I'm from Atlanta and I just bought a used 1998 Forester, S edition. It was an inexpensive purchase by the roadside.

 

I'm impressed with all the options this little wagon is loaded with. I did not buy it for the fancy options it's loaded with. I simply bought it because it's very durable, it's AWD and it's a Subaru.

 

Thus far, I'm happy with it. So far I've completed some small maintenance tasks. I finished the oil service and filters. Replace a leaking radiator hose.

 

Next, I want to replace the timing belt, the belt tensioner and idler pulleys.

 

I guess since there has been HG problems for many people, maybe I should go ahead and replace mine now. To prevent a catastrophic engine failure.

 

I just want this Forester in great mechanical condition, I'm not interested in turning it into a show car. It has 252,000 miles on the odometer. I suspect the engine has been pulled and replaced in the past. The engine is very strong and does not smoke or burn oil or leak oil anywhere. The car passed the EPA emissions testing when I registered the vehicle for a license plate.

 

Regardless, if the engine is original, or rebuilt or swapped for a used engine from another Subaru, I would like to complete a couple things on the engine and keep it running perfect.

 

This web site is very nice. We'll done by management.

 

Thanks

Careful monitoring of the coolant level - in the radiator and the recovery tank will tell if you have headgasket trouble. Don't replace them until you start sing signs of failure, it is rare that it's catistrophic IF you monitor the coolant levels.

 

Initially, with a new to me car, that means every first drive of the day. Watch for leaks, no matter how small. Check the level in the recovery tank, and sharply squeeze the upper radiator hose and listen for the jiggle pin and gurgling of air.

 

Waiting for low coolant level to have the temperature gauge read over normal temperature (note: does not have to get to red, just over where it normaly reads) is how to cause the headgaskets to fail.