signs of HG failure apart from the water noise which could be other things.
I have no smoke through the exhaust, no overheating, the heaters work, no bubbling in the header tank and the coolant level stays constant.
Only thing that was low was the overflow bottle.
I know the test has been done but I never seen it get done. Mechanic mentioned about something turning from green to blue but I never paid much attention because I was in so much shock at the fact he said my HG was gone.
Another reason I think it might not be is this particular establishment has been known to extract money out of folk in the past but they have a real good name in the area so doubt he'd lie about it.
I was thinking about draining the system and re-filling from scratch and then keep an eye on things.
The car only has 1 previous owner and has a full stamped book. I know a stamped book isn't going to prevent a HG going but its had so much attention I fail to believe someone would have missed it.
Of course, it has gone through my mind that the guy I bought it off knew the HG was going. he was such a nice guy but I just don't think he would have done it.
Or I could just be in denial!
Last edited by Thermalp4; 06 December 2013 at 11:14 PM.
06 December 2013, 11:34 PM
#14
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Ive had my bug for 8 months or so, that occasionally makes a swooshing noise behind the dash but i also have no sign of hg failure.
Tbh mate ive handed my car its **** and not had any problems so far, might be a slight airlock but thats about as far as id go.
If its not excessively using oil and the water is fine then is not the hg.
Just drive it till and forget about it. I used to take the **** out of my ,ate for cosworth paranoia but since buying an impreza im exactly the same lol.
If it aint broke dont fix it.
Oh and out of interest, why would you need bearings etc for a hg failure?
Tbh mate ive handed my car its **** and not had any problems so far, might be a slight airlock but thats about as far as id go.
If its not excessively using oil and the water is fine then is not the hg.
Just drive it till and forget about it. I used to take the **** out of my ,ate for cosworth paranoia but since buying an impreza im exactly the same lol.
If it aint broke dont fix it.
Oh and out of interest, why would you need bearings etc for a hg failure?
Last edited by Fudgey; 06 December 2013 at 11:35 PM.
07 December 2013, 09:25 AM
#15
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07 December 2013, 10:56 AM
#16
Basically, I'm not convinced it is the HG.
I say this firstly because I have no real signs of HG failure apart from the water noise which could be other things.
I have no smoke through the exhaust, no overheating, the heaters work, no bubbling in the header tank and the coolant level stays constant.
Only thing that was low was the overflow bottle.
I know the test has been done but I never seen it get done. Mechanic mentioned about something turning from green to blue but I never paid much attention because I was in so much shock at the fact he said my HG was gone.
Another reason I think it might not be is this particular establishment has been known to extract money out of folk in the past but they have a real good name in the area so doubt he'd lie about it.
I say this firstly because I have no real signs of HG failure apart from the water noise which could be other things.
I have no smoke through the exhaust, no overheating, the heaters work, no bubbling in the header tank and the coolant level stays constant.
Only thing that was low was the overflow bottle.
I know the test has been done but I never seen it get done. Mechanic mentioned about something turning from green to blue but I never paid much attention because I was in so much shock at the fact he said my HG was gone.
Another reason I think it might not be is this particular establishment has been known to extract money out of folk in the past but they have a real good name in the area so doubt he'd lie about it.
07 December 2013, 10:57 AM
#17
If this is of any help, I have just done the H/G myself, with new head studs, new ACL Race bearings, Gates Racing belt etc etc etc etc, and had the heads and block skimmed.
This has come in at around £1000/£1100 in total, and that includes a new ally rad, see details below. Although I haven't finished yet
https://www.scoobynet.com/wales-26/9...ld-thread.html
I would have been looking at at least double from a garage.
This has come in at around £1000/£1100 in total, and that includes a new ally rad, see details below. Although I haven't finished yet
https://www.scoobynet.com/wales-26/9...ld-thread.html
I would have been looking at at least double from a garage.
07 December 2013, 05:01 PM
#21
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once the engine is stripped to sort the headgasket properly then your 90% of the way their so why take a risk?
07 December 2013, 06:40 PM
#23
Just an update.
Done 3 runs over a period of 7 hours today.
All levels are normal, expansion bottle fills between low and full after a hard run and returns to just above low when cold.
Header tank and rad levels remain full when cold.
Heaters work, no overheating.
Still got the water sound when revving the engine but I think this will go once I've drained and refilled the system as I think there is air in there.
Will fill through the rear hose on the header tank as per Aclazar's instructions.
Done 3 runs over a period of 7 hours today.
All levels are normal, expansion bottle fills between low and full after a hard run and returns to just above low when cold.
Header tank and rad levels remain full when cold.
Heaters work, no overheating.
Still got the water sound when revving the engine but I think this will go once I've drained and refilled the system as I think there is air in there.
Will fill through the rear hose on the header tank as per Aclazar's instructions.
07 December 2013, 07:02 PM
#24
Mate mine does this. Has done so since I bought it over a year ago. I searched for info about it when I bought it and from what I read its actually pretty common. My scoob is for weekend fun so I drive it hard 
and recently drove to Devon in it (500 mile round trip) with no issues! I've had the coolant drained a few times over the year for various reasons and the swooshing water noise is still there.
So I wouldn't panic just yet. Enjoy the car and keep an eye on the temp gauge!
and recently drove to Devon in it (500 mile round trip) with no issues! I've had the coolant drained a few times over the year for various reasons and the swooshing water noise is still there.So I wouldn't panic just yet. Enjoy the car and keep an eye on the temp gauge!
07 December 2013, 09:00 PM
#26
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Imo if its not loosing any fluidsmor overheating, its fine.
So according tomeveryone else, every single subaru hg failure allows the oil and water to mix?
Thats a new one lol
So according tomeveryone else, every single subaru hg failure allows the oil and water to mix?
Thats a new one lol
09 December 2013, 10:15 AM
#28
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Never seen water ad oil mixed in the sump of a Subaru after HG failure. 
Certainly have after the rod has bust the block,
but that is usually more visible and there is no sound of swishing from behind the dash.
Mostly because the water is now about a mile behind the car on the road surface.
Certainly have after the rod has bust the block, but that is usually more visible and there is no sound of swishing from behind the dash. Mostly because the water is now about a mile behind the car on the road surface.
11 December 2013, 06:24 PM
#30
Just an update for anyone interested.
I got hold of a block tester in the end.
Done the test numerous times and fluid stayed blue.
I did notice after shut off that there was a slight hissing sound coming from the header tank cap. Looks like the cap is faulty so I would assume this would cause pressure problems in the system?
Not sure if anyone can confirm this for me. There shouldn't be any air coming out of the cap surely?
Also just wanted to some comments on the following:
Is it normal that if you run the car without the radiator cap on it will over flow out?
Same with the header tank cap if you rev it up?
I think because my cap is leaking I'm getting air in the system every time I drive it.
I got hold of a block tester in the end.
Done the test numerous times and fluid stayed blue.
I did notice after shut off that there was a slight hissing sound coming from the header tank cap. Looks like the cap is faulty so I would assume this would cause pressure problems in the system?
Not sure if anyone can confirm this for me. There shouldn't be any air coming out of the cap surely?
Also just wanted to some comments on the following:
Is it normal that if you run the car without the radiator cap on it will over flow out?
Same with the header tank cap if you rev it up?
I think because my cap is leaking I'm getting air in the system every time I drive it.