Head gaskets

Asked by Wymanm Sep 26, 2019 at 01:21 AM about the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

09 forester 165000 miles head gaskets not leaking yet and have never been
done. I am  taking a long trip for a few months, should I replace the gaskets?

4 Answers

I would not worry. I would put some Subaru brand anti leak in the radiator and take care of fluid changes, inspect the brakes and tires before leaving.

3,300

Absolutely correct! If you want to predict the future just inspect the lower left rear head corner (#4 cyl) for seepage. If the area is just stained, but not wet, then you're most likely ok. If it's wet...or actually dripping onto the cross-member or ground then you have an active leak; if you don't notice it as loss in the system that's because it seals upon warming up. Use a small powerful flashlight (phone is harder) to peek down there under the windshield. USUALLY this #4 corner leaks from the left HG BEFORE the right side HG leaks oil (instead of coolant) onto the cat and giving you a smelly hint of compromise on that side. Right side oil leakage can be somewhat abated by thicker oil (never use 0w20!). Regardless of MINOR leaks, you can safely drive cross-country by keeping both the oil and coolant topped up throughout the trip. Lots of owners with leaking #4 carry coolant to refresh monthly, hoping it doesn't progress to a fast leak. Oil leaks get annoyingly stinky as the hot cat smokes off the leaking oil noxiously. Note that Subaru's "red stuff" additive is useless in preventing HG leaks. I'm not sure if your 2009 is too old to have benefitted from the triple-layer HGs used in the 2010+ Legs/OBs. Regardless, if dry leave it alone. Just ensure your cooling system is full. Burp the top hose to purge that last bit of air if necessary as you top off the radiator if necessary.

1 people found this helpful.

I decided to not chance it. I am doing the gaskets and getting the heads surfaced. Anyone know anything about these 6 star head gaskets, have heard they are the best ones to use? Doing the timing belt and pulleys, water pump and thermostat, decided to pass the car on to my son in about a year. Should be in good enough shape to last him a while. Thanks to all for the input

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