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Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:47 pm
by Jonty
So my wife's new 3.0R-B wagon is currently at the Subaru dealer with the engine out getting the head gaskets replaced, heads machined etc. A bad purchase on my part, but to the dealer's credit, they are covering it all :)

The car has 90,000km on it, so I was thinking I'd get them to do the belts etc while the engine is out to save on labour etc. Now I see the 3.0's have a timing chain, so a timing chain change is probably not required.

Given the engine has been pretty well cooked, is there anything else I should be asking them to check or do while the engine is out? If they're worth their $'s, they will do this anyway, but a conversation now might save us hassles further down the track.

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:52 pm
by Robbks
Is it auto or manual?
if manual, may not be too far away from a new clutch anyway.

check AVCS system, they are notorious for having issues with solenoids/ filters

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:14 pm
by Jonty
It's an auto, so no clutch to worry about thankfully :)

Thanks for the feedback on the AVCS!

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:16 pm
by Tradewind
Robbks wrote:Is it auto or manual?
if manual, may not be too far away from a new clutch anyway.

check AVCS system, they are notorious for having issues with solenoids/ filters


Where are the AVCS filters? would love to know

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:24 pm
by Dropz
Check the idlers for the serpentine belt and it's condition and replace the spark plugs. Wouldn't be a bad idea to get the rear main and front crank seals replaced and the cam seals.

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:28 pm
by Dropz
Get coolant, thermostat Oring and oil and filter done too. They always replace oil but not normally a filter. And sometimes they reuse the coolant if it's not needed, but it wouldn't hurt. Get them to check radiator hoses, water pump, and auto trans cooler hoses that go into the radiator. Make sure the radiator isn't weaping from the top or bottom tanks too. Can't think of anything else.

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 9:15 pm
by Jonty
Thanks heaps Dropz. Some good points there, will have a chat to them about it :)

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:37 pm
by Dropz
No problems :)

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 6:11 am
by senator
Thermostat
New water pump
New top and bottom hoses
APR head studs
Multi layer metal head gasket
Replace all pulleys and tensioners
All gaskets: rocker cover, spak plugs etc
Spark plugs, check condition of coil pack clips

Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 7:20 am
by wally09
Forged internals and a raptor sc :)

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:02 am
by Jonty
:lol: Now we're getting serious! Head studs? This is our family car which will be mostly driven by my wife :) It may end up with an exhaust and a tune, but that's about it :D

I have my Evo 7 for fun :wink:

Some good suggestions in there though :) Hopefully we get it back in the next few days and I'll take some pics and start a thread on it. I do a bit of detailing as a hobby too, so it will get the full treatment :)

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:52 am
by Jonty
So they've pulled down the engine and found major damage to the bores, warped heads etc etc. Engine is wrecked and needs big $'s spent and lots of time off the road :shock:

I've asked the dealer to take the car back and give me a refund, which thankfully they are doing. I have another 3.0R-B wagon in mind, so should hopefully have that within the next week or two. What a saga... :(

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:17 am
by smythie
Holy carp! Now that's a lemon

Good to hear the dealer is doing the right thing for you

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:41 am
by Nottage969
Wow, lucky boy with the dealer indeed! Glad to hear you managed to get out of that lemon purchase relatively un-scarred! Good luck with your on going search :)

Re: Engine out for head gaskets - what else to check?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:45 am
by Jonty
I'm guessing these 3.0 EZ30D engines aren't that easy to come by in used form either? E.g. front cuts or engine/loom combo's?