So the Legacy needs a head gasket. It's not desperate right now, just some oil leaking from the head gasket and a slow but steady loss of coolant and oil. The temp gauge is in the normal range, however I feel like I'm playing Legacy Roulette every time I go for a drive.

Subaru wants about $1100 to do it, which I don't have right now. Until it gets done the Legacy is strictly a city car, possibly a city to cottage car (a drive of about 45 minutes outside city limits) since I have had enough experience with being stuck in BF nowhere relying on strange mechanics due to a road-trip breakdown.

Here's my question.

Can I do this myself?

I spent my university years trading work in a mechanic's shop for time on his lift after hours for my own cars. I did really basic stuff like mounting tires, brake jobs and spark plug changes...

I'm able to do a brake job with no problem, and minor stuff like changing an alternator or replacing hoses is well within my skill set.

I have removed and assisted with the re-installation of rotary engines in my RX-7s. I also did all the repairs of my RX-7s over the years, which was pretty simple, since they are pretty easy to work on.

I have a double garage to myself, and I have a pretty comprehensive tool collection.

So...is this out of my league? I wouldn't be playing solo here...I'm assuming there are books out there, like Hanes manuals which would walk me through this. I could also take my time, assuming the wife agrees to go down to one car until the job is done.

Any experience tempered advice would be welcome.

head gaskets eh?

well leif i maybe drunk, but i gotta tell you this is gonna be one hell of a job. I think you can do it, just make sure you have all the right tools, and if you need a factory repair manual for it. I can supply you that section if needed.

again ... nasioc and scoobymods.com .. search there .. see if its something you can do.

the fix for a broken head gasket is a new head gasket, duke. i haven't done one for a boxer engine, but i assume its the same a regular V engine configuration, except for the fact you have to remove all accessories and the intake manifold and slightly jack the engine out of its mounts. if you'd like the repair procedure id be more than happy to supply. it even includes all the torque specs for the bolts.

not to mention illustrations.

I meant to say search for a how-to. I am pretty certain someone must have put it up there and if not thats the best place to get info about this kinda subaru specific stuff anyways.

i have access to every factory service repair manual from 88 on to 07

Do they have pretty pictures? I like pretty pictures.

as pretty as factory service manual's pictures can get.

I've never done one so I can't give any advice. I think the type of motor plays a big part. With an OHC motor it is extremely important that you get the cam timed properly when you put the head and chain back on. I think the biggest problem you'll have is just getting to the head (assuming flat motor).

I've changed the head hasket on an aircooled beetle. It's pretty damn easy.

Thanks for the range of opinions.

I think I'm going to do it, but first I want to see what I have in store.

Benny, how much are those factory repair manuals of yours. I'm gonna try to find a .pdf of the factory repair manual, but if that's a no go, I'll take you up on your offer.

EDIT: I just found a factory repair manual for a 2002 Outback, which is basically the same car...Score!

I took a quick look at the section dealing with the cylinder head, and it breaks the process down very simply, I think I should be able to handle this with the manual.

yeah that manual will help you.


and the manuals are expensive, i just have free unrestricted access to ShopKey5

Are you a mechanic of some kind or just some connections? How do you have access to all the manufacturer's manuals ? Could they be on the Torrent network ?

i have my ways

Ozi, I just searched google for "2001 Legacy factory repair manual", and found a whole load of .pdf's on the subject.

I actually did the same thing for my RX-7s...but forgot completely.