Hi:

 

I just got my 97 Outback Wagaon a few months ago with 110K on the clock; everything works well. It has the noisy lifter issue at start-up - it goes away when the motor is warm. I am now getting the dreaded temp guage spikes every now and again - I am guessing this is an early sign of the head gasket going south. The previous owner told me that the HG had been changed at 70K.

 

I am no stranger to shade tree mechanical work. I have the Haynes manual and have done quite a bit of serching on this most excellent site, and am aware of most of what is involved. My questions, though, are:

 

1) the job can be done without pulling the motor, however, is it one of those jobs where I might as well go the extra mile and pull the engine and make things easier?

 

2) what else should I be thinking of replacing while I am this deep into the motor?

 

3) This also speaks to the issue of pulling the engine, I guess, as I was wondering about clutch life expectancy, and related items.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Andy in CA

Pull the engine ,it's way easier to do the head gaskets, To torque the heads in the car is a pain

Things to look at when it's out

1) separator plate , which is behind the flywheel - updated aluminium plate - old style black plastic

2) oil pump plate screws -tend to loosen off and cause oil leak 3) water pump - up to you -it may be time

4)t-belt - got it off - it maybe time

 

As for the clutch you will have to take it off if you do the separator plate

 

SEA#3

and would add seals, main and front, you will have the cam seals anyway. Since the engine has mechanical lifters this will be the time to adjust the valves. I would also do the water pump and tensioner but not everyone would agree with me here.

If you did all this and closed it up my hope is that it will last as long as the rings with no major work.

At least I hope this is true as I had all this work done to mine about 20,000 miles ago and the only problem I've had is that they failed to install a new $12 pilot bearing when they did the clutch. By the way it costs $570 to have a new one installed if theis is neglected. Don't ask me how I know.