2001 outback head gaskets replacementi have a 2001 outback 102,000 miles. brought it

[scarfire]

i have a 2001 outback 102,000 miles.

 

brought it in to have the timing belt replaced. was told about $500 which

seemed to be the going rate.

 

the car leaks oil. turns out i need both head gaskets replaced. he said he'd do the head gaskets and the timing belt for $1675 - maybe less but there could be engine damage already. they won't know until they get it apart.

 

is this a fair price?

 

also - the check engine light is on and it's been diagnosed as an Oxygen sensor AND a catalytic converter. another $1400. (i put this job off for now - only doing the gaskets and the timing belt.

[davebugs]

Post a meaningful location.

 

Someone here may be able to steer you to a mechanic with firmiliarity of Subaru's or assist you to do it yourself.

[idosubaru]

the mechanic isn't familiar with subaru's or at least this engine/year. which is okay if you give him some guidance.

 

the oxygen sensor is an easy fix. depending on the code it'll need an oxygen sensor or a $5 adapter to fix, they're available on ebay. lots of info on that here. $1,400....or $400 is just plain stupid to fix that code due to the nature of the cause. find someone willing to fix it for you without replacing the catalytic converter, that would be a waste.

 

now headgaskets - TONS of info on headgaskets here.

 

YOUR ENGINE IS FINE. there won't be any damage on these motors. you just need new headgaskets. they leak externally and it causes no damage. actually you can continue to drive it like this for a VERY long time typically. they gradually get worse over time and don't "fail" or "blow up". if it's not annoying to you, you could consider driving it like this for a very long time, just keep checking/adding oil as necessary. unfortunately due to the layout oil eventually starts dripping and burning off the exhaust which smells terrible.

 

as for the headgaskets. your engine/year/model is actually covered under a Subaru extended headgasket warranty up to 100,000 miles. you'd be aged out as well, but it never hurts to call Subaru and see if they'll give a discounted price or something? sometimes they go beyond the warranty guidelines and will offer help....and you're about as close as you can get.

 

be sure to tell your mechanic some very important points:

1. Use subaru only headgaskets on this engine. aftermarkets aren't wise on this engine (fine, even better sometimes, on other subaru engines, but not this one).

2. Subaru has a coolant additive that is required in this engine and will be needed with the coolant refill after the headgasket job. It's the only Subaru engine like this, he's not likely to know.

3. Have the valves adjusted on the heads.