3.0 EZ30 replace Head Gaskets or entire Engine?

[06Obsidian3.0RB]

So after a recent blown upper radiator hose and overheating the previously slow coolant loss has developed into blown head gasket(s).
Pumps compression into coolant even when cranking. No water in oil, knocks etc.

Car has 206,000km and full service history, MY06 Liberty 3.0R Auto.

Have two options:

1. Drop into Subaru mechanic and let them disassemble diagnose and repair (have not contacted yet to discuss, have to wait until Monday).

2. Replace engine entirely with lower mileage warrantied unit.

Risk with option 1 is how much work is involved, are heads cracked etc, is engine garbage/toast.

Risk with option 2 is replacement engine is no good.

From what I can tell from my research is Option 1 could be from $2k to $3k+ depending on engine damage. Option 2 would be about $3200 inc GST and [robably faster turn-around.

has anyone had any experience with HG on these engines, costs? and other possible hidden traps? do they warp/crack heads etc.

many thanks.

[06Obsidian3.0RB]

No one ever had a Subaru with a blown head gasket?

[Tonic]

Nah... just a big end bearing.... that was a rebuild because I wanted to keep matching numbers... $8,500 later I think replacement engine would have done better,..

[06Obsidian3.0RB]

Yeah yesterday one of the Mechanics I called said they would pull the engine and send it off to engine re-conditioners to 'assess what was required'.

I know what machinists are like and they wouldn't want to stop at just facing the heads and new gaskets, they probably would say everything was out of spec (blueprint for a brand new engine) and insist on re-machining everything, new pistons etc, etc. There would be $3k machining, $2k parts, $2k assembly etc.

[RX25SE]

I did my head gaskets about 4 months ago. Ordered all the parts from Partsoq and sent the heads out for a machine and crack test. Car is a MY07 30RB.

There will be a fairly high labour content as there is a lot to pull off the motor, but nothing a competent mechanic cant handle. A special tool is required to lock the intake cam actuator when it is removed/replaced, but this tool can be hired from Ozwide tools in Melbourne (they can post it out).

The job cost me under $2k for parts and head machining (I also got them to fit new valve stem seals I supplied) plus I replaced all the cam chains, guides and tensioners. Head work was $600 for both heads and I think I would have spent about 3-4 days on the entire job.

[Deluxestrat]

I did my head gaskets about 4 months ago. Ordered all the parts from Partsoq and sent the heads out for a machine and crack test. Car is a MY07 30RB.

There will be a fairly high labour content as there is a lot to pull off the motor, but nothing a competent mechanic cant handle. A special tool is required to lock the intake cam actuator when it is removed/replaced, but this tool can be hired from Ozwide tools in Melbourne (they can post it out).

The job cost me under $2k for parts and head machining (I also got them to fit new valve stem seals I supplied) plus I replaced all the cam chains, guides and tensioners. Head work was $600 for both heads and I think I would have spent about 3-4 days on the entire job.

Any clue what the link to the cam tool is? I can only find a 3.6l tool in their inventory?

[Tonic]

I should mention I got the engine ported and replaced most of the sensors attached. Went really well after that. It was an 06 model 3rb. Have an 09 3rb now and it uses no oil, has a KIDO tune and I sleep more soundly at night.

[RX25SE]

Any clue what the link to the cam tool is? I can only find a 3.6l tool in their inventory?

IIRC 3.0 and 3.6 are the same.

Part number is: DM11-A1400

[06Obsidian3.0RB]

Well courtesy of a hail storm in Sydney it got a low mile engine from an outback nearly 5 years and 38k later touch wood running strong.
Touch wood twice because it's a subaru.