The cost to repair a blown head gasket on a Subaru can vary depending on the make and model, with labor costs ranging from $800 to $1,900 and parts costs ranging from $600 to $2,500. Depending on the severity of the damage, additional parts may need to be replaced, such as the head gasket itself, coolant hoses, water pump, and valves, which can raise the total cost significantly.
Generally, the cost of the repair will cover diagnosis, parts and labor costs.
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How much does a Subaru head gasket job cost?
The cost of a head gasket job on a Subaru can vary depending on the model type, make and year. Generally speaking, a Subaru head gasket replacement can range anywhere from $1,400 to $2,000 or more. This includes the cost of head gasket replacement parts and labor.
Additional related parts such as intake manifold gaskets may also need to be replaced and can add additional costs. In some cases, certain additional repair work might also need to be performed in order to successfully replace the head gasket, and this could potentially add to the overall cost of the job.
Factors such as availability of parts, cost of parts, and the specific model of car can all play a role in the cost of the head gasket job.
Can you drive a Subaru with a blown head gasket?
No, it is not safe to drive a Subaru with a blown head gasket. A blown head gasket is a failure inside the engine which can lead to serious mechanical problems and can cause the engine to no longer work correctly.
Driving a vehicle with a blown head gasket can lead to further damage, such as lack of compression in the engine and failure of other components. Additionally, the engine could overheat and this could lead to an even more catastrophic failure.
Therefore, it is best to have a Subaru with a blown head gasket inspected by an experienced mechanic and the engine should not be operated until the problem is resolved.
Will Subaru pay for head gasket repair?
It depends on the type of Subaru and the age of the vehicle. In most cases, Subaru does not cover head gasket repairs in the warranty, though some extended warranties do make allowances for them. It also depends on the nature of the problem.
If the head gasket repair is due to a manufacturing defect, then Subaru may cover the costs. However, if the head gasket repair is due to normal wear and tear, or if the vehicle is over the manufacturer’s stated mileage limit, then Subaru will not cover the costs.
If you’re unsure if your vehicle is eligible for head gasket repair coverage, it is best to contact your local dealership for specific information about your Subaru.
How do I know if my Subaru head gasket is blown?
The first sign is if your vehicle is experiencing white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. White smoke can be a sign of a blown head gasket if it’s accompanied by leaking coolant. Additionally, you may also notice coolant in the oil or a milky colored oil, which indicates that coolant has been leaking into the combustion chamber.
You may also smell coolant coming from the exhaust system or notice a decrease in engine performance.
If you think your Subaru head gasket is blown, you should take your vehicle to a certified mechanic who can diagnose the issue. The mechanic may perform a compression test, detecting if the head gasket is blown or if there is any leakage from the combustion chamber.
The mechanic may also use a chemical substance to identify any leaks from the head gasket or an infrared imaging or laser scan to detect any seepage from the head gasket. While it’s possible to check the head gasket at home, it’s best to let a certified mechanic handle the job.
At what mileage do Subaru head gaskets fail?
The head gasket failure rate of a Subaru vehicle is hard to pinpoint, as there are several variables that can contribute to the failure of the head gasket, such as the quality of maintenance, the amount of stress on the engine and the drivetrain, and the specific model of Subaru.
Generally, however, the average head gasket failure of a Subaru vehicle tends to occur between the 100,000 mile and 110,000 mile mark. Wear and tear on the head gasket over time and the additional miles put on the car can contribute to the head gasket failing quicker than this mark.
It is, therefore, recommended that Subaru owners maintain their vehicle’s service schedule in order to prolong the life of the head gasket, as well as other engine components.
What happens when a Subaru blows a head gasket?
When a Subaru blows a head gasket, it means that one or more of the sealing gaskets that maintain the integrity of the engine compartment have been compromised. Without proper sealing, the cylinders, valves, and other critical components of the engine are exposed to the hazards of overheating and contamination.
A blown head gasket can cause drastic engine damage if the problem is not attended to in a timely manner. Symptoms of a blown head gasket include engine overheating, white smoke or steam coming from the engine bay, coolant in the oil, and a decrease in engine performance or power.
Additionally, the smoke or steam produced by a blown head gasket can put harmful gasses into the environment and should be immediately addressed. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, a Subaru head gasket can range in cost from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
The best course of action is to contact a trusted mechanic for an evaluation and recommendation for the best solution.
Is a blown head gasket covered by insurance?
The answer to whether a blown head gasket is covered by insurance will depend on the type and extent of the damage to your vehicle, as well as your specific insurance coverage. Generally speaking, damage caused by an engine or cooling system malfunction, such as a blown head gasket, may be covered by comprehensive insurance policies.
However, even with comprehensive coverage, many insurance companies exclude some repairs such as cylinder head gasket repairs, and some may even require that you carry an additional endorsement to cover such repairs.
Your best bet is to check your specific insurance policy, as well as any additional coverage you may have added, to see if this type of repair is covered.
How much should I pay for head gasket replacement?
The cost of head gasket replacement can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the severity of the damage and the availability of parts. Generally speaking, head gasket replacement for most cars costs between $500 to $1500, but some high-end vehicles can have costs up to $3000 or more.
Factors such as the cost and availability of a replacement head gasket, labor costs, and the cost of coolant, oil and other fluids can affect the total cost of the job. Depending on the severity of the damage and the make and model of the vehicle, it’s also important to consider the cost of rebuilding the engine or getting a full engine replacement.
A mechanic should be consulted before tackling a head gasket replacement to provide an accurate estimate of the cost of the job.
What year Subaru has head gasket problems?
Subaru has experienced head gasket problems on vehicles from 1999 all the way up to 2018. According to carcomplaints. com, the 1999-2004 Subaru Forester, 1999-2009 Subaru Legacy, 1999-2009 Subaru Outback, 2000-2010 Subaru Impreza and 2001-2008 Subaru Baja all have reported head gasket problems.
Additionally, other models of the same year have reported head gasket problems, though the leaks are said to be less common. Additionally, a recall for 2006-2010 Subaru B9 Tribecas has been issued by the manufacturer due to head gasket leaks.
If you own a Subaru of any of the aforementioned years, it is recommended to take your vehicle in for regular maintenance and consult your service technician if head gasket problems become apparent.
Does a blown head gasket mean I need a new engine?
No, a blown head gasket does not necessarily mean you need a new engine. Such as insufficient coolant or a crack in the engine block. The first step is to diagnose the problem in order to identify the underlying cause.
Depending on the cause, the head gasket may be repairable. If the head gasket is repairable, the engine may not need to be replaced. If the cause is not repairable, such as a crack in the engine block, then a replacement engine may be necessary.
If a replacement is required, you may be able to find a used engine or have your existing engine rebuilt.
How long will a car last after replacing head gasket?
It is impossible to give an exact answer as to how long a car will last after replacing the head gasket since a variety of factors can influence the lifespan of a vehicle. On average, however, a car that has had its head gasket replaced should last between 5-7 years with regular maintenance and care.
Depending on make and model, many cars can last much longer than this with proper maintenance. As with any car, it is important to stay up to date on oil changes, tire replacements and other scheduled maintenance to ensure the car remains in the best condition and that future repairs may be avoided.
Additionally, it is important to listen to any warning signs the vehicle may be giving off and address any necessary repairs promptly.
What happens if you don’t fix blown head gasket?
If you don’t fix a blown head gasket, it can lead to a range of serious engine problems and issues. The most immediate issue is that it can cause coolant and oil to mix, which degrades the lubrication of the engine’s parts and creates a lot of sludge and debris.
This can severely damage engine components, such as the bearings and pistons, resulting in serious damage and repair costs. In addition, it can result in an internal coolant leak, leading to an overheated engine, which can cause further damage.
This can also result in increased fuel consumption and excessive exhaust emissions, significantly impacting the environment. If left unfixed for too long, this can cause the engine to seize, which would need to be replaced.
Is a blown head gasket expensive to fix?
Yes, it can be expensive to fix a blown head gasket. The cost of the repair will vary depending on the type and extent of damage to the head gasket, as well as the make and model of your vehicle. Costs may range from $750 for a basic repair to $5,000 or more for a comprehensive repair.
Generally, more expensive cars will have higher repair costs. In addition to the cost of labor, the cost of parts and other materials needed to fix the head gasket will also affect the final cost. Other costs to consider include towing fees, rental car fees, and diagnostic fees.
Therefore, it is important to get an estimate of the repair costs before scheduling the work so you know what to expect.
Do head gaskets fail suddenly?
No, head gaskets typically do not fail suddenly. Instead, head gasket failure is gradual and is caused by a range of factors including extended use, poor engine maintenance, or improper tightening of bolts.
In general, head gaskets are designed to wear out gradually, allowing drivers to notice signs of trouble and make repairs before a catastrophic failure occurs. For instance, a driver might first notice cooling and engine performance issues as the head gasket begins to leak, prompting a repair before the leak turns into a complete blowout.
Frequent engine maintenance and repair of minor performance issues can increase the lifespan of a head gasket and ensure that it doesn’t fail suddenly.
