Subaru head access thru wheelwell port?

Have-A-Hacksaw
Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:48:01 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

I have a headgasket on my Outback that needs replacing but balk at the $1,500 estimate to replace it (mostly labor costs). The problem, of course, is that the configuration of this engine precludes a normal, in-place removal of either head and that you must hoist the car up off of the supported engine ($!$!$!$). My brainstorm is to take the wheel off and then cut a generous access port in the wheelwell, giving a straight shot to the head, its removal and reattachment. The port metal would afterwards be welded or riveted back into place and well-coated with tar or equivalent.

Is this a viable idea or harebrained?

12 posts - 10 participants