2.2 Headgasket?

[axgutt]

I have a '95 Legacy wagon, 2.2l, 5sp. manual, and I just hit 228,000 miles. When changing my oil tonight I noticed a very small puddle next to my oil catcher and looked up at the bottom of the engine. I was very disturbed to see some green liquid on the bottom, which I assume can only be coolant. There wasn't a whole lot (maybe 5-10 drops worth), and it must have done all of the dripping within a few minutes of me turning the engine off (I had just drivin 30 miles). The leak appeared to be next to the oil pan on the driver's side. Looking back to this morning, when I started it up it smoked a bit from the tailpipe, and I remember smelling some coolant (that could have been when I got home).

 

Fortunately I have another car that I can drive as long as I need to. There are tons of Subarus in Charlottesville where I work, so I should be able to ask around and find a decent mechanic. Am I right in assuming that it's probably the head gasket? If so, what else should I have them take care of while they've got it apart? There's a pretty good coating of dark gunk on the bottom of the engine, so I'm assuming there are some other seals that are bad. I was expecting to hit 240,000 in a few months and having the timing belt done then anyway. I don't mind "investing" $1000 in it if it will help keep it on the road for a few more years. I really like not having a car payment, and hitting 300,000 miles would be really cool.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Adam

[coloradosubarules]

My opinion to you would be:

 

If you don't mind spending the 1K on the headgasket then I would have them do the timing belt, waterpump, oil pump seals, cam and crank seals while they are under the hood.

 

This is just me....