Subaru Head Gasket? Subarus brands are amazing, reliable, and trustworthy car brands. The brand has been popular for numerous decades and they have a loyal customer base. That doesn’t make it a problem-free or perfect brand.
However, the 2.5 litre engines are very notorious for leaking head gaskets. The problems is found in every model for over a decade beginning in the late 1990s. Furthermore, when a Subaru have a head gasket problem, the head gasket must be fixed for the car to keep running.
Subaru Head Gasket
Before going further, let’s find out what exactly is a Head Gasket?
The head gasket is a thin strip of metal that has an assortment of holes punched through it. During the engine assembly process, they get sandwiched between the block and the cylinder heads. However, the gaskets get placed between the block and cylinder heads during the assembly process.
The work of the head gasket is to absorb the energy between the two metal components near the engine. They are also in charge of keeping the oil in the right oil passages and keeping the coolant in the correct coolant lanes.
Head gaskets are also supposed to be the last line of the engine, and should only really need replacement with major internal auto bodywork happening. However, the gasket works directly with the engine, shifting in position as the engine fluctuates in temperatures between heating and cooling functions.
So, when the head gasket fails, the engine will no longer be able to contain the pressures that have built inside.
What Are Signs of a Blown Head Gasket?
If you have an older Subaru model with a blown head gasket, it means your engine is facing a risk of overheating when compared to a newer model Subaru. And when the head gasket materials start to break down over time and begin to erode, you should notice some or all of the tell-tale symptoms that your Subaru has a blown head gasket.
One of the signs that a blown head gasket in a Subaru is white exhaust leaking from the tailpipe. The white diesel smoke is caused by a lack of heat in the combustion chamber, which means that the fuel is not being burned correctly and at the right proportion.
Though in some cases, the white smoke in diesel Subarus is a result of a damaged or partially-clogged fuel filter, faulty injector timing, or contaminants within the diesel. In Subaru petrol cars, the white smoke can be a sign of burning coolant, black smoke because of oil burning inside, a broken catalytic converter, or complete engine failure.
Other signs of a blown Subaru head gasket is
White oil in the reservoir
Engine overheating
Exhaust bubbles and vapours in your coolant reservoir
Vehicle overheating in various driving conditions.
Newer Model Head Gasket Failure Signs
The newer head gaskets on newer-model cars can do a better job of containing internal leaks than the older models. Although, they don’t prevent any leaks in the fluid passages. However, if this is happening in your Subaru head gasket, then you may experience the following signs:
Oil dropping between the block and the head near the engine
Lower coolant levels
Higher temperature levels during operating
Overheating during long distances
Signs of the Subaru Head Gasket Problems In The First Generation Engine
The first-generation Subaru 2.5-litre engine usually shows some signs and symptoms that the head gasket has blown.
There would be an oily residue in the overflow bottle, in addition to an exhaust fuel, or sulfur smell in the bottle. When you notice this sign, you will now be able to read a higher temperature gauge reading, intermittent overheating, and overheating that happens more frequently during long trips.
Signs Of The Subaru Head Gasket Problems In The Second Generation Engine
For Subaru 2.2-liter and 2.5-liter engines that are in the specific Foresters, Impresas, Outback, and Legacies; The early signs that happen are
- An external oil leak
- External coolant leak at the left head gasket
- Potential coolant leaks at the right side of the head gasket, though this is less common.
However, there are overheating symptoms, the external coolant leaks are much more characteristic of the second generation engine.
Tips On How To Reduce The Chance Of Head Gasket Failure For Subaru car
There are numerous ways that you can reduce the chance of your head gasket failing when it comes to your Subaru cars.
- You will need to change the engine oil on a regular basis. During the combustion process, not all of the fuel that enters the chamber is burnt. The unburnt fuel can mix with the engine oil, and the fuel that is a solvent can erode the seals and gaskets.
- Always keep an eye on your Subaru’s battery in order to prevent blown head gasket or head gasket problems. Batteries typically last for 3-5 years before they begin to leak a significant amount of acid.
- Always change the coolant in your Subaru on a regular basis. However, the coolant can become corrosive and deteriorate seals and gaskets if you don’t change the coolant regularly.
- Ensure you know more about the parts and services that have been implemented into your Subaru. So you should use spark plugs and specific parts that were designed for Subaru models.
- Ensure you have the vehicle inspected by someone who is a licensed and authorized Subaru specialist or technician.
The above tips can increase the lifespan of your Subaru, keep it working in a functioning condition, and also prevent head gasket problems.
