substeve

First time poster. Happy New year all. Looks like I get to be the first gasket post of the year. :-\ As I write my 1998 Outback limited, 2.5L, 139K, is in for a diagnosis at the dealer. Carbon residues showing up in overflow reservoir, and overheated yesterday. Hopefully engine did not crack a block too. Dealer wants $2600 + , but after calling an independent I was quoted $1200 to $1400 plus any additional extras. H2O pump, belts, pullys. I called one independent , 27 years dealing with Subs, and he will not do a gasket replacement on a 98 as he has had many return after being repaired and found short blocks have had problems? cracks? possibly from the overheating.. I'm hoping that after I repair the gasket problem it will be good for another 100k plus, a roll of the dice I figure from reading USMB. Sure liked my Outback til this happened. Anyone out there who has had the gasket work done and has had continued trouble free gasket problems? Need reassurance to keep my outback after getting it fixed as I really like this wagon, and the dogs sure would miss it:) Steve