How much does it cost to fix a head gasket on a Subaru?
Repairing a head gasket on a Subaru can be a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. As a critical component of your engine, the head gasket ensures proper sealing between the engine block and cylinder head, preventing oil and coolant from mixing. When it fails, it can lead to overheating, loss of engine performance, and even severe engine damage. In this article, we’ll break down the costs associated with fixing a head gasket on a Subaru and what factors influence the price.
What Is a Head Gasket and Why Does It Fail?
The head gasket is a crucial part of your engine that seals the combustion chamber, allowing your engine to build the necessary compression for power while keeping oil and coolant separate. Unfortunately, head gasket failure is a common issue in certain Subaru models, particularly those with the 2.5L engine. This is often due to design flaws, high mileage, or overheating caused by other engine issues.
Average Cost of Head Gasket Repair on a Subaru
The cost to repair a head gasket on a Subaru typically ranges between $1,500 and $3,000. This wide range depends on several factors, including the model and year of your Subaru, the extent of the damage, and the labor rates in your area. Here’s a closer look at what contributes to the cost:
- Labor Costs: Replacing a head gasket is labor-intensive, often requiring 10-15 hours of work. Labor rates vary by location but generally range from $75 to $150 per hour.
- Parts Costs: The head gasket itself is relatively inexpensive, typically costing between $100 and $200. However, additional parts such as bolts, seals, and fluids may add another $200 to $400 to the total.
- Additional Repairs: In some cases, a failed head gasket may cause damage to other engine components, such as the cylinder head or engine block. If these parts need to be machined or replaced, the cost can increase significantly.
Factors That Influence the Cost
Several factors can affect the final price of a head gasket repair:
- Subaru Model and Year: Some Subaru models, like the Outback or Forester, may have higher repair costs due to their specific engine designs.
- Extent of Damage: If the head gasket failure has caused additional damage, such as warping the cylinder head, the repair will be more expensive.
- Location: Labor rates vary widely depending on where you live. Urban areas tend to have higher rates than rural areas.
- Independent Shop vs. Dealership: Dealerships often charge higher labor rates than independent repair shops, but they may use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which can be more reliable.
Is It Worth Fixing a Head Gasket on a Subaru?
Whether it’s worth fixing a head gasket depends on the age, mileage, and overall condition of your Subaru. If your vehicle is otherwise in good shape and has a high resale value, repairing the head gasket can be a worthwhile investment. However, if your car is older with significant wear and tear, it may be more cost-effective to consider replacing the vehicle.
Tips to Prevent Head Gasket Failure
While some head gasket failures are unavoidable, regular maintenance can help reduce the risk. Here are a few tips:
- Monitor your engine temperature and address overheating issues promptly.
- Replace your coolant regularly to prevent corrosion and buildup.
- Use high-quality oil and change it at the recommended intervals.
- Have your Subaru inspected by a trusted mechanic if you notice any signs of head gasket failure, such as white smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, or engine misfires.
Conclusion
Fixing a head gasket on a Subaru is a costly but necessary repair to keep your vehicle running smoothly. By understanding the factors that influence the cost and taking steps to prevent failure, you can make informed decisions about your car’s maintenance. If you’re in need of head gasket repair, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for professional service and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a head gasket going?
If you are concerned that your head gasket might need to be replaced, look for the following symptoms.
- Engine Overheating.
- Rough Idle.
- Visible Tailpipe Smoke.
- Milky Build-Up Under Oil Cap. There is an easy way to find out if your engine's head gasket has blown.
At what mileage do Subaru head gaskets fail?
The head gaskets on many Subaru's have a high rate of failure. They should last 100,000 miles in ideal conditions.
Should I replace my Subaru head gasket?
Head gasket replacement is a normal necessity evil with the Subaru boxer engine. Just make sure your mechanic uses a multi layer steel (MLS) and you'll be good to go for a very long time. If it's been over 80k miles since you replaced the timing belt, do it and replace all the pulleys and tensioners.
What is the cheapest way to fix a blown head gasket?
Follow these guidelines and you'll be back on the road in no time at all:
- Remove thermostat and flush the cooling system.
- Fill the system with water.
- Add BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer slowly to the radiator as the vehicle idles.
- Install the radiator cap and allow the engine to idle for at least 50 minutes.
How long will a car last with a blown head gasket?
When a gasket fails it can do serious damage to your car, so it is important to know the warning signs and what you need to do to get it fixed. Depending on how severe the leak or perforation is, a car usually does not last longer than a month with a blown head gasket.
Is it OK to drive with a blown head gasket?
We strongly recommend not driving when your head gasket has blown.
How much does it cost to replace a head gasket on a Subaru?
$1200 to $2500
The exact cost can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the model and year of your Subaru, and whether you opt for dealership or independent repairs. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $1200 to $2500 for a head gasket replacement in a Subaru. This amount includes both parts and labor.
Can you drive a Subaru with a blown head gasket?
Technically you can drive with a blown head gasket, but we'd always advise against it.
Is it worth fixing a blown head gasket?
Changing a head gasket can be worth it, especially if the vehicle has significant value, is in good overall condition, or if it has sentimental value. A blown head gasket can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed, so repairing it can prevent further issues.
