How much is a valve job on a Subaru?
Typically, budget roughly $1,000 to $3,000 per cylinder head for a complete valve job on a Subaru, with higher totals if both heads require work or if related repairs are needed. This article breaks down what goes into the price, how engine design can affect cost, and how to get an precise quote from a shop.
What a valve job involves on a Subaru
A valve job, in general, includes inspecting and restoring the intake and exhaust valves and their seats. Depending on the scope, it can involve cleaning carbon buildup, replacing valve seals, recutting or reshaping valve seats, installing new valves, guides, and springs, and sometimes resurfacing the valve faces. On modern Subaru engines, the process may also involve removing the cylinder head, checking head gaskets, and aligning timing components. The exact work required depends on wear, leakage, and the engine’s service history.
Cost ranges and what drives the price
Below is a broad look at typical price ranges and the main factors that push costs up or down.
- Engine design and access: Subarus use several families (for example EJ, FA/FB, EZ variants). More complex or newer designs can increase labor time and parts complexity.
- Scope of the job:
- Basic valve seals and inspection: usually the least expensive
- Full valve job with seat work and new valves: substantially more costly
- Head machining or resurfacing: adds a significant upcharge
- Number of heads involved: work on one head is less expensive than both heads; many Subaru engines have two heads that may need service.
- Head gasket and related repairs: if the problem is accompanied by a leaking head gasket, timing components, water pump, or other seals, add to the total
- Labor rates and shop type: dealer service bays tend to be higher than independent shops; region (urban vs rural) also affects labor cost
- Parts quality and availability: OEM vs aftermarket valves, seals, and guides can shift price
Overall, the price reflects both the mechanical work and the cost of skilled labor. Real-world quotes will depend on the exact engine model, the condition of the heads, and the diagnostics performed by the shop.
Typical price ranges (per head) for common Subaru engines
Here are commonly observed ballparks in the United States and Canada as of 2024–2025. These numbers are for reference and can vary by region and shop.
- Basic valve work (valve seals replacement, inspection, light lapping): roughly $600–$1,000 per head
- Full valve job (seat re-cut, valves replaced, new springs/seals as needed): roughly $1,000–$2,000 per head
- Head machining or resurfacing (if required): roughly $200–$800 per head
- Additional components and repairs that often accompany a valve job: head gasket set $100–$350, timing belt/chain kit $300–$700, water pump $50–$150
If both heads require work, the per-head price is typically doubled, plus any extra costs for twin-head machining or gasket work. In practice, many owners see total job quotes ranging from about $2,000 to $6,000 for both heads on a typical Subaru engine, with certain cases exceeding that if extensive machining or multiple ancillary repairs are needed.
How engine design and condition alter the quote
Subaru engines vary in how accessible the heads are and how critical precise seating is for performance. EJ-era engines may require more extensive seat work in some cases, while FA/FB and EZ families can differ in gasket configurations and timing components. The overall condition of the heads, any warping, and whether the engine has overheated previously will influence whether machining is necessary and how labor-intensive the job becomes.
What to ask for when you receive a quote
To ensure you understand what you’re paying for, request an itemized quote that includes:
- Labor hours and hourly rate
- Detailed scope (valve seals, grinding/recutting, valve replacements, guides, springs)
- Head gasket set and timing components (if needed)
- Machine shop charges (resurfacing, seat work)
- Part quality (OEM vs aftermarket)
- Warranty terms on workmanship and parts
Also ask for a separate diagnostic step to confirm whether a valve job is truly required or if a less invasive service, such as cleaning and seals, might suffice.
Repair considerations and alternatives
If your Subaru is showing symptoms that suggest a valve issue, such as misfires, unusual exhaust sounds, or compression loss, it’s important to obtain a precise diagnosis before committing to a valve job. In some cases, carbon buildup or carbon tracking may be addressed with cleaning or seal replacement rather than full seat work. If the engine shows significant wear or damage, replacing the engine or swapping a rebuilt head might be more economical in the long run than a costly valve job.
How to minimize costs without compromising reliability
Smart steps include shopping around for quotes from reputable independent shops, asking for itemized estimates, and scheduling preventive maintenance that can extend head life (cooling system upkeep, timely oil changes, and addressing overheating promptly). If you know your engine is reaching higher mileage, consider discussing a plan that addresses potential head-related issues before they escalate into bigger repairs.
Summary
A valve job on a Subaru is a substantial repair whose price hinges on engine design, scope of work, the number of heads involved, and any accompanying repairs. Expect roughly $600–$1,000 per head for basic service, $1,000–$2,000 per head for full valve work, and additional costs for machining and gasket/timing components. When budgeting, obtain a detailed, itemized quote from a trusted shop and consider regional labor rates and the age of your engine. With careful planning, you can choose the most appropriate repair path and avoid surprises.
How much does it cost to replace valves?
The cost of a valve replacement varies drastically depending on the type of valve, from a few dollars for simple plumbing parts to tens of thousands of dollars for heart valves. For example, a residential ball valve might cost between $10 and $50, a gas boiler valve replacement around $100-$400, and a car's purge or PCV valve replacement can range from about $180 to $380. Heart valve replacement is a complex medical procedure, with costs for aortic valve replacement averaging around $59,000 and mitral valve replacement around $14,469, though these are only estimates and total costs depend on factors like insurance, location, and the specific procedure (e.g., surgical vs. transcatheter).
Medical valve replacement
- Aortic valve replacement: The average cost is around $59,000, according to a 2020 study, though it can be higher or lower depending on factors like the specific procedure (surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve replacement) and insurance coverage.
- Mitral valve replacement: The cost per patient was about $14,469 in one study, while repair was about $11,606.
- Factors affecting cost: Location, insurance plan, and whether it's open-heart surgery or a less invasive procedure can all significantly impact the final cost.
Home and automotive valve replacement
- Gas boiler valve: Expect to pay roughly $100-$400 for a gas boiler valve replacement.
- Residential ball valve: These can range from approximately $10 to $50, depending on the quality and brand.
- Commercial/industrial ball valve: These are more expensive, potentially costing anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Car purge valve: The average cost for replacement is around $323 to $380.
- Car PCV valve: The average cost is between $186 and $220 to replace.
How much does it cost to replace a valve body on a 2013 Subaru Outback?
How much does a 2013 Subaru Outback transmission valve body replacement cost? The national average for a 2013 Subaru Outback Transmission Valve Body Replacement cost ranges from $1,300 to $1,500, with a breakdown of 78% parts and 22% labor.
Can I drive a car with a bad valve?
Q: Can you drive a car with a bad valve? A: The ``bad valve'' will not ``preclude'' you from driving the car, BUT the internal damage will increase with operation, eventually resulting in engine failure which WILL prevent further operation.
What does a valve job consist of?
A valve job is the colloquial term for resurfacing the mating surfaces of the poppet valves and their respective valve seats that control the intake and exhaust of the air/fuel mixture in four stroke internal combustion engine, replacing valve oil seals, replacing any deficient valve springs, and otherwise bringing the ...
