29 replies to this topic

[Jon]

hi

i have a 2000 outback with what i believe has a blown head gasket but im not sure

was wondering if anyone has ever encountered this problem and could help me diagnose whats going on

its a 2.5 liter


thanks!

[Morgan]

What is happening to make you think that you've got a busted HG?

[B4TT]

Overheating? engine running rough? loss of coolant? oil and coolant mixing together?

[Jon]

well i gave it an oil change about a week ago and i noticed an oil type substance on the left side of the motor that looked like it was sprayed or shot out from some where
it does have a small knock but only when the car is first started and it goes away after a few seconds.
i checked the coolant when i did the oil change and it was low...i toped it off and havent checked it sence
no overheating though

[B4TT]

I doubt very much that you are describing a blown head gasket.

[Morgan]

well i gave it an oil change about a week ago and i noticed an oil type substance on the left side of the motor that looked like it was sprayed or shot out from some where

Split CV boot

[Alex]

Monitor oil and coolant for a few weeks.

Subarus typically don't often mix oil and water like other cars, believe it or not. (but I have seen it though)

Also, when the engine is running at temp, look into the overflow bottle. If you see bubbles, it may very well be a blown head gasket.

If the engine is slow, sluggish, erratic, it could be.

Best to put a scan tool on it, and take it for a drive if you really suspect it. I had my scan tool on my mate's Gen2 GX which was running like a pig. Temps fluctuated like crazy, yet, the dash gauge stayed rock solid. The gauge sits roughly in the middle from about 70ish to 103 degrees.

[RX25SE]

Might also pay to give the engine a good clean to help locate exactly where any leak is coming from.

[Evil_VZ-T]

I agree with the guys above.

Clean the engine first and then check again. The SOHC 2.5s are know for oil/coolant weeping from the rear of the LH head, due to poor clanping pressure of the head. At first there is minimal symptoms apart from a slight oil leak, this overtime gets worse, and in some cases i have seen coolant drip from this area.

If you have a split inner CV boot, funnily enough the grease sprays out all over where the head meets the block and may be what you are seeing?? CV grease smells burnt often, and is a bitch to clean as its Molybdenum and sticks to everything.

So thats two possible things to look out for.

When you said you needed to top up the coolant, was this in the resovior or the radiator itself? As the resovior will move up and down as the engine cools down/warms up. Which is normal.

As Alex said, just monitor it for the next week or so. And report back

[aekOne]

Split CV boot

+2

[CRUISN]

Ive just experienced a blown head gasket. No way the same as what you've described....

[Jon]

Split CV boot

i think your rite...because i checked and there is grease coming out of the boot

i didnt see any tears though...could it be loose?

the axel has maybe 3000 miles on it...

but this doesnt explain why its been running rough

[Jon]

When you said you needed to top up the coolant, was this in the resovior or the radiator itself? As the resovior will move up and down as the engine cools down/warms up. Which is normal.

it was in the resovior after sitting for about 15 min

[Morgan]

They don’t usually spray grease unless they’re split and it shouldn’t fail after 3000 miles… Is it definitely recent? Could be spray from the previous boot?

If there is no grease in the current boot, it will start clacking in no time. Perhaps there was some grease left on the axle after the new one was installed and that is what’s flicked up?

At least it’s not the HG! You avoided that well

[Jon]

At least it’s not the HG! You avoided that well

lol yes but it feels slugish and i cant figure out why

[B4TT]

lol yes but it feels slugish and i cant figure out why

Has no turbo.

[Jon]

ha i wish...but nope, no turbo

[Scuba-Roo]

It's possible that the clamp on the cv boot isn't tight and the grease is leaking out of that.

[Jon]

that could be

i'll check it out tmrw if i get a chance

[Jon]

ok now i know i have a blown head gasket (leaking coolant, overheating, oil and coolant mixing)

how hard are they to replace(should i even atempt it)?

i also have a valve cover gasket blown...the plug wire boots are covered in oil, the oil is getting on the plugs and causing a misfire

how hard are they to do?

Thanks for the help!