Subaru Forester water pump/head gasket replacement

Asked by Cztk Aug 03, 2017 at 05:18 PM about the 2006 Subaru Forester

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi, I'm looking at an 06 Forester with 36k on it.  I
know the timing belt should be replaced at 105k or
7 years.  Is there a similar age thing with the WP
and HG, or can they go for another 70k?

9 Answers

The head gaskets if not leaking now can easily go to 100k or longer. Take care of the car, keep it tuned up, use Subaru brand anti-leak in the radiator, use a higher octane gas if it pings and don't over heat it. The water pump can be changed when you do the timing belt. Do have the car inspected by a mechanic that knows Subarus. If you don't buy it I might ;)

2 people found this helpful.
18,785

I wouldn't put any sort of real expectation on how long it should last. Just be diligent in watching your gauges and doing the things FOR mentioned and you should be set. It's also pretty easy to check the timing belt for wear via the drivers side cover (3x 10mm bolts iirc) and check for glazing or other wear indicators. Make sure you replace all the idlers/gears with the timing belt. Gates has a full set on rockauto. hth

2 people found this helpful.
48,700

Walth's got this one. Additionally, one need only remove the top 10mm bolt to check the t-belt, The belt's life is predicated on heat x time, so check for cracks annually. But note that Subie's t-stats and wp's are extremely durable, and unless leaking can be ignored ad infinitum. HG leaks are easily checked, too...and are correlated with cold starts and winter use. I wouldn't overpay for an 11 yr old Subie just because of low mileage, as age kills these beasts.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Dec. 2018 .So I just bought a 2006 Forester, Very clean. 51,000 on it One owner. Minnesota. Why do you say age alone and cold, "kills" Subarus ? Head gasket just went on my 2001, at 151,000.

1 people found this helpful.
510

All of the above guys are correct. Cars ,turbines etc are deteriorate with time ,doesn't matter they are used or not . It;s not too much damage the metal ( but all oils fuel,etc contains additives and corroded the metal as well ) but gaskets are dries,breaking etc. That's why is common statement ....is used or not ,the damage is done, doesn't matter how many km the car have ....the age is main factor

2 people found this helpful.
510

I thought this site is for helping each other ,not joking from somebody's education or knowledge as those two assholes above prove that .I

2 people found this helpful.

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