How do you tell if a 2.5 head gasket has been replaced? - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

K-Rex · 12-08-2006, 08:20 PM

I'm looking at 97 Legacy Outback Wagon with the 2.5 with 130k that has been know to have a bad head gasket. The owner has only owned the car for 2 years on though he has replaced the clutch, the timing belt, and water pump in the spring he's not sure if the Head Gasket has ever been replaced.

Is there anyway to tell buy looking at the engine or anyother way?

highmilehatch · 12-09-2006, 04:37 AM

No. Have a compression and leakdown test performed.

xrturbo · 12-22-2006, 11:40 AM

dont bother with a compression test, on these motors it will test fine almost 100% of the time. do a hydocarbon test on the antifreeze or even easier smell the antifeeze, most likely it will smell like exhaust. if you need to have it done i work at a subaru specialty shop in bath pa and we do it for the best price i have seen, right around $1000 and that includes shaving the heads if needed, if it doesnt need it it is less than that.

12-08-2006, 08:20 PM	#1
K-Rex Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: D-Town Member #2255 My Ride: 2004 Forester XT iTrader: (0)	How do you tell if a 2.5 head gasket has been replaced? I'm looking at 97 Legacy Outback Wagon with the 2.5 with 130k that has been know to have a bad head gasket. The owner has only owned the car for 2 years on though he has replaced the clutch, the timing belt, and water pump in the spring he's not sure if the Head Gasket has ever been replaced. Is there anyway to tell buy looking at the engine or anyother way?

12-09-2006, 04:37 AM	#2
highmilehatch Tri-State Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PA Member #929 iTrader: (3)	No. Have a compression and leakdown test performed. __________________ 92 SC300 - 2JZGTE 93 Civic Si - 11.3@125 stock block pump gas FOR SALE

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12-22-2006, 11:40 AM	#3
xrturbo Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Allentown Pa Member #3145 My Ride: 98 LGT wag w/wrx driveline swap, lifted 98 Outback, 13 Legacy iTrader: (0)	dont bother with a compression test, on these motors it will test fine almost 100% of the time. do a hydocarbon test on the antifreeze or even easier smell the antifeeze, most likely it will smell like exhaust. if you need to have it done i work at a subaru specialty shop in bath pa and we do it for the best price i have seen, right around $1000 and that includes shaving the heads if needed, if it doesnt need it it is less than that.