PATRICK CONAGHAN Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 Hello. I'm contemplating buying a 2005 Forester XS, but read in the Consumer Reports auto forum that there was/is a head gasket problem with some 2.5L engines for model years 1997-2003. Does anybody know if the problem has been addressed by Subaru (other than adding a special coolant additive, and extending the warranty on the affected vehicles) for model years 2004 & 2005? I had a 1990 Legacy which my family and I liked, except for a persistent and mysterious driveline whine, which the dealer could never fix or explain. I am recently retired, and this will likely be the last new car for my wife and myself. We don't need any expensive mechanical problems a few years from now. Thanks for any info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 Welcome to the board Patrick Conaghan. For future reference you might want to consider putting the problem with your vehicle or the issue you would like to address as the title and not your name. For a second I thought it might be spam but considering I am a kind person I opened it up to see if there was an actuall problem. As for your post I can not help you as I drive the best car in the world. A 1990 (fist year of the legacy) AWD Legacy L with the value package. It has the best engine Subaru ever made the EJ22 (next to the EJ22T). I do wish you luck on your car search and hope in the end you get all the answers you need from us and that you get a truely awesome car that you will love for many more miles to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hohieu Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 Hi Patrick, Regarding the HG issue, they are a true cause for concern on the Phase I 2.5 L engine, used only in the 98 Forester but as late as 99 in the Legacy. These gaskets leaked internally and are potentially disastrous. Some 99-03 Foresters suffer from external coolant leaks, and are being treated with the coolant conditioner you mentioned, which our trusted, independent mechanic, who works specifically on Subarus, says is doing the trick. He told me that the conditioner actually stopped existing leaks. This treatment is not prescribed for the Phase I engine because pressure from the combustion chamber forces gases into the coolant channels, thereby preventing the aqueous silicone solution from sealing the breech. My car has the Phase II engine -- just turned 88 K miles without any headgasket issues. As for the 2004 and beyond Foresters, I imagine Subaru has designed a new gasket, but they did not modify the standard 2.5 L Phase II engine. Enjoy your retirement and good luck with choice you should make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PATRICK CONAGHAN Posted November 27, 2004 Author Share Posted November 27, 2004 Thanks for the info (and the photographs) folks. Being that the failures seem to be at higher mileages, I think I might take a chance on a new Forester. As I said before, I did like that 1990 Legacy wagon! Have driven Hondas & Toyotas since 1994, and had treatment from the Subaru dealer been better, and the sales staff more knowledgeable, I probably would have bought another Subaru or two. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaru X Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 Holy crap I know a guy named Patrick Monoghan...weird...this pretains to nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 Holy jumping junipers batman! I know someone named Fred too. WAY off subject. Check out my hoodpins in my gallery!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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