Legacy Diesel buying / Mods advice

[Jon Tallis]

Hi, I'm hoping some of the knowledgeable folks on here can help me. After having a couple of Impreza wagons I upgraded about 2 years ago to an Outback diesel (2009) and LOVED IT, unfortunately it went the same way as so many early diesels and went for scrap. I've changed it for a 2011 model (still diesel) in the belief (misguided perhaps) that the post 2010 diesel engines have whatever was the issue with the earlier engines fixed. Problem is, I just don't like the later car!

I'd love to go back to the earlier model but don't want another to die on me. Which leads to my questions....

1) What actually is the weakness on the earlier boxer diesels?

2) What model year was it fixed?

3) Is there a fix for earlier engines?

Any advice would be gratefully received as I'd be completely open to buying an 09 model and doing an engine rebuild on it, as long as I know I'm sorting the right problem...

Thanks in anticipation

J

[Spennymoor]

Hey John. Did you find out when the issue with the boxer diesel was engines? I'm looking to replace mine if possible but had no replies to my post.

[Jon Tallis]

I didn't get any replies but did a bit of research and found as below......all internet based so may be a bit off so perhaps someone will chip in here and correct me.....

Weakness would appear to be the bridges in the block that hold the main bearings, these crack leading to a pretty catastrophic loss of oil pressure and crank support.

Opinion seems to be mixed as to whether the problem was fixed in the 2011 upgrade or not until 2014 but the post 2010 cars definitely seem less prone.

I found a company in Slovenia specialising in repairing the specific weakness. Couldn't find anyone advertising in the UK but the fix ought not to be within the reach of a good engine builder with good machining capabilities. Here's the link to the company in Slovenia. They quoted me around 3000Euro plus carriage to rebuild. https://www.kingsboxerdiesel.com/

Hope this helps..

Anyone else want to chip in?

[Spennymoor]

That's great. Thanks for your help.

Did you get the rebuild done? Also do you know up to what year of engine would fit into my 2010 legacy or perhaps where I can buy a reconditioned engine.?

Sorry for all the questions but really need this sorted one way or another and you're the first to offer any help and info.

[Jon Tallis]

I didn't get the rebuild done, TBH for 3K plus fitting, hassle and a donor car I though I'd stick with my 2011.

If going down the recon route, make sure you're dealing with someone who really knows the Subaru engine and has fixed the root cause, otherwise you're wasting your money.

As for what year fits, I think the base engine is pretty much unchanged but the later you go the more ancillaries you'll need to change - I wait to be corrected on that

[Spennymoor]

Cool. Thanks for the info.