Head gasket repair decisions

[TheGreatPunanski]

Hi all,

I'm kind of stuck in limbo at the moment, I really love my libby but the quotes I've been receiving are so damn expensive!! I mean I can kind of understand why, I've been told that other parts may need replacing aswell, and also to bare in mind that even if I do get it repaired, something in the bottom end may start to fail down the track..
I've also been advised to go with a 10k repair including new sti short block if I planned to keep the car for a long time..

Budget is around 5k

What's the best options to go about this??
I'm having arguments with the wife and she wants to sell the car off.. haha

[owen]

Invest in a helmet.

Tell the insurance company a tree jumped out in the middle of the road...

[Surge]

Well it seems an sti shortblock is under $3k to buy.

http://www.gotitrex.com.au/sti-my08-my1 ... hort-block

A headgasket repair normally should be under $2k, prob ably closer to $1500 if you find a subaru specialist but not a dealership.

What other things need doing?

[TheGreatPunanski]

Well it seems an sti shortblock is under $3k to buy.

http://www.gotitrex.com.au/sti-my08-my1 ... hort-block

A headgasket repair normally should be under $2k, prob ably closer to $1500 if you find a subaru specialist but not a dealership.

What other things need doing?

Under 2k? Where from? Cheapest I've been quoted was $3500 + machining heads.

Not sure what else needs doing, I bought it at 137,xxx km's, not sure if water pump, oil pump and belts have been replaced yet? Also not liking the idea of spending all that money and later down the track having to worry about the bottom end, plus after reading a few forums and info, there are apparently engine issues with my07 - my08, so I'm probably leaning towards selling/trading in and save the headaches lol..

[bigBADbenny]

Where are you located? Might pay to shop around for a better quote from a shop that know what they're doing

[Surge]

For a good portion of this year I actually worked at a subaru dealership and we didn't charge $3k for headgasket being done. However I have to say that the few times that was quoted was on a SOHC ej25 and not a 2.5T. The dealership did always send off the heads to be machined.

I'd still try to find a second quote if you can.

There must be a mechanic in your area that will be more reasonable.

[TheGreatPunanski]

Where are you located? Might pay to shop around for a better quote from a shop that know what they're doing

I'm from Western Sydney.
The mechanics that quoted me $3,500 - $4,500 were Subaru Specialists lol.. I may need to double check whether that includes water pump, oil pump and timing belt changed.

[TheGreatPunanski]

For a good portion of this year I actually worked at a subaru dealership and we didn't charge $3k for headgasket being done. However I have to say that the few times that was quoted was on a SOHC ej25 and not a 2.5T. The dealership did always send off the heads to be machined.

I'd still try to find a second quote if you can.

There must be a mechanic in your area that will be more reasonable.

That doesnt sound too bad, my local mechanic quoted $3,800.

How much should I be looking at if I wanted HG, water pump, oil pump and timing belts changed?

I'm on tipping point of getting rid of my libby (even though it was probably the best car I've ever owned, overall wise).

[Surge]

Try giving top tech auto repair in Newtown a call and ask them for a quote.

The cost of a headgasket repair shouldn't increase much with including the water pump and timing kit.
As you have to take those parts off when you are getting the heads off.

I know from amazon a gates timing kit would be $300, including water pump.

Not sure why you are doing the oil pump, but I'm sure that wouldn't be too much either if you order from the US. Try partsouq. Or even for a nice big 12mm pump it's around $200 plus shipping.
https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/36074

Probably also worth ordering arp headstuds for under $300 from the US as well. Some insurance so that this time the engine might last longer.

[TheGreatPunanski]

Try giving top tech auto repair in Newtown a call and ask them for a quote.

The cost of a headgasket repair shouldn't increase much with including the water pump and timing kit.
As you have to take those parts off when you are getting the heads off.

I know from amazon a gates timing kit would be $300, including water pump.

Not sure why you are doing the oil pump, but I'm sure that wouldn't be too much either if you order from the US. Try partsouq. Or even for a nice big 12mm pump it's around $200 plus shipping.
https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/36074

Probably also worth ordering arp headstuds for under $300 from the US as well. Some insurance so that this time the engine might last longer.

Just confirming the following..

Gates timing kit (without water pump):
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/200864106523

Water pump:
https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/36074

ARP Head studs:
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/272036131871

[bigBADbenny]

You'll want the cast impeller water pump, p/n is on this forum, just search it

[TheGreatPunanski]

You'll want the cast impeller water pump, p/n is on this forum, just search it

I'm guessing you're talking about this?
impeller water pump part no. 21111AA026

[dr20t]

Hg repair should be no more than $2500 including labour and heads reconditoned.

Do not get the larger oil pump - use the standard one and only change if you're having oil pressure or cavitation issues.

[TheGreatPunanski]

Hg repair should be no more than $2500 including labour and heads reconditoned.

Do not get the larger oil pump - use the standard one and only change if you're having oil pressure or cavitation issues.

Not a bad quote there, do you have any recommendations of where to get the job done?

Also would it be advisable to get timing and water pump done too?

[TheGreatPunanski]

Nevermind.. car is sold! A Chinese guy bought it and knew about the HG issue but he didn't seem to care lol

Thanks for the suggestions though!