Outback00

This is a dumb question, but what is the separator plate for? What does it separate? Why did Subaru use plastic ones?

Ok guys, i am buying stuff for the big HG job on my 2000 OBW with 156,000 miles that I'm getting done after Thanksgiving. I bought a Valeo Clutch kit from I guy I know from work that says that they work fine for his Forester. I'm going through http://www.subarupartsforyou.com for the rest. Head gasket kit Separator Plate Rear Main Seal 2 Cam seals Timing Belt Retaining Clips? (are these the right ones http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_partdetail.php?partid=13476) Let me know if I've got the basics. I don't have tons of extra money to throw around for little things. Thanks!

Ok great. I'm going to call for an estimate probably tomorrow. I'm buying all the parts myself and giving them to the mechanic. So all I plan on paying for is the labor. Is that wise to do? Also, is this the separator plate that I need? http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_partdetail.php?partid=11566

I'm having the HG's and clutch done in my 00 OBW with 165,000. I'm debating about if I should have the rear main seal and cam seals done too. Would it be a good idea? I'm not made of money and the HG's and the clutch alone will be around $2,000. How much extra would having the rear main seal and cam seals be? A lot?

I found a good deal on this clutch kit that will save me $200. This Valeo clutch kit is still OEM quality. Any good?

I'm positive it's an external head gasket leak. What should I ask when getting estimates? I want to make sure I get the right head gaskets. Should I order the Subaru head gasket kit myself and ask the mechanic to use it? I know the kit comes with lot's of other gaskets, seals, etc. Will the person working on my car for sure use everything in the kit? What about a clutch? Should I order one too and ask the mechanic to use it? Or should I let them do all that? So between $1,500 and $2,000 is a fair and reasonable price for the head gaskets, timing belt, and clutch? I know it's a lot of questions, but I appreciate any help! Thanks!

I have a 2000 Legacy Outback Wagon with 156,000 miles on it. The infamous headgasket problem has struck me. I know I'm going to have to get it fixed soon. How much would a fair price be on getting a complete job with all the seals, possibly a new timing belt (had a new one and water pump put on at 100,000 miles), and a new clutch put in?