some of the posts here recommended using the OEM valve cover gaskets rather than aftermarket versions....dealer wants $20 Each....while that seems a little excessive....it gets worse .....they want $6.20 Each for the special bolt washers.......what the f^&%.......there's 6 of them!!!

Any suggestions???

1stSubaruParts list each at 10.46 USD and in my opinion that includes the three washers.

I dont remember the price to the cent, but when I replaced them this summer, i think i paid 20$ Can for each gasket, washers included.

https://www.1stsubaruparts.com/

Yes, they are not cheap! But they will last a long time. UNlike the ones that the car came with from the factory.

prices on parts at any dealer (not just Subaru stores) depend on the parts pricing "matrix" that the parts manager has employed for "over-the counter" parts sales. Typically, small parts (like valve cover bolt seal washers, for example) that cost the dealer only a little are marked up the MOST, so they make the best profit. Many dealers will apply a particular parts matrix to groups of parts that they consider "fast movers", again to maximize their profit. As you're probably well aware, all of this pricing matrix stuff can vary tremendously from dealer-to-dealer. I bought twelve valve cover bolt washers (13271AA051) from a dealer here in MD for 3.10 each; dealer cost is 1.77 each and Subaru LIST is 2.95 each. Have you checked other dealers in your area? Dealers in urban areas tend to be worse about this because they often have a "captive audience" business ethic (or lack thereof).

I just did three cars using a sets bought at my local parts store. It's made by Fel-Pro and was very nice. The seals were high quality rubber and it came with all the little bolt washer seals. The entire kit was something like $25. I see no reason not to use it. There are lots of parts that the Dealer just charges too much for, and for something as basic as a valve cover seal I'd need to see some real hard evidence against aftermarket to not use them.

 

Keith

Dealers, vary, parts counter workers vary...

 

I keep a database on all the Subarus I work on and belive me, depending on which dealer I go to and who I talk to... prices can fluctuate quite a bit. So I try to go to Carr subaru and get my usual parts guy... he hooks me up (though I still dont know his name!)