http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/

 

Thought is was some interesting reading as I'm in the market for a late 90's Outback.

 

Is there any way to tell if the gaskets have been done? Other then asking the current owner? Does anyone have any tips not covered in the article for assessing the condition of the head gaskets? I'm hopng to go look at an outback this weekend, I had two Legacy wagons previously but both had the 2.2.

 

Thanks!

 

Jared

Edited December 17, 201015 yr by jclay

Undoubtedly you will receive some timely info. I would suggest you also search "head gasket" or "EJ25 head gasket" . There have been recent threads to where with an inspection lite you could determine whether they were "newer improved" gaskets. The fellow (i don't even have an ej25) mentioned certain tabs which are prominant and where they stick out and stuff. good luck

read this

 

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=112958&highlight=http%3A%2F%2Fallwheeldriveauto.com%2Fsubaru+

Is there any way to tell if the gaskets have been done? Other then asking the current owner?

yes you can visually look at the headgaskets to see if they've been changed.

 

you should ask the current owner. if anything you get a quick read on how honest/shady they are. if it's a dealer then you can explain the prevalence of the headgasket issue on this motor.

Even if the HG's have been replaced, you have to determine who did the replacement and their reputation. Even dealer replacements are not fullproof.