any advice on replacing a 2008 subaru forester head gasket yourself?

Asked by arandomnumber May 12, 2021 at 11:12 AM about the 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2008 subaru forester with about 170000 miles on it and it is leaking oil
and a little bit of coolant. I was wondering if any of you had luck with any brand
of head gaskets and whether or not to bring the heads in to a machine shop.

3 Answers

F_O_R answered 3 years ago

Have the head checked for warp and cracks. Do a very thorough gasket surface prep job, get new head bolts and use the latest and best multi layer head gasket. Removing the engine is best. Install a new belt while you are at it. Six star head gaskets seem to be popular.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
930

ernest answered 3 years ago

Seasoned Subie mechanic will do the job in 8 hrs. First timer? 15-20hrs, not including sending heads to good machine shop for testing and flattening if necessary (watch spec!). Torquing NEW bolts is tricky too. Better that you WATCH a pro do it instead!

Mark helpful

F_O_R answered 3 years ago

Do be sure and follow the torque specs for torque to yield bolts to the letter.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • any advice on replacing a 2008 subaru forester head gasket yourself? 3 Answers

    I have a 2008 subaru forester with about 170000 miles on it and it is leaking oil and a little bit of coolant. I was wondering if any of you had luck with any brand of head gaskets and whether or no...

    2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • head gasket on 2008 Subaru Forester 2 Answers

    The head gaskets have apparently been leaking oil on my 2008 Subaru Forester with 171,000 miles on it. The mechanic where I take my car told me last year "they are just little leaks and nothing can...

    2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Subaru Forester blown head gasket 3 Answers

    I've just found out that my 2012 Subaru Forester has a blown head gasket, resulting in oil in my radiator, radiator fluid in my engine, and a couple of other rings that are gone as well? I've been ...

    2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2010 Subaru Forester Head Gasket issue 3 Answers

    I have a 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X automatic with just shy of 107,000 miles. My warranty expired at 100,000. I went into a local subaru garage ( not the dealer) who has been in the business for man...

    2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Subaru Forester water pump/head gasket replacement 9 Answers

    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?

    2006 Subaru Forester

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 1,325 nationwide Forester listings starting at $2,295.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Forester Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,660
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,990
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
40 Great Deals out of 953 listings starting at $1,795
Used Toyota RAV4
100 Great Deals out of 2,715 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda CR-V
88 Great Deals out of 4,524 listings starting at $440
Used Subaru Legacy
3 Great Deals out of 184 listings starting at $3,990
Used Toyota 4Runner
19 Great Deals out of 300 listings starting at $10,800
Used Toyota Tacoma
46 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $9,995
Used Honda Pilot
36 Great Deals out of 1,300 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Highlander
26 Great Deals out of 777 listings starting at $6,500
Used Subaru Impreza
33 Great Deals out of 509 listings starting at $3,444
Used Toyota Camry
60 Great Deals out of 1,072 listings starting at $3,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.