fishingsno

You know, I have no evidence. I only have the mechanic's opinion. Yikes. This thing did overheat 200 miles from home, and I had to limp back to Ellensburg to get it fixed (quarter-mile runs followed by 15 minute cool-off periods). The tstat was glogged with the stop-leak, and the radiator drain plug was clogged with it, as well. The shop flushed, back-flushed and flushed the rad to lose the gunk, but they didn't add the 'coolant conditioner.) I tried that after I got home. The overheating is intermittent... it will run great for 20 miles, then peg leaving the parking lot. Hey, Mongo just pawn in game of life. What do I know?

I have 140K on this engine. The mechanic says there's a rod knock (I don't know how these engines are supposed to sound, so...), and I can hear the very quiet thunk-thunk on the downside of acceleration. He told me he would swap the engines for $600 or do the head gaskets for the same money. He wouldn't look for the replacement engine; he left that up to me, so I don't see any reason for his suggestion other than real concern. I'd be more cautious if he suggested providing an engine...

After much reasearch, I bought a '98 outback 5 weeks ago. I drove it 1400 miles to Montana and back, where I discovered the guy I bought it from had filled it with some kind of stop-leak. That required a flush and new tstat 200 miles from home. The rest of the trip went well, and I love this car! 2K miles into it I find I need a new EJ25... mine has bad head gaskets, which led to bearing wear, blah, blah. OK, I'm reconciled to reality, but I need advice. Rebuilt or crate? I've heard lots of horror stories about the Japanese crate engines. Any help is appreciated. Crates are available in the Seattle area for about $1200. Rebuilts top $2K. Add gasket kits, pumps and whatever, this thing is starting to top the $4K I paid for it. I know, I know. Guidance, Please.:-\