Subaru Head Gasket Repairs | Subaru Service Portland ME
Subaru Head Gasket Problems?
You've probably heard that some older Subaru models might have issues with their outdated components, such as a Subaru head gasket. Older models almost always used single-layer head gaskets once they left the factory floor, and in many cases, these types of gaskets tend to fail after about 100,000 kilometers. Fortunately, that doesn't happen to newer models, which feature far more robust and resilient head gaskets. Despite being somewhat more expensive, these head gaskets are worth adding to your car, even if you don't own an advanced or expensive turbo engine. A superior head gasket can help you a lot in the long run, even when dealing with some of the most common stressors that tend to damage head gaskets, such as a badly maintained cooling system.
What Is Your Subaru Head Gasket Used for?
Before going further to see why your head gasket might fail, or to check on what your options might be to have your Subaru gasket replaced, it's important to take a closer look at your engine's overall construction and architecture as well as the role that your head gasket plays in its proper functioning. The engine of your car can be divided into two distinct areas: the cylinder block, where you can typically find your pistons and cylinders, and the cylinder head which houses the camshaft and spark plugs. Between these areas resides the head gasket, which has the role of creating a seal, so that the cylinder doesn't lose pressure during operation and so that there won't be any coolant leaks. As such, your Subaru head gasket needs to withstand sustained pressure over time, which is why you simply can't escape wear and tear and the need for a Subaru head gasket replacement over time.
Reasons Why a Head Gasket Might Fail on Older Models
Subaru service experts will tell you that there might be a number of reasons why a head gasket would fail. We already mentioned one of them as the improper maintenance of the cooling system. The cooling system has the role of keeping the temperature inside your Subaru engine between certain parameters. If the temperature increases too fast or too high, the head gaskets could easily be damaged. In turbo models, it's worth mentioning common causes such as radiator leaks, defective wiring or blocked radiator cores. In the case of a Subaru turbo engine, a blown head gasket is usually a much more serious problem than in a regular internal combustion engine, and in some cases it could be indicative of the need to replace the entire engine altogether. If not replaced, a faulty Subaru head gasket can lead to severe engine damage even under the best of circumstances. For example, compression loss can ensue, or the exhaust gas could be forced into the cooling system, leading the engine to overheat.
Replacing & Upgrading Your Subaru Head Gasket
The replacement of a head gasket is essential to prevent engine damage. Most modern day engines use multi-layer gaskets, and even if your Subaru model is old enough to still have its original single-layer head gasket, experts will likely advise you to have it replaced even before it fails - depending on how old and worn out it is. For a common, 2.5-liter, non-turbo Subaru engine, the price for base gasket replacement is right around $1,700. For turbo engines, it will likely be much higher. Additionally, if you also need to add other items (as it might be the case for older models that haven't been serviced for a while), such as timing belts, water pumps, oil seals and spark plugs, then the price can grow to $2,500 or more. A Subaru head gasket replacement is a serious job, and has to be completed by a reliable Subaru service that commonly deals with the best quality, multi-layer gaskets.
