flash

I'm not tyring to be a wongleflute but I had to comment...There are an awful lot of head gaskets being replaced around here. I just recently upgraded to a '97 Outback (132k) from my '89 GL. It's head gasket (or head) didn't blow till 227k miles and it was turbo charged. Are the new cars worse than the oldies? Am I the only one who expects a head gasket to last the life of the car, that is, at least 200,000 miles? You guys are making it sound like it's no big deal.

Dealer says mine is leaking. $500+ to fix (10% of value of car) 1) What is it? I'm a car guy and I never heard of it. Is it something for horizontally opposed engines? 2) If I were to fix it myself, does the tranny have to be completely removed or can I wiggle it out of the way and get up in there adequately? 3) Do these leaks tend to get worse with time? It's very small right now. 4) I assume this is common. Has anyone got any satisfaction concerning this leak from the factory? It is an obvious design flaw if they are replacing the plastic part with an updated aluminum piece. I am sure I won't get help with the age and milage of my vehicle, just curious. 5) Does anyone have pics of this thing and a pic of it installed? My repair manual shows a cartoon of it but it's basically worthless. 6) Feel free to respond with any and all information. It will be apprecaited. I Gotta do my homework before I get involved in these projects. Vehicle: '97 Legacy Outback, 2.5L, auto