New Motor 2001 Outback 4 cyl auto

What it is doing:

- CEL code for O2 sensor out of spec (which went away after replaced coolant
and added conditioner)

- occasional CEL code for cyl 2 misfire (which I did hear once)

- had the "gurgle behind dash" which set all these events off (and what made
me do the coolant and conditioner thing)

- at 1800 RPM "brrapp" sound (probably one cylinder based on the frequency)
which sounds like a wood spoon on an aluminum pot) i.e. something is broken
or super worn in there (doesn't seem to be a heat shield)

- bubbles in the coolant overflow when the motor is running (now almost gone
due to the conditioner)

- loosing coolant to somewhere (probably down exaust pipe)

- "sweet" smell when stopped in traffic (this could be the cap not being
secured, I have looked at it a couple of times)

Other than the signs above, it does run OK. I have not had it on long trips
in over a year and only use it to commute to work ~8 miles city driving.

I think the sound is probably an indication that it got warped due to very
slow coolant loss through the gasket causing a gas pocket to form and then
overheating. Or it could be a broken valve or something like that.


"Todd H." wrote in message

> ".._.." writes:
>
>> Hey.
>>
>> The dreaded gasket leak in my Outback probably went un-noticed long
>> enough
>> that I need to start considering worst-case scenarios.
>>
>> The value of the car is about 5,000 at most (75k, needs tires/alignment
>> and
>> a bit of body work), and I need to decide if I want to deal with
>> gaskets/motor or just start the process of a car loan and looking for
>> different one. I do like the car, but if a new motor and tires costs me
>> 6,000 I might be better off spending the money on a loan down payment.
>>
>> How much is a motor and labor likely to cost at a dealership? (Motors
>> seem
>> to range from about 2000 to 2500)
>
> You're under 100k miles. Provided you followed the instructions of
> the recall you received years ago about coolant conditioner, I don't
> think it should cost you anything to have that head gasket replaced.
> They extended the warranty on the hg out to 100k with that recall if
> memory serves. Get your car into the dealer asap.
>
> By the way, what is your car doing that you are thinking in worst case
> scenarios?
>
> Best Regards,
> --
> Todd H.
> 2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
> Chicago, Illinois USA
 >> Stay informed about: New Motor 2001 Outback 4 cyl auto 

".._.." writes:
> What it is doing:
>
> - CEL code for O2 sensor out of spec (which went away after replaced coolant
> and added conditioner)
>
> - occasional CEL code for cyl 2 misfire (which I did hear once)
>
> - had the "gurgle behind dash" which set all these events off (and what made
> me do the coolant and conditioner thing)
>
> - at 1800 RPM "brrapp" sound (probably one cylinder based on the frequency)
> which sounds like a wood spoon on an aluminum pot) i.e. something is broken
> or super worn in there (doesn't seem to be a heat shield)
>
> - bubbles in the coolant overflow when the motor is running (now almost gone
> due to the conditioner)
>
> - loosing coolant to somewhere (probably down exaust pipe)
>
> - "sweet" smell when stopped in traffic (this could be the cap not being
> secured, I have looked at it a couple of times)
>
> Other than the signs above, it does run OK. I have not had it on long trips
> in over a year and only use it to commute to work ~8 miles city driving.
>
> I think the sound is probably an indication that it got warped due to very
> slow coolant loss through the gasket causing a gas pocket to form and then
> overheating. Or it could be a broken valve or something like that.

Bubbles, sweet smell, etc it sounds like your head gasket is
definitely gone and the conditioner won't bring it back. You're
should be in the 100k warranty on the head gasket. Get it in to
Subaru post haste. They owe you a new HG at least. If the other
stuff is collateral damage you can make an argument that the known
defective HG was the culprit, and maybe get it paid for too.

But if you weren't staying on top of scheduled maintenance, I'm not
sure what sort of fight you'll have on your hands. At any rate, your
bill given that the bulk of the ugliness is going to be paid for by
Subaru shouldn't be too awful. I wouldn't wait any longer though.

Best Regards,
--
Todd H.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA
 >> Stay informed about: New Motor 2001 Outback 4 cyl auto