Vehicle: 97 Legacy Outback 2.5L, 148k

 

Fact: I have a blown head gasket.

Fact: I will be repairing it myself.

 

Question: What parts shall I put on my shopping list?

 

I can think of the following:

1) gasket(s) - head

2) gasket(s) - head to exhaust

3) gasket(s) - head to intake

4) gasket(s) - valve cover

5) belt(s) - timing

6) pump - water

7) oil separator plate thing (on the back of the block) and gasket

 

Thanks

timing belt cover gaskets

cam/crank seals

cam cover vent seals

cam cover bolt seals

new sparkplugs

cam cover seals that go around the sparkplugs

O-ring for the oilpump

might aswell change some cooling hoses

rear crank oil seal

timing belt pulleys?

.....

I think theotherskip has a pretty comprehensive list on his web site. Maybe he will chime in or do a search.

Vehicle: 97 Legacy Outback 2.5L, 148k

 

Fact: I have a blown head gasket.

Fact: I will be repairing it myself.

 

Question: What parts shall I put on my shopping list?

 

I can think of the following:

1) gasket(s) - head

2) gasket(s) - head to exhaust

3) gasket(s) - head to intake

4) gasket(s) - valve cover

5) belt(s) - timing

6) pump - water

7) oil separator plate thing (on the back of the block) and gasket

 

Thanks

I'm going to tackle this myself in about a week on my '96. PLEASE let me know how it goes. Hints, tips, etc. are much appreciated.

 

Todd

i had the same car, same year, same problem. i did it myself, along with all the seals and a clutch. you can read all about it here:

 

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze730qe/Head_gasket_replacement.html

 

it's worth getting the gasket kit rather than individual gaskets...

Is there a test you can do yourself? I'm getting some bubbles in the overflow tank of my '97 OBW (138K mi) but the only kit they had at the auto parts store tests coolant for Ph, but doesn't directly state how to test for combustion byproducts.

 

I could have an oil analysis done, but it will take longer than I want. The private garage that does my work says it will be about $1,000.

$1000 is about as cheap as it gets for that job, make sure they are doing it right.

 

Oil analysis probably won't show anything, as coolant getting into the oil on a Phase I head gasket failure is rare. The bubbles are a pretty sure sign, but a test wouldn't hurt.

 

Here is an example of a test kit, I don't know where you may be able to obtain one locally.

 

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LIS-75500.html

 

I have ordered from thetoolwarehouse several times and they are great.