Equalizer Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 I have a leaky head gasket.....at least that's my suspicion since there were combustion gasses in the radiator fluid. 3 Or 4 containers of "permanent" engine block stop leak in the radiator later as well as removing the thermostat, and the overheating problem is over. It still loses some fluid and power, but am keeping the thermostat out until I can find a good priced, low mileage engine. I found one w/25,000mi. ,(unless rolled back), but too much at $2,000. What is compatable w/this 97 Leg OB wagon? Any recommendations? BTW, its good to be back! (I like this board.) eq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rezmutt Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 A bad head gasket doesn't mean the engine is trashed. How many miles? With low-ish miles, you may be better off with the repair, though it's always tempting to "fix" all problems, current and future, with a new engine. Let us know what you find out. Peace, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Equalizer Posted September 22, 2003 Author Share Posted September 22, 2003 It doesn't seem to burn oil, and gets the same lousy gas mileage that it did 100k ago, but she's got 200,000mi. now. I've pulled some engines to replace clutches (pretty easy, but time consuming), but don't know anything about rebuilding. If the head's warped and needs turned down, there are suppossed to be other adjustments and matters get more complicated. Don't know that a rebuilt top side would be wise w/the possible wear on the bottom, but still a little open to that option. BTW, the past 100,000mi. I've change the oil every 3-6K miles, and sometimes add PTFE. I can get a different one w/almost 100K for over $1000, but that's the rediculous ballpark they are going for around here. BTW, Does anyone know if crate engines are available or a good option? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Equalizer Posted September 26, 2003 Author Share Posted September 26, 2003 Just a recap, I've got a leaky/ blown head gasket(s) on my 97 Leg OB manual tranny. I want to restore my car and see how many years I can get out of it. Its got 200,000miles so, I thought another engine w/low miles might be the best way to go. Nevertheless, I am open to getting a rebuild top end, or crate engine IF I can find one. Until then, the engine seal additives and running without a thermostat seems to be working well. That said, Were the newer '98-2000engine much/any improvement and is '97 the only compatible engine? If so, how can I find what serial #s were the early 97s and the better later run 97 engines w/the "corrections?" Thanks guys! eq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted September 26, 2003 Share Posted September 26, 2003 I've got a 98 2.5 with 12K I purchased for a 97 I thought was making metal. After some assistance from CCR, it was determined the engine was OK. By that time I had the 98 on the way. I verified the mileage with carfax, but I don't have the vin any more. I bought it for $2500, but will let it go for $2100 plus shipping. Email me if you want it. Lmdew@hotmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theotherskip Posted September 26, 2003 Share Posted September 26, 2003 depending on how long the head gasket has been blown, and if it has been overheated badly, you could probably just change out the head gaskets, possibly get the heads machined flat if they are warped. i wouldn't get a valve job unless you are going to do the bottom end as well. i blew out my head gasket a little while ago. i wrote a site about repairing it myself. you can view it here . There's also a guestbook there where people can log head gasket failures, so it can give you some idea of which years have had problems. you could change the headgaskets and seals all for about $250... just a thought. you'd be the best one to make the call, since you know the overall condition and maintenance of the engine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted September 26, 2003 Share Posted September 26, 2003 At 200k I would personally hesitate to put an expensive engine in. I have a philosophy that everything on a car should die of exhaustion at the same time. I would replace the gaskets and drive it till it dies. The problem is that if you go to the trouble of replacing the head gaskets you need to carefully consider the other items that will need attention to insure your investment in parts and labor isn't wasted. I did my head gaskets at 120k miles. I spent a lot more than $250 because I did some other stuff. I think I spent something like $500 on parts that I would consider necessary to do a good job. I spent an additional $350 on a broken pully and rear brakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Equalizer Posted September 27, 2003 Author Share Posted September 27, 2003 99obw, I agree that other things should be done while the engine is out. Good advice. The 200k is 90%hwy mileage, so there isn't as much overall wear and tear as a typical high mileage car. Either way, I can't afford another car, so I will likely opt for a rebuild. Just hate to do it on this engine considering its likely warped. I found someone who is searching. He sold the same engine w/40k to someone for $600 and can possibly get me a similar deal. Thanks. theotherskip, Thanks for the advice. I got a chance to read most of your site and I am mighty impressed! You must have put more time into the write up, records and site than you did the repair. I appreciate your hard work to help out guys like me. It seems as if the newer engines have the same head gasket problems. It makes me mad when car manufacturers refuse to correct their defects. Q: Do you know of any new and improved head gaskets that hold up better than the original manufacturers one that eventually blows? lmdew, Thanks for the offer. Sorry to learn that you ended up having to invest in two engines. I can't afford that at this point, but will keep you in mind and pass along the info to anyone else I come across that needs one. Best regards, eq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted September 27, 2003 Share Posted September 27, 2003 Our engine got pretty hot and the heads were essentially perfectly straight as measured by a machinist. I can understand your desire for a new engine if your car is in decent shape. AFAIK 11044AA610 is the latest rev of the head gasket. That is what I used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theotherskip Posted September 28, 2003 Share Posted September 28, 2003 equalizer: after a lot of internal debate about which head gasket to choose, i finally decided to choose the subaru, even though it is on it's 6th revision. i felt that they are the most concerned with teh problem (whether or not they admit it), and knowing all of the special in's and out's to an all aluminum boxer. on one hand i hated to go with them because of the problems, but i also felt that they were best equipped to solve it! i also used the ...610 head gasket. it seems to be holding fairly well from people who've switched it out... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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