Subaru Outback Disaster! Part1

Just had the head gaskets re-done on my 03 Forester after 125k. Apparently the leaking issue is apparent in the EJ25 built from 1998 - late 2002. I suspect my donk was one of the last to come out with the problem.

<snip>.

Can I ask how much that was? My 03 Forrie may have a gasket gone - originally thought it was a thermostat, but as it did the same thing again, so now not so sure! Going to replace the hoses first,then get some tests. If it's the gaskets, may hassle Subaru about covering some costs, and is no go, may trade the thing in on something not Subaru (alas).

May have some nice offroad bits for sale for people if that happens!
 
Here in the states the dealer wanted 2,900.00 :rotfl:

I did it my self for 210.00 with some advice from a fellow subbie owner. It took about 3 hours to get the heads off took them to a shop and had the them checked and milled 120.00. Coolant, oil and filter 90.00 and 4 hours to put it back together. the car was down 3 days. I have 2,300 miles on her :rock:

Nate
 
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I know there are a whole lot of legitimate 'labo(u)r costs', however non-dealer commercial mechanics also have these, but seem to be a whole lot cheaper!
 
That is a bloody awful story...

But as a side note - for those living in QLD (not sure about other states) if a mechanic carries out un-approved work on your vehicle they cannot legally demand payment for said work. Fair trading would tear 'em to pieces, there are legal precedents for this. (Mind you, if they held it for a day or so I wouldn't be surprised if the vehicle spontaneously blew up shortly thereafter!). Many years ago I did a pre-vocational automotive course (like doing 1st year at TAFE) and they strongly emphasised this point to us. Never completed the apprenticeship, worked for some dealers and kinda hated it!

If the bill has already been settled then the customer probably does not have a leg to stand on. Personally I would still make a complaint to Fair Trading or whatever the relevant authority is in that state.

Failing that I would continue my long standing personal policy of having a Big Mouth and a Long Memory when it comes to crappy service!
 
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