2009 Forester rebuild, or replace?

[BuellMule]

First time poster, long time lurker.

Back in 2009 I purchased a 2001 Forester for $2K and drove it for about 18 months, and then foolishly traded it in for a 2005 Honda Pilot. We still miss that little green Forester to this day.

I am just about to purchase a 2009 Forester for the, what seems like a bargain price of $2000. 120K on it. But it seems it has a knock. I have not yet heard it myself. This will be purchased from a family member.

Now, to preface my question... I am a toolmaker by trade, but started my machining career in an automotive machine shop. Rebuilding everything from Kohler single cylinder engines, to straight 8 Buicks, cat diesels, and even a 412 Rolls Royce V8(which was $4K just in PARTS back in 1986).

SO, I have a couple of questions for those far more experienced in Subarus.

1.) It seems to be well worth the price of admission for $2k. Considering good running Foresters in my area are catching about $6500-$8000 with 120K on the clock. KBB trade in value of $5300.

But is it really worth it?

2.) I've been reading and watching a few  videos on rebuilding the Subaru 2.5L. Doesn't seem overly daunting. But it's harder than a typical 4 cyl. Considering you have to split the cases.

Should I rebuild? Or should I just purchase a reconditioned short block? 



One reason for tackling this, is a would be a good project for my 15 year old and I to have a project to do together. Teach him a little bit about cars, and a little less video game time!

Thanks in advance.

[montana tom]

Rebuild it.  Splitting the case seems daunting but its not bad at all. Make sure you have a heavy duty 1/2 " drive 14mm 12 point  (snapon calls it the subaru head bolt socket) A ,TP-40 torx plus for the head caps. And buy subaru case o rings and block sealing washers as well as only subaru head gaskets. Good project for you & the boy.

[lmdew]

www.car-part.com check for a yard engine.  Your son will still learn a bunch from the engine replacement.

 

There are a bunch of USMB members that rebuild engines full time. 

 

I work on older stuff 96-99 Outbacks were I can find a good used 2.2 for $300 and drop it in with new seals, timing belt... for under $500.

[Fairtax4me]

Depends on what, if any, damage is done to the crankshaft. If you have the ability to re-grind the crank if it's scored then I would say rebuild it. if it comes down to replacing the crankshaft, a new shortblock my be a better option.

[1 Lucky Texan]

first, diagnose the knocking, a weak timing belt tensioner can mimic a knock. The timing belt SYSTEM should have been done at 105K miles. If only a belt was done instead of rollers an tensioner, the tensioner could have failed.

[BuellMule]

That is a promising theory. Head gaskets and timing belt were JUST done on it.

Edited November 6, 2016 by BuellMule

[matt167]

If they reused the tensioner, it could have blown from compressing too quickly= knock knock tensioner

[heartless]

is it really a knock, or is it piston slap?

 

I would determine that before I did anything else