20 replies to this topic

[Robbo]

I have a MY06 Liberty 3.0 R B Spec that has about 135,000 kms on the clock. Absolutely happy with the car and would be happy to keep it, though I would like to upgrade the sound system. However my repairer tells me that the 6 cylinder motors in these things start developing water pump problems at somewhere between 150 and 180k. And to repair the fuel pump is a major repair, $2000+. This is making me think it's time my Liberty and I parted company. Is this a valid concern?

[hoff]

Water pump problems with a H6? Never heard of it.

My 3.0rb had 200k on it never a problem.
My outback has 273k and no issues at all.

Don't be concerned at all

[Robert]

The water pump is behind the timing cover, (chain driven)

But yeah haven't heard anything thing about premature failure.

[Liberty]

I've never heard of this as well. A car breaks down from general wear and tear, but if the owner treats it perfectly, it would outlast a lot of issues and in some cases not meet those issues at all.

 

I wouldn't worry too much.

[skillionaire]

Hi,

 

You went from water pump to fuel pump, who is your repairer?

 

Cheers,

Nik

[Cam.]

Never heard of either being problems.

[aekOne]

Hi,

 

You went from water pump to fuel pump, who is your repairer?

 

Cheers,

Nik

 

yeah time for a mechanic i reckon

[Robbo]

Oops - must have been after too many beers when I wrote that. It's the water pump that I have been told is a problem, not the fuel pump.

 

Every Holden and Ford I have ever owned has needed a water pump replaced at some point in its life and 150k - 180k seemed like a fair lifespan when I was told to expect problems with the H6. The repairer that told me about it was STechnics in Perth and I then spoke to my more usual mechanic, a semi-retired friend, who confirmed that if the water pump went it would be a very expensive repair because it is behind the timing cover.

 

Still, based on your comments, it sounds like a failed water pump at this stage is more of an exception rather than the rule so I will continue to enjoy my Liberty. Maybe I will spend a bit of money upgrading the sound system, if I can find where to get a plate that will enable it. I may raise another question on that later.

 

Thanks to all of you for your help.

[WillC]

Correct me if i'm wrong but when I did my major service I replaced my water pump anyway as part of the major service? along with belts pulleys etc.

 

And it was not $2000. I had one replaced for a truck and that was $400 for the genuine truck part.

 

I am also a big fan of and oldskool keeping things and repairing it if its broken, not just using it getting rid of things at the first signs of stress.

[Cam.]

On EZ's, The water pump lives in the timing case and is driven by chain. Unlike a EJ which runs off the timing belt.

I've never heard of a water pump failing on an Australian EZ. I've read about it once on an american forum (bad luck in my opinion)

Anything is possible and any part can fail. It just doesn't seem to be common.



Bottom right.

[Adam]

Damn timing chains look cool!

[allpaw4]

EJ water pumps generally last about 130 to 150 thousand. Because of the big job to get to them, it's safer cheaper and easier to spend the 140 and get it done at the major service. But yes, I've never heard of issues with the EZ pumps.

[Robbo]

Fantastic. Thanks for the photo too. It helps me understand.

[Subaru_Bloke]

I replaced my water pump at the same time as doing the timing belt, would it be common practice for a service agent to do this as well?

 

I don't think you have anything to worry about, IMO even *IF* the pump went, unless you boiled the carp out of it, you shouldn't do any major damage.

[Beckers]

Unless the pump seizes, then throws the timing belt.

Valves into pistons, ouch.

This happened to an Ej207 in 04 STI, someone I know.

Time for a rebuild.

[Barbbachello]

Unless the pump seizes, then throws the timing belt.

Valves into pistons, ouch.

This happened to an Ej207 in 04 STI, someone I know.

Time for a rebuild.

Rebuild = forgies and 20 psi so thats ok

[Cam.]

We are talking about chain driven EZ's guys.

[Beckers]

Correct Cam,

 

My comments relate to Subaru Bloke comments.

[Subaru_Bloke]

Unless the pump seizes, then throws the timing belt.

Valves into pistons, ouch.

This happened to an Ej207 in 04 STI, someone I know.

Time for a rebuild.

On my EJ22 when the timing belt went, there was no damage as they are a non interference engine. Would I be right in guessing only higher performane EJ series engines with bigger cams would cause damage?

[aekOne]

Year SUBARU engines Status
<1990 SUBARU engines were basically all non-interference
1990 SUBARU engines 1.8L EJ18 and 2.2L EJ22 non-interference
1991 SUBARU engines 1.8L EJ18 and 2.2L EJ22 non-interference
1992 SUBARU engines 1.8L EJ18 and 2.2L EJ22 non-interference
1993 SUBARU engines 1.8L EJ18 and 2.2L EJ22 non-interference
1994 SUBARU engines 1.8L EJ18 and 2.2L EJ22 non-interference
1995 SUBARU engines 1.8L EJ18 and 2.2L EJ22 non-interference
1996 SUBARU engines 1.8L EJ18 and 2.2L EJ22 non-interference
1996 SUBARU engine 2.5L DOHC phase I interference (valve to valve)
1997 SUBARU engines 2.2L and 2.5L DOHC phase I interference
1998 SUBARU engines 2.2L and 2.5L DOHC phase I interference
1999 SUBARU engines 2.2L and 2.5L DOHC phase I interference
1999 SUBARU engines 2.5L SOHC phase II (Forester) interference
2000 SUBARU engines 2.5L SOHC phase II interference
2001 SUBARU engines 2.5L SOHC phase II and H6 3.0L EZ30 interference
2002 SUBARU engines 2.5L SOHC phase II and H6 3.0L EZ30 interference
2003 SUBARU engines 2.5L SOHC phase II and H6 3.0L EZ30 interference
2004 SUBARU engines 2.5L SOHC phase II and H6 3.0L EZ30 interference
2005 SUBARU engines all interference
2006 SUBARU engines all interference
2007 SUBARU engines all interference
2008 SUBARU engines all interference
2009 SUBARU engines all interference
2010 SUBARU engines all interference
2011 SUBARU engines all interference