Which head gasket is best for a Subaru?
If you’re finally going to have your head gaskets done on your Subaru it’s only smart to choose the best possible gasket available at that time . For a while the only option was a genuine Subaru gasket. Now we offer a solution that is arguably better than anything Subaru currently has to offer for the phase 2 2.5 engine. Plus you’ll no longer be required to install the Subaru Coolant Additive to your cooling system. Stay tuned for more detail as I add to this blog or stop by in person for more info.
Mike
Updated: June 2010
Six-Star® Head gaskets are a multi-layer stainless steel head gasket engineered to insure years of longevity for your Subaru.
We believe so strongly in these gaskets that we exclusively use Six-Star® brand head gaskets on all of the phase1 and phase2 2.5 engines we repair at Smart Service.
We all know that a head gasket issue can be one of the biggest headaches you’ll ever run into on your Subaru. We only use Six-Star® gaskets at Smart Service when we perform a head gasket repair because we want it to be the final time you ever have to replace your head gaskets.
In our opinion, they are currently the best gasket available for the repair.
In comparison to the original single layer head gaskets your Subaru originally was equipped with, these head gaskets are comprised of three layers of stainless steel. Stainless steel is used for added strength, it’s ability to rebound, and it’s natural resistance to corrosion. They are constructed of 3 layers. The inner core is a layer of flat stainless steel sandwiched between and riveted to 2 layers of .010 embossed stainless with a flouroelastomer Viton coating.
The Viton rubber coating is one of Dupont’s high performance elastomers. In technical terms, Viton flouroelastomer rubber based material will easily handle temperatures from -40° to over 400ºF with the ability to withstand temperatures up to over 700°F for short periods.
The composition of these gaskets along with the interlocking embossments create unsurpassed sealing properties making Six-Star® Head Gaskets the ultimate choice for your all aluminum Subaru engine.
No More Coolant Additive!
The unique design and properties of the multi-layered stainless steel gasket combined with superior ability of the Viton coating to withstand heat, chemicals and corrosion, it may be last head gasket replacement you’ll ever need for your Subaru engine. Not to mention, you’ll never need to use the Subaru Coolant Additive ever again on your engine.
Hello Mile Thank you for your information I actually need to replace a headgasket on my 2001 Subaru Outback. I took it for a recall on the cooling system but on 04/16/04 at Peninsula Subary, Bremerton WA but they never told me about the head gasket.
Mike-
My wife’s 2003 Outback 2.5L built in Dec. of 2002 was recently diagnosed with leaking head gaskets (both sides are leaking oil and at least one side (left) is leaking coolant). And supposedly it is also leaking power steering fluid from the “input shaft”.
I have a two part question, the first is whether or not this car would possibly be included in the Subaru recall for leaking head gaskets?
And the second question is that I was planning on doing the fix for this car with a friend of mine who is a mechanic. Could you tell me what manufacturer made this gasket that you pictured? And where do I get it?
Will these head gaskets work on 96 – 99 Legacy and or Outback. Why the range of years, I,ll be buying one soon, and chances are I,ll be changing gaskets. Thanks
The Subaru dealer I bought my 99 Forester from maintain my car since then. 3 yrs ago (at 70,000 miles) they said head gasket leaked and changed both gaskets, which I paid for. I was never notified any recalls about it or not told to use special coolent after replacement. Now 30 thousand miles later, I am just told (during a routine minor maintenance check at 93,000 miles)head gasket is leaking and I need to pay for it. I did not accept to pay for it, but 3 weeks later, my car is still with the dealer and I am using their loaner car. They are not able to come with a solution yet. Tomorrow, I am going to the dealer to talk it out and I want to thank you for the information. It will help me to discuss the issue with them. If you can comment about my situation, I also will appreciate it. I always had a very good relationship with them and that is probably making it difficult for them to say no, but I do not think I should pay for a new head gasket and $2800 every 30,000 miles. If I was notified about the problem then, I would prefer to sell the car after the first incident.
I am about to do my head gaskets for the second time on my 2000 outback(150,000). I would like to know why it is better, who makes this gasket and where can I get them.
Thanks
Jeff
My son has a 2002 subaru legacy GT–how do I tell if it is a phase 2 2.5? I have a feeling that we have a gasket leak as we loose coolant over time, but it must be very slight. I am just wondering if this car is worth haveing an expensive repair like this done or not. We just put $400 into it to have both the O2 sensors replaced and the check engine has just come on again, which our mechanic claims would likely mean the cat is shot. He really loves this car and I have to admit its a nice ride, I just want make sure we’re just wasting our time and money
Hello,
I’m unable to tell you if Subaru will participate in the repairs of your head gaskets but I would certainly call their 1-800-SUBARU-3 customer service hotline to discuss it with them.
As far as the head gasket, they are “Six Star” brand by Northeast Imported parts. We do sell them here and you can call us to order a set if you would like.
Thank you,
Mike
We have the same gasket to fit the 1996-1999 2.5L engine. The best option for the 2.2 equipped Subarus is still the genuine Subaru head gasket.
Cheers,
Mike
I sympathize with your frustration. That is the reason that we went with an alternative Subaru head gasket. We just saw enough repeat failures that we believed there must be something better out there.
I understand the difficult position the Subaru dealer must be in. They want to keep your loyalty but it may be expensive for them to keep it. I hope they decide to help you.
Take care,
Mike
Hi Jeff, We have them in stock if you’d like to order a pair. Northeast Imported makes the “Six Star” gasket.
Mike
All 2002 GT’s were phase 2 2.5 engines. I am of the opinion that fixing the car is worthwhile if it is in otherwise good condition.
I believe that if you crunch the numbers it will be obvious that repairing the car (assuming you like it) will leave you much further ahead monetarily than trading it in on a new one. You compare $3000 bill on a repair to a car you own that will probably last the next 5 to 10 years vs. $3000 down payment plus $600 per month payments for 5 years.
In most cases the most costly repairs will be behind you once the head gaskets are done. Then just normal wear and tear, tune up expenses etc that you’d still have to do even on a new car.
I hope this helps.
Mike
Mike,
I can’t believe I’m reading this! I’ve been battling a “4th cylinder misfire” for the last 2 years. In addition, the engine coolant levels have been dropping, bit by bit, but with nothing showing on the ground. My mechanic just said, “maybe there is a slow leak around the head gasket, which would also explain the misfire”.
Who knew?
I bought the car second hand. It’s got 192,000 miles on it. Probably not worth a new head gasket at this point.
Oh, well.
Kim
Yes we do,
You can call us to order a pair at 206-417-0880
Mike
hey mike
thanks for the information. am considering buying my first subaru, i live in new hampshire and it seems the logical choice. i have been inquiring around and am hearing, from sellers of subarus, that the head gasket issues were taken care of in the 2005 models and later. is this your experience? if i went with an earlier model and the head gasket goes is it a $3000 repair? is it cheaper if you replace the gasket as prevention even if its not going? are some models better than others – although they all have basically the same engine, yes? ill keep researching this stuff myself too…
and kim…dont know what model you have or if this effects you – i have been looking into the catalytic converter problems on subies too and thought of your misfire when i saw this on http://www.cars101.com/recalls.html from 10/09 – is this reliable information, mike?
“Certain 2005-2008 Forester and 2005~2007 Impreza models require permanent removal of the one-way fuel valve located in the fuel tank. The valve is in a sub-chamber in the fuel tank and when the tank’s fuel level drops below 1½ gallons, the sub-chamber is intended to provide a reserve for the fuel pump during vehicle cornering. However, the one-way valve may inadvertently act in such a way as to prevent fuel from refilling the sub-chamber, failing to provide the intended reserve. If this were to happen, the fuel pump could momentarily draw air causing the engine to experience a sporadic misfire condition resulting in possible damage to the vehicle’s catalytic converter. (The “Check Engine” light will illuminate alerting the driver that the catalytic converter efficiency has degraded beyond an acceptable level and may be releasing air pollutants that exceed emission standards.) This Service Program will remove the valve. Program #WVL-22″
I have a 2001 Subaru Forester and have been told there had been a recall due to a failed head gasket. Because I bought this car used I did not receive this recall. What can I do to get this fixed. I have been experiencing problems with this. If I have to pay for it what will it cost me?
Hi Mike, thank you, your a good guy… great info..
I have a 2001 Forester I bought used in 2005 that was “Brand New” it still smelled new inside with only 4 thousand miles on it. (senior couple owned it).
Now in 2010 I have 54K miles on it and my story with it over heating will sound like everyone else that has this over heating problem.
I’ve taken very good care of this car being I’m an x mechanic knowing how important maintenance is to a car.
When the temp is in the mid to low 90′s the car is fine in heavy traffic, the temp needs to reach to 98 degrees before the temp gauge starts to act up towards over heating. I never made it to over heating because I’ll shut down very fast.
I wanted to ask you Mike, has this new stainless steel head gasket been used in another engine application? perhaps for other reasons as if a marine engine that uses ocean water to cool the engines? or maybe even another similar vehicle problem.
Before not knowing that the deal was I thought it was a poor design in air flow in hot weather, so I was going to add a third or a bigger fan with a manual over ride switch to use at will. I’ve seen that done on custom rods and you can actually watch the temp gauge go right down…
But as this head gasket gets worse I suppose I’ll be fighting a loosing battle in time.
I have a 2000 Outback wagon with 141,000 miles that needs a new head gasket. I am told I should also replace water pump and timing belt and should expect to pay about $2,500. I am trying to decide if I should fix or trade it in for a 2001 or newer model with less miles. The car will soon be paid off. A NOC senosr and front CV joints have recently been replaced and oil has been changed regularly. Transmission seems fine but is that next? Any advice on the “fix or buy” question? Thanks!
I should add that I discovered it running really hot one day and had to drive several miles before I could get off the freeway and get some more coolant in the radiator. What are the chances I have done serious damage to the engine? I took it to Walker Subaru and they of course are interested in selling me a car. They said they will take mine with its problems and sell me a 2001 with 87,000 miles for nothing down and $250 -300 month for 36 months.
We see that the newer the Subaru, the fewer the frequency of head gasket of failure. I agree with you that 2005 and newer seems to be slim to nil failure rate. We haven’t seen any issues with the 05 head gaskets and newer yet at our shop. I have heard of a couple 05 failures from my friend at a local Subaru dealer.
If you went with an earlier model, mentally keeping $2500 set aside for a future repair would be prudent. I’m not a believer in replacing head gaskets that are not leaking just as preventive maintenance but, if there are other looming repairs such as engine oil leaks, timing belt needs that would be costing 2/3 or more of the full head gasket expense, it may be best to just get it done then.
Good luck with your Subaru purchase. I’m sure once you’ve done your research and chosen the Subaru that best fits your needs you’ll be a Subaru owner for life.
Take care,
Mike
I think before making any changes you have to confirm what the actual issue with your Subaru is.
If the car is running near the red because of failing head gaskets (either loosing coolant externally or having exhaust gasses pushed past the head gaskets into the cooling system) adding another fan will be a waste of time.
If your head gaskets, thermostat etc. are in good mechanical condition, the fans are coming on when they should etc. I would check to see if you may have a restricted radiator (either internally or externally-bugs dirt).
The multi layer steel gasket we offer for your Subaru is a style of gasket that’s been used in the automotive industry for quite a few years now. The design and materials are what set the quality gasket apart from the average gasket. The same company that designed and manufactures the Six Star head gasket also designs and manufactures head gaskets for NASCAR and other racing applications so they have lots of experience dealing with extreme conditions. I do not know if they are used in marine applications.
Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
Whether or not this particular dealer action affects your particular Subaru is something I can’t answer without your VIN but the WVL-22 Subaru Recall Notice is a valid recall.
I advise you to call your local Subaru dealer service department with your vehicle VIN # and ask them if there are any open campaigns or recalls on your vehicle. I also advise any Subaru owner to do this from time to time since mail intended to notify you of recalls or campaigns may not always get to you.
Happy motoring,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
I think your price point for the repair is in the ballpark as far as complete Subaru head gasket jobs go. If it’s done for much less then there are probably corners being cut.
The decision to fix or trade in depends on the condition of your car and if you’d like to make car payments for the next 3 years on a Subaru that will eventually come up with the same problem in my opininon.
If your 2000 Outback is in reasonably good condition and has been properly maintained than you’ll be much further ahead monetarily to repair it. (If I had it done I would recommend using the Six Star gaskets so you won’t have to do it again in the future). The fact you overheated it may or may not have an affect on the repair price. If it overheated enough to damage the block you would then be closer to the $4500 price range for the whole repair since it may necessitate replacing the short block. If it was disassembeled and the engine block was found to be warped, we do have an in-house method of repairing it if it’s not too far beyond factory specs.
$2500 can be paid of in 8 months at $300 a month. (most probable scenario)
$4500 can be paid off at $300 per month in 15 months. (worse case scenario)
2001 Subaru… 36 months and it will likely still need head gaskets in it’s future based on what we’ve seen so you can add another $2500 in future expenses to that one along with usual wear and tear expenses.
I hope this helps you come to a decision that works out best for you and your Subaru
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
I believe the 3.0 H6 cyl has better chance to survive this head gasket problems than the 2.5
Raphael, Although there are far fewer H6 equipped Subarus out there, they have now been around since 2002 and between both of our Subaru shops we have only seen a couple of failures. I believe if we were to compile statistics, the H6 would have an extrordinarily lower head gasket failure rate than the 2.5 equipped Subarus that are out there. We’ve seen a similar quality on the WRX Turbo 2.0 and 2.5 engines. They seem to have a significantly lower failure rate on their head gaskets also. Maybe another good topic in the works…..
Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
Mike,
I just stumbled upon this site. I own a 2004 Legacy Outback 4EAT that I bought 2nd hand in Jan 2006. It had about 60,000 miles on it and now has 100,000. I took it into the dealership 6 months ago and they told me it had the head gasket leaking and that it would cost me $3,500 to repair. I took it to another mechanic for a 2nd opinion and he said I should call Subaru North America and insist they cover it under WWP-99…despite the fact that only cars thru 2002 were covered under that recall. He also told me this “conditioner” they instruct everyone to put into the engine is just a gimmick…just particle filled liquid to prevent the leak. What do you think?
Hi Jonathan,
Here’s a link to another blog that goes into more detail on how you might approach it:
http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair
I believe it’s worth calling Subaru at 1-800-SUBARU3 customer service to explain your situation.
As far as the “conditioner” being a gimmick… I don’t believe it’s a gimmick but an attempt at a more cost effective way of reducing the number of head gasket leaks on this particular engine(thus reducing possible damage to their reputation). It may serve to fix or minimize the symptom but may not address the cause. Subaru doesn’t have the same deep pockets as Toyota and I believe it’s unlikely we’ll see any kind across the board head gasket replacement recall. I could be wrong but I doubt it. Especially in a situation where a majority of the failures are occuring beyond the 5 year 60000 mile warranty provided by Subaru when a person purchased the car.
Good luck with Subaru corporate!
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
I own two 2003 subaru foresters and both are having head gasket issues. The one had a complete failure in February of this year after noticeable leakage for 3 years. There was a severe internal leakage as well which I feel has been responsible for poisoning the oxygen sensors and cat. So after a $2800 gasket repair I need a $1600 cat repair. The second forester with half the mileage is currently starting to leak as well and it has started throwing cat efficiency errors as well now. Very disappointing. I’ve recommended subaru to several friends over the years and they have purchased outbacks and foresters. Can’t say I’m confident in recommending them anymore as the service costs are comparable to poorly designed North American vehicles. Gave my son the repaired sube, my wife is slowly destroying the other sube and I’m now driving a honda civic. (my first ’89 civic lasted 12 years before it was totaled by a hit from behind and I spent less than $3500 total to maintain it for those 12 years. In fact, this contributed to my decision to buy a Japanese built subaru… how ironic!)
I’m sorry to hear of your woes. I think most Subaru entheusiasts are in the same boat as you and I in saying that we’re all very disappointed by the amount of head gasket failures we’ve seen thus far. I also agree with your opinion that the coolant over time may have lead to the failure of the catalytic converter and O2 sensor.
I hope someday Subaru is able to redeem your confidence in their product. We really love what they offer and there still isn’t a better designed AWD system in existence in my opinion.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
I am looking at buying a 2003 Outback that appears to be in excellent condition with just over 32,000 miles. Is there a web site I can go to that with the vin number, or prior owner information can find out if the recalls were taken care of?
For information on title, mileage and recalls on your Subaru I would purchase a Carfax report (www.carfax.com). I would follow it up with a call to the dealer with the VIN # and request if there are any completed or outstanding recalls.
I would also avoid any Subaru that shows a “rebuilt” or “salvage” title.
Last but not least, make sure you have a Subaru specific shop inspect it before you sign on the bottom line.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Hi
I am looking at purchasing a 2006 Impreza should I be worried about a head gasket leak in the future?
Thanks
Elise
My ’03 Forester @ 90,000 miles was doing hilly commutes 54 miles round trip for 2 years here in NJ at which point overheating on thermostat dial started occurring. My Sube mechanic topped off the coolant, replaced thermosstat & did the timing belt 2 years ago. This month in city stop & go traffic, the car overheated again. This worked for awhile. @ 126,000 miles, after numerous opinion, mechanics chemically analysed the coolant & found positive hydrocarbans, meaning oil leaking secondary to gasket leakin. When engine revved up, saw bubbles in the coolant reservoir. Just spent $1900 on mechanic labor to replace gaskets. Time to trade?
Hi George,
I think it may be a worthy investment to have the head gaskets replaced on your Forester if the rest of it is in overall good condition. Subarus frequently go 200,000 miles plus once the head gasket issue has been taken care of. Let’s say you spend $1900 on the head gaskets and another $500 on misc. other repair/maintenance that might make sense to do while the car is being worked on. You compare that to the diminished trade in value the car has in the condition it’s in along with what you would have to come up with for a down payment to replace the car and it’s a no brainer (espescially when you consider the car payment you will be avoiding).
Now, if budget is not an issue and you just would like to own a newer Subaru that better fits your needs, it may be a reasonable time to part ways with your Subie.
Good luck on your decision what ever it may be,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
Hi Elise,
I wouldn’t be too concerned with head gaskets on a 2006 Impreza. We have seen very few of them fail and they seem to be holding up better than the prior model year Subarus. As with any Subaru, I recommend having it fully inspected by a reputable shop before making the purchase.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
Just stumbled across you blog while doing a search on Subaru head gasket problems. I have a 2002 Subaru Outback Sport with 172K. Last night driving home from work, the radiator overheated, the reserve cap blew spewing this yellow mustard colored liquid all over the interior of my engine compartment. Yup…the head gaskets blew. And I’m not sure why the coolant was so dirty. Was not aware of the head gasket issues prior to this. Looks like I’m in for the full expensive repair, but going to call the Subaru customer service hotline with high hopes. Just wondering if anyone has had problems with Subaru service centers refusing to put in non Subaru genuine parts as the Six Star Headgaskets seems to be the way to go.
Sorry to hear the news C.J.
If Subaru does opt to help you out, I’m sure they’ll only use their own gaskets since it’s the only way they would be able to warranty the work on the head gaskets. It’s the same most places you would go. If a shop can’t use what it feels is best for the job they may opt to do it but they won’t stand behind it.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert