Hello All,

Since this is the forum that I have used for my Ranger I have a general automotive question. I have a 2003 Subaru Forester with 222k on the original head gasket. That is an accomplishment in its own right. I have had a head gasket leak for no kidding around 17 years. Now it is leaking oil and coolant externally. I think it is time for another car for the wifey.

I do want to limp the car for a bit as we find what her next car will be and am planning on putting in some stop leak in the coolant. I know that this is a bad idea as it can lead to further trouble if I was going to fix the issue but I do not plan on doing that as it is an old jalopy type of car. Head gasket replacement is fairly pricey, 2 to 3 thousand, and I just don't feel like trying to do it myself however much fun that sounds like.

All that being said what type of stop leak would you try or do I just keep a keen eye on the fluid levels as I have been for the past 15 years?
The sad thing is I thought I fixed the coolant leak when I found that the coolant hose clamps were a bit loose. I fixed the inner and outer tie rods and was about to do a break job also. But now with this finding, I think we will classify the old girl as a DNR.

Thanks for all the help but like an old dog sometimes its just time. We have had the car so long that I feel bad about it. Its been a great car other than leaking oil for 17 years. If Subaru did not have this issue with the head gaskets they could have been the best product out there. They have world-class AWD and a generally very stout car.

Thanks all,


BOB

 

Just a follow-up.

I got an estimate from my mechanic I use that the repair would be 2200 dollars which include rebuilt heads. That's reasonable but with the timing belt done at the same time would be likely 2600 dollars or so. Just not sure the old girl is worth the effort.

I am kind of sad about the whole deal as I do not enjoy spending money but we keep our cars forever so we get our money's worth.

Thanks for letting me share my woe.

BOB

 

I have used the Rislone head gasket fix on a few engines, no complaints

All of these are Liquid Glass, it hardens when exposed to 1,500+ degF heat, like in a cylinder when it fires
It seals the leak but breaks off and needs to be replaced again, and again, and again, and ect...............
So it gets used up

Generally about 2 to 3 months depending on driving and the size of the leak

You should give the cooling system a good flush, before adding it and of course before the head repair
Older cooling system already have clogged passages, so adding more particles is not great, so flush it as well as you can

 

Thank you Ron,

I will use what you suggested. My wife only drives the car about 6k per year so a bit of limping may buy us enough time to find what she wants. We are thinking of the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue, or Nissan Kicks. I would think that the Honda is a better bet albeit more expensive. The little she drives who knows how long the next car will be part of the family.

I will give the sealant a go and if it kills the car it was meant to be. She really liked that little Subaru and as the years went by so did i. There are not many little wagons. I wish that they still had the Focus wagon or even hatchback but they have been discontinued.

Long live your beloved cars.

BOB

 

For that price, I'd be shopping for a low mileage engine and install. Should be similar or less money, plus you get a low mileage engine.

 

Hello All,


Thanks for the replies.

The Subaru is officially in DNR status.

I will change oil and add coolant as needed but that is it.

We are looking for a new car.

Too bad the market is so bad, it takes any idea of fun out of it.

My wife likes tiny cars, So far Kia Soul, Hyundai Kona, and maybe another Subaru.

Too bad they don't make the old Rangers I would buy one. Maverick is a thought but you can't find them.


Wish us luck that the Subaru will last a bit longer until the market improves, but it may never improve as this is the new way of doing business.