Hello all,

I have a 1997 Outback that has 166,000 miles on it.I got a reward for the high mileage........a blown head gasket! I was very excited when I got this prestigious award. In fact ,I was so excited I just tore my engine apart last nite in my driveway! I may be sounding like a broken recordon this forum about HG replacement. I have started to read thru everyone's glrious experience but have not come across some important info. I'm concerned about rebuilding with factory parts (like factory HG). Are there aftermarket parts that are better than the factory parts? If so, what brand do I go with? I heard there is a 5 layer HG but article did not say who makes or where to get it.

Also, I got a second suprise award..........a rod knock! So I need info on a good quality rebuild kit(incl pistons, rings, seals and gaskets). I'm in a hurry to get back running since this work is being completed in my driveway and the snow is sure to fly soon here in western NY.

Thanks for all your help!!

It's interesting to note that Commuter has had the same thing happen to him: a blown HG and a rod problem. He tought they were unrelated and coindidental. Could there be a relation?

166k miles on HG's is not bad. For any engine.

Anyone have a good source for engine parts yet? Or good brand names for HG gasket and other parts?

 

Please help,

signed:in pieces(meaning my engine)

The 5 layer HG is oem and i would reconmend getting it from a dealer to make sure it is the newest revision, as there have been a few.

I called the dealer and they said the fctory fuji HG is a 4 layer. Are there more than 1 type of factory HG? Also, does the thicker HG change anything like compression?

i have heard many times that it is 5 layer.... interesting that your dealer says 4? someone else will post links to good subaru sites. and no the gaskets dont change the compression ratio

Do you have any ideas on where to get good aftermarket pistons and rings? how about a gasket and seal kit? Nobody seems to have a real answer on these parts. thanks

i have heard very good things about www.1stsubaruparts.com but have never ordered from them. they will be my first choice when i need parts.

The last OEM revision of HG for these engines is 4 layer... Unless they have changed them again in the past several months, but I doubt that. P/n ends with 610 as I recall.

 

I'd be loath to use anything other than OEM parts for the gaskets and seals for these engines. Subarus are not that common. I doubt that you will find much out there on the aftermarket.

 

Btw... I got to 160k miles before mine failed. I'm just coming up on 100k miles on the "new" (but still Phase I) engine.

 

Commuter

Not that we would use aftermarket anyway, but take it from me...there are NO aftermarket pistons, rings, or even a gasket kit for this engine yet.

 

We can't even get the rings from NPR yet, and they are the manufacturer! Ditto on most of the bearings and other parts.

 

You'll need to go to the dealer for just about everything...sorry.

 

Emily

http://www.ccrengines.com

Commuter,

 

What's your thought on the rod knock sound happening at the same time as the HG? Bad crank or main bearings? I have not split the case yet, so I'm not sure what to expect. I have an engine hoist coming this weekend. Would you also go with factory pistons and rings or would you go aftermarket?

 

Again, thanks for the help!

Mine blew last week at 150,000. I'm getting a whole engine from CCR. They may be able to help with parts, but I'm not certain of that.

 

CCR's Website

 

Emily & Rick (owner) are AWESOME to deal with!

what kind of deal did you get from CCR on the engine?