I have 2002 2.5 TS Sport Wagon with about 45,000 miles.

I noticed that it started to leak oil so I took it to the Subaru mechanic

today. He said cylinder 1 and 3 head gaskets need to be replaced.

I never had to have gaskets replaced in any cars that I previously owned.

Is this a common problem? I was quoted about $700 only because they

are going to replace the pistons in cylinders 2 and 4 because of the

ticking noise which seems to be getting louder--they are doing this

even though the warranty expired in February, but I did complain about

it then. I really love the car and would in the future like to get another one

but I'm a bit concerned at this point.

You have a warrenty correct?

 

Just have it repaired under that. Kinda weird you're seeing leaks so early n the game.

 

Welcome to Subaru!

I have 2002 2.5 TS Sport Wagon with about 45,000 miles.

I noticed that it started to leak oil so I took it to the Subaru mechanic

today. He said cylinder 1 and 3 head gaskets need to be replaced.

I never had to have gaskets replaced in any cars that I previously owned.

Is this a common problem? I was quoted about $700 only because they

are going to replace the pistons in cylinders 2 and 4 because of the

ticking noise which seems to be getting louder--they are doing this

even though the warranty expired in February, but I did complain about

it then. I really love the car and would in the future like to get another one

but I'm a bit concerned at this point.

These issues have covered many times here:) For what it's worth, I have had mine replaced (gaskets and pistons) and ever since, it really does seem bullet proof!

John

Probably most common need of used Subarus. Local garge mechanic would do it for $800. Dealer quoated $1200-1300.

I have 2002 2.5 TS Sport Wagon with about 45,000 miles.

I noticed that it started to leak oil so I took it to the Subaru mechanic

today. He said cylinder 1 and 3 head gaskets need to be replaced.

I never had to have gaskets replaced in any cars that I previously owned.

Is this a common problem? I was quoted about $700 only because they

are going to replace the pistons in cylinders 2 and 4 because of the

ticking noise which seems to be getting louder--they are doing this

even though the warranty expired in February, but I did complain about

it then. I really love the car and would in the future like to get another one

but I'm a bit concerned at this point.

 

I would get a second opinion for sure.

 

It's possible they are selling you a bill of goods. That is a very low milage motor to be leaking OIL(they ussually leak coolant:rolleyes: ) externally from the Headgasket. I'll bet it's actually a valve cover gasket, a fraction of the cost to fix.

 

If the noise from the piston wuites down after warm up, I wouldn't worry about that either, until there WAS a real reason to tear the motor down.

Did they do a dye test or only visual inspection.

they wouldn't have done a dye test on that i bet.

 

i'm with him - Gloyale - a second opinion would be good here. or you could take some digital photos of the underneath and back of the engine and post them here. we can probably tell you what's going on.

 

very odd for a HG to leak oil and not coolant on this EJ25.

 

i can't imagine it comes to this but if for some reason you go ahead and have this work done...which i think is a really bad idea...i'd recommending doing both heads. replace the head gaskets and seals on both sides at the same time. doing one is not in your best interest particularly with such a new low mileage motor.