I'm looking at an 01 legacy wagon with 233k, but am concerned about the number of posts I've seen about head gasket failure on legacy motors. Is the 2001 engine prone to this problem as well?

 

TIA

yes, although its not as severe as the 99 and earlier 2.5 engines. And it fails externally so it will just show up as a coolant leak.

 

Although at 233k miles it would have probably already been replaced at this point.

oh you are in canada so 233k is probably km right? Plan on a replacement of HG's if there are no records of this being done. or just let it leak and keep it topped off.

yes - 2000 and up (and some 99) SOHC EJ25's still have headgasket issues but they are different and less problematic than earlier generation EJ25's.

 

check - many have already been replaced. in the US that vehicle was covered under a 100,000 miles extended Headgasket warranty campaign by subaru, you can read all about it online. of course that warranty does not mean it was ever done.

 

like i said though, this generation headgasket issue is not nearly as problematic as the older ones. when they fail, they just leak externally and start as a slow drip and do not overheat. the older models would overheat instantly and many folks would drive them hot - causing other issues immediately or down the road.

You can check for external leaks of coolant from the rear of the heads. Keeping an eye of the fluid level (cold in the radiator) and topping up as required will minimize the chances of the HGs going. As some said the HGs may have been replaced previously.

 

If you don't have a complete maintenance history on the car, drain and change the cooling system fluid and add a bottle of Subaru Cooling System Conditioner (P/N: SOA635071) that was specified by Subaru to reduce the occurrence of HGs developing external leaks. Its ok to put two bottles in, if needed.

 

Thanks guys. I've decided not to risk buying this model.