methusalah Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 I curious...anyone have any experience with these cars? Do you think one with 142k miles is worth $5k? I've read on the forum that they don't have the same head problems as the EJ25's. How about a 5 speed swap for them? Any advice would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
methusalah Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 Wow...I sound like an idiot! 2003 Outback not a 20003!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Can I take a ride in your time machine? Pretty much any 2003 Outback should be worth at least 5 grand unless it has some serious problems. If it has the 6 it probably has all the fancy stuff, leather, sunroof, VDC. Is the body in good shape? Not wrecked, no rust, paint still shiny? No undercarriage rust, bent suspension parts, worn out bushings. ball joints, wheel bearings? The 6 is a solid engine, but it seems like they are having some issues with the timing chain tensioners/guides when they get into the 200k mile range. A bit of work to fix, but no different in concept than changing the timing belt on a 2.5. Easier to repair before they break than to wait until the chains get broken though. Not sure on the 5 speed swap. Might be able to find some info on Subaruoutback.org. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY_Dave Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 The LL bean H6 has the fancy stuff but no VDC. The specifically badged VDC model has the VDC. 142k for 5 grand? You're lucky we aren't in competition for it, I'd be hitting my savings acct. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 (edited) i just bought a '01 H6 VDC w/ 156k miles and a bad trans for cheap. replaced the trans and it is now running great. but it did leak oil pretty bad when i first drove it. the oil cooler gasket ($8) at the oil filter likes to leak. so if the engine leaks oil that could be it. pretty easy job, but if there is a lot of dirt on the engine wash it off first. you will want to change the oil and filter at the same time, but only some of the coolant leaks out. i first replaced the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals (and the spark plugs, $75 retail). that is a real pain. one bolt, lower rear on the cover, is almost impossible. the ratchet wrench i have would only click 2 or 3 times before i ran out of room and had to reverse direction. if you don't have a set before you do this job, it is worth it to get one just for it. there is no room for a socket. the oil cooler leak blows back onto the valve cover and makes it look like that is leaking. and i think the oil leak was less after i replaced the VC gaskets, the oil spots in the drive way seemed to be less. the VC gaskets were hard and brittle, nothing like the replacements i got from the dealer ($100). so i'm still glad i did them. and having them off did make the spark plugs easier to get to. but i wouldn't pull the valve cover just to do the plugs. and one screwy thing, the VC gaskets had what looked like RTV on them. is this standard or just a case of someone trying to save money on parts? i asked the dealer about the cost of a valve adjustment , they quoted $250, shims not included (bucket and shim like the ej25 DOHC). given the work involved, this is a bargain in my opinion. the service manager also said they don't usually adjust them unless they are making noise. but if you remove the valve covers for any reason, measure the valve clearance so you can at least make an informed decision. any way, the H6 is a great engine and fun to drive. Edited February 10, 2012 by johnceggleston Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShawnW Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 i just bought a '01 H6 VDC w/ 156k miles and a bad trans for cheap. replaced the trans and it is now running great. but it did leak oil pretty bad when i first drove it. the oil cooler gasket ($8) at the oil filter likes to leak. so if the engine leaks oil that could be it. pretty easy job, but if there is a lot of dirt on the engine wash it off first. you will want to change the oil and filter at the same time, but only some of the coolant leaks out. i first replaced the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals (and the spark plugs, $75 retail). that is a real pain. one bolt, lower rear on the cover, is almost impossible. the ratchet wrench i have would only click 2 or 3 times before i ran out of room and had to reverse direction. if you don't have a set before you do this job, it is worth it to get one just for it. there is no room for a socket. the oil cooler leak blows back onto the valve cover and makes it look like that is leaking. and i think the oil leak was less after i replaced the VC gaskets, the oil spots in the drive way seemed to be less. the VC gaskets were hard and brittle, nothing like the replacements i got from the dealer ($100). so i'm still glad i did them. and having them off did make the spark plugs easier to get to. but i wouldn't pull the valve cover just to do the plugs. and one screwy thing, the VC gaskets had what looked like RTV on them. is this standard or just a case of someone trying to save money on parts? i asked the dealer about the cost of a valve adjustment , they quoted $250, shims not included (bucket and shim like the ej25 DOHC). the service manager also said they don't usually adjust them unless they are making noise. but if you remove the valve covers for any reason, measure the valve clearance so you can at least make an informed decision. any way, the H6 is a great engine and fun to drive. Theres supposed to be RTV in certain spots like the ends where cams meet, where 1/2 moons are, etc. Not all the way around the edge or anything crazy. Having the dealer adjust them is probably worth it as the special tool is very expensive and the job isn't any fun either. Most would agree, not worth it unless you have check engine lights for misfires, or noise, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 I picked up a one owner, 2004 Outback SUS 3.0 Limited. Its not a VDC or a L.L. Bean but I traded in my fiancee's '09 Hyundai Sonata Limited for it. Paid a bit more then I wanted to but it has 96k miles and has never been in an accident and is a very clean car, especially underneath. No oil leaks but there is some maintenance stuff I had to take care of, plus a few minor things. I love that car and for you to find a 3.0 for $5k.... Wow, I should go get it to swap it into my XT6:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 great price. i'd be wondering why it's so low, but if the seller checks out that's a great deal. i've got two - great cars and engines. like John i rebuilt a wrecked one (the pre-tensioners and air bag stuff scare people), and got one with a blown trans. replace the serpentine belt idler and tensioner pulley bearings NOW. they fail, all the time, like insanely frequently. reliability issue and they can take out other parts once they let loose. the bearings easily tap out and tap new ones back in. 6203 comes to mind for bearing part number but you can check. same bearing for both. there's also an off the shelf DAYCO pulley available at nearly any auto store that's $10 - $20 each if you just want to swap a part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY_Dave Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 On the valves, do the H6 valves tend to loosen (wear) or tighten (valve seat recedes)? Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 On the valves, do the H6 valves tend to loosen (wear) or tighten (valve seat recedes)? Dave all subaru's with adjustable valves tighten with age right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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