My 01 OBW-LTD cleared 58K miles last week, and started to have a smell of antifreeze after driving or idling for a while. Couldn't spot any leaks, and no visible loss of liquid from the plastic overflow/holding tank. Finally saw liquid loss after 2-3 days, took it out for a system pressure check and found it has a blown head gasket on the left side. Dealer is warranty-ing the repair and will give me a loaner, should I be concerned about the right side also? I know many have pointed out the Gen I's had challenges, and now a smattering of Gen II's are popping up. Got the timing belt tensioner replaced 2-3 weeks ago on warranty, and now I see a few others posting issues. Just thought y'all might be keeping score.

Speed Safely, David

If you feel like putting out some effort, either tellthem you want both sides to get the newest revision gaskets OR a free extended warranty. Say;" You'd want the same if it was your car wouldn't you?"

good luck

The phase II always leaks from the lower left side, I have never seen a leaking right side.

 

Has anyone seen a leaking right side??

 

The Phase II suffers an external leak of coolant, unlike the Phase I which suffers a blown head gasket with coolant entering the cylinder, and cylinder gases entering the coolant system.

 

I have seen a few blown Phase II head gaskets, but only due to loss of coolant from an external leak causing overheating, and not from any other cause.

 

Has anyone encountered "blown" head gasket (not just an external leak) on Phase II's?

 

It is probably a good idea to change both gaskets at the same time, since it is lot of common work to change both gaskets such as removing the electric fans, timing belt, etc. Changing the left side requires 80% of the work to change the right side as well.

 

Some Subaru dealers were changing both sides, but now most just change the leaking side. I suppose SOA clamped down on warranty claims.

I went to pick up my loaner, and my car was DONE!! They did both sides, left gasket leaking oil (I reported that weeks ago, the tech thought it was dirt burning? ?), AND replaced the thermostat and waterpump, along with all gaskets and fresh anti-freeze, oil & filter. I am kind of amazed at the amount they replaced, and will visually check tomorrow in daylight, but all bad smells are gone.

All on warranty, I glanced at the worksheet and it looked like ~$780 in parts & labor. Of course, this many challenges at 58K makes me wonder about long term. Been running synthetic oil since 6K miles, pay attention to all fluid levels, never overheating or other challenges, and average 97 miles per day driving so everything gets good and warmed up:grin: Brakes at all four corners at ~45K, but engine challenges so early are a bit worrisome. Should I expect the second set of head gaskets to live longer?

TIA, David