95probegt Posted November 13, 2007 Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 I am looking for a new daily driver for my gf... i found a 98 legacy outback it has 200,000 miles with a blown head gasket. I did a little research and it seemed like this was a common problem with the outbacks. I was going to buy it for $600.00 and fix it myself including having the head machiened. Is it worth the work or am i just buying something that is going to bite me in the ass down the road? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceGhost Posted November 13, 2007 Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 Remember there are two heads on a boxer engine... not to mention I am thinking you may have to pull the engine out to remove the heads as there is not much clearance between the frame and heads. Hell the plugs are a PITA on a WRX/STI because of the clearance of the frame. But they are a very reliable engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95probegt Posted November 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 i have never worked on a boxer engine but i heard that they were a little difficult.... and i did know that i was going to have to pull the whole engine.... so i guess my next question would be am i better off to get a short block and just replace it (i heard that you can find them with decent mileage for around 500... don't know if it is true or not) or should i just replace the two head gaskets? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueG60rado Posted November 13, 2007 Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 have the machine shop leak test the valves when you resurface in case they got pitted when it got hot. also check your piston to wall clearance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vulcan900 Posted November 13, 2007 Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 ^^^^ What He Said ^^^^^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted November 13, 2007 Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 where are you getting this car if you don't mind me asking. I know someone in cinci that is doing the same deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Got-Boost? Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 If you pull the engine to do anything, you might as well do Everything. Belts, water pump, entire engine gasket replacement kit (ballpark $200), plugs/wires, etc.. with 200,000 miles it may bite you in the ass but with $1k-$2k in maintenance parts (if you do it all yourself) it'll run forever. They are great cars built really well, very safe too. IMO....you must do this. Otherwise it's a ticking time bomb with 200k+ on it. It may still be even after doing this maintenance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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