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I need some work on my '02 legacy whose been with me most of my whole driving career, but I don't want to get ripped off. I really don't know anything about this so I'm putting my trust in my fellow Subaru die-hards. It looks like to replace the head valve gasket most of the cost is in the labor, is that right?? If so what would be a reasonable charge to have someone do it for me and as opposed to going to a shop?

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Shops charge $1,200 - $1,500 for headgasket only.  Price goes up as more parts are replaced.  It's wise to do valve cover gaskets, timing belt kit, while it's all apart anyway.

 

How much someone else charges you is dependent on a lot of factors.  If that someone was very well versed in Subaru's and knows what they're doing, which parts to use, and has done 100 of them before - pay close to shop prices and you're getting a great deal.

 

If they aren't really familiar with Subaru's, and have only done an EJ25 twice, I wouldn't be paying them top dollar.

 

$300 - $700 labor....it's hard to put a price tag on side jobs.

 

***Why are you asking?  Do you not trust the person? Are you trying to pinch pennies?

 

Let's back up and assess your situation:

 

1.  that engine, if it's the original head gaskets, leaks start out very slowly and get worse over a long period of time, like 50,000 miles.  so if it just started or isn't leaking very much, you've got a long time to plan out your repair, literally you can wait years as long as you monitor fluid levels.

 

2.  If it's leaking coolant only and not too bad, install Subaru coolant conditioner that's required for your vehicle.  $2.50 from Subaru and it often stops initial coolant leaks.

 

3. If it's leaking oil, there's nothing you can do but replace.

 

If you replace it - use Subaru only headgaskets, Subaru's coolant conditioner, and resurface the heads.

 

do not have the heads pressure checked, mic'ed, magnafluxed, etc - that's all a waste of time on those particular heads.  Resurface only. there's a thread on this forum how to DIY that, it's actually really easy.

Edited by grossgary
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