Comments on: Which head gasket is best for a Subaru? http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:29:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-11102 Mike Corbin Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:29:44 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-11102 We prefer Subaru coolant (but no additive). Also, included with all the Six Star gaskets there is an instruction sheet on the proper torquing procedure. Mike We prefer Subaru coolant (but no additive). Also, included with all the Six Star gaskets there is an instruction sheet on the proper torquing procedure.

Mike

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-11100 Mike Corbin Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:23:49 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-11100 Hi Mike I believe they've been around for about 3 1/2 years now (possibly longer but that's how long we've been using them). As far as finding happy end users, you'll have to do a little google searching on that one. Take care, Mike Hi Mike
I believe they’ve been around for about 3 1/2 years now (possibly longer but that’s how long we’ve been using them).

As far as finding happy end users, you’ll have to do a little google searching on that one.

Take care,
Mike

]]> By: Mike Daniels http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-11071 Mike Daniels Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:54:50 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-11071 Hi Mike, My Six Star gaskets are on order and by the grace of God I managed to find a mechanic (more like shop owner by day, top fuel drag racer by night...this guy probably rebuilds engines like I change my socks) that I feel comfortable giving my car to knowing that what I consider to be major surgery will be performed. Anyway, this man seems enthusiastic about giving me a good job and is willing to work with me regarding the use of Six star gaskets. However, he has asked me the following questions: Is there any special type or brand of coolant recommended for use with Six Star gaskets (you've already stated that Subaru coolant conditioner will not be necessary) and are the manfacturers bolt torque specifications still applicable? If not, what are the bolt torque specifications when using six Star gaskets? Mike Hi Mike,

My Six Star gaskets are on order and by the grace of God I managed to find a mechanic (more like shop owner by day, top fuel drag racer by night…this guy probably rebuilds engines like I change my socks) that I feel comfortable giving my car to knowing that what I consider to be major surgery will be performed. Anyway, this man seems enthusiastic about giving me a good job and is willing to work with me regarding the use of Six star gaskets.

However, he has asked me the following questions:

Is there any special type or brand of coolant recommended for use with Six Star gaskets (you’ve already stated that Subaru coolant conditioner will not be necessary) and are the manfacturers bolt torque specifications still applicable? If not, what are the bolt torque specifications when using six Star gaskets?

Mike

]]> By: Mike Daniels http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-10939 Mike Daniels Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:15:15 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-10939 Thank you so much Mike. I definitely intend to give Six Star gaskets a shot. I read above that they're about $100/pair (reasonable when considering a $1500 - $2000 job). I just need to find a reliable mechanic who will install them without causing other complications. I understand that the engine needs to be pulled to perform the job and honestly the thought of anyone besides the dealer doing something like that causes me a little concern. Also, I was just wondering, how long have Six Star gaskets been available to Subaru owners? Because I managed to get approximately 6 years/80,000 miles out of my last head gasket replacement, or at least I THINK I did (complications caused by a failing water pump made it hard to tell exactly WHAT was going on with my engine), I am curious to know whether there are any blogs from Subaru owners satisfied that they have used Six Star gaskets. Or is it too early to expect to hear from a Subaru owner that's gotten say 100,000 miles out of Six Star gaskets and swears they're the best thing since fuel injection? :-) Mike Thank you so much Mike. I definitely intend to give Six Star gaskets a shot. I read above that they’re about $100/pair (reasonable when considering a $1500 – $2000 job). I just need to find a reliable mechanic who will install them without causing other complications. I understand that the engine needs to be pulled to perform the job and honestly the thought of anyone besides the dealer doing something like that causes me a little concern.

Also, I was just wondering, how long have Six Star gaskets been available to Subaru owners? Because I managed to get approximately 6 years/80,000 miles out of my last head gasket replacement, or at least I THINK I did (complications caused by a failing water pump made it hard to tell exactly WHAT was going on with my engine), I am curious to know whether there are any blogs from Subaru owners satisfied that they have used Six Star gaskets. Or is it too early to expect to hear from a Subaru owner that’s gotten say 100,000 miles out of Six Star gaskets and swears they’re the best thing since fuel injection? :-)

Mike

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-10937 Mike Corbin Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:20:29 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-10937 Hi Mike, I believe that currently the Six Star head gaskets is the best available choice for your Subaru. Although there have been a few reports of failures it's the closest you can get to a "final answer" in my opinion. Items that help insure that they last include having the heads and block machined to a 50ra finish or better cleaning the threads for the head bolts and properly oiling and torquing the head bolts. You may not necessarily need the block or heads machined but if we're going for perfection that would be the best you can do. Take care, Mike Corbin Smart Service Seattle's Subaru Independent since 1999 Seattle Washington Hi Mike,

I believe that currently the Six Star head gaskets is the best available choice for your Subaru. Although there have been a few reports of failures it’s the closest you can get to a “final answer” in my opinion. Items that help insure that they last include having the heads and block machined to a 50ra finish or better cleaning the threads for the head bolts and properly oiling and torquing the head bolts. You may not necessarily need the block or heads machined but if we’re going for perfection that would be the best you can do.

Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Seattle’s Subaru Independent since 1999
Seattle Washington

]]> By: Mike Daniels http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-10934 Mike Daniels Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:56:47 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-10934 Hi Mike, I have a '98 Outback Limited bought used in October '04 w/82,000 miles. The head gaskets and timing belt were replaced by a dealer in February '05 ($1400.00). Over the next 7 years (80,000 miles) I've invested in a new starter, 4 struts, 2 cats w/sensors, another timing belt, water pump, thermostat, miscellaneous boots and gearbox fluids. Currently the power steering pump is leaking but I'm not complaining and intend to fix that also because I love the car.....but I hate the engine which two days ago started overheating. Based on my observation of the engine's operating characteristics, I suspect I'm pushing exhaust gas into the cooling jacket. Are Six Star head gaskets my "final answer"? How much do they cost compared to the OEM's? Is there any other/additional engine repair procedure(s) you can suggest that would increase the opportunity for me to perhaps move on to some body work? Mike Hi Mike,

I have a ’98 Outback Limited bought used in October ’04 w/82,000 miles. The head gaskets and timing belt were replaced by a dealer in February ’05 ($1400.00). Over the next 7 years (80,000 miles) I’ve invested in a new starter, 4 struts, 2 cats w/sensors, another timing belt, water pump, thermostat, miscellaneous boots and gearbox fluids.

Currently the power steering pump is leaking but I’m not complaining and intend to fix that also because I love the car…..but I hate the engine which two days ago started overheating.

Based on my observation of the engine’s operating characteristics, I suspect I’m pushing exhaust gas into the cooling jacket.

Are Six Star head gaskets my “final answer”? How much do they cost compared to the OEM’s? Is there any other/additional engine repair procedure(s) you can suggest that would increase the opportunity for me to perhaps move on to some body work?

Mike

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-10840 Mike Corbin Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:56:44 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-10840 There's no perfect way to machine the block without the chance of some metal making it down in the bore. Most machine shops want you to provide block without pistons. Ask your local machine shop. They all have a little different way to go about things and different equipment setups. Mike There’s no perfect way to machine the block without the chance of some metal making it down in the bore. Most machine shops want you to provide block without pistons.

Ask your local machine shop. They all have a little different way to go about things and different equipment setups.

Mike

]]> By: Robert http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-10839 Robert Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:20:23 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-10839 Hi mike, In order to machine the block, does it have to be completely disassembled? Is there a way to keep metal out of the short block while machining it? Hi mike,
In order to machine the block, does it have to be completely disassembled? Is there a way to keep metal out of the short block while machining it?

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-10838 Mike Corbin Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:32:30 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-10838 Hello Mike, If any machine work must be done on the head or block, a final finish of 50 RA (roughness average). If the block is disassembeled and there is no warpage or imperfections in the head or the block, the factory surface is acceptable. We find that more often than not, at least the heads need resurfacing. Take care, Mike Corbin Independent Subaru Expert Seattle, WA Hello Mike,

If any machine work must be done on the head or block, a final finish of 50 RA (roughness average). If the block is disassembeled and there is no warpage or imperfections in the head or the block, the factory surface is acceptable. We find that more often than not, at least the heads need resurfacing.

Take care,
Mike Corbin
Independent Subaru Expert
Seattle, WA

]]> By: mikec http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/03/which-head-gasket-is-best-for-a-subaru/comment-page-2#comment-10835 mikec Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:03 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=128#comment-10835 I sure wish that you guys had a shop in Milwaukee! I have an 02 with a slightly leaking head gasket. Early in the questions [Sept 28, 2010] you said that the head and block surface for the six star gasket replacement should be RA 50 polish. But later [July 7, 2011] you said they should be machined if they were warped or there was a "crease" from the embossed area. So my question is: Do you normally machine the heads or do you normally just clean the heads prior to installing the six star gaskets. In other words, is the surface from the manufacture acceptable for the six star gaskets assuming that the heads are not warped or show any deformities. I sure wish that you guys had a shop in Milwaukee! I have an 02 with a slightly leaking head gasket.

Early in the questions [Sept 28, 2010] you said that the head and block surface for the six star gasket replacement should be RA 50 polish. But later [July 7, 2011] you said they should be machined if they were warped or there was a “crease” from the embossed area.

So my question is: Do you normally machine the heads or do you normally just clean the heads prior to installing the six star gaskets. In other words, is the surface from the manufacture acceptable for the six star gaskets assuming that the heads are not warped or show any deformities.

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