Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 1998 Subaru Outback

Engine overheating every half mile with engine reservoir overflowing. After $1300 of replacing thermostat, timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump, flushing the cooling system, and compression tests, I was told I had a blown head gasket. I was told the replacement would cost an additional $2,200 at least.

Engine began to overheat only when being driven, does not overheat when idling. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, and timing belt but it still overheats. While doing research on the internet, I found the carsurvey. Org site with many references to this being a known issue, a head gasket problem. Based on the number of similar complaints, Subaru has a design problem that should have been recalled or at least a warning of some type send out. What can be done about this issue?.

Multiple problems with engine 1. Seal leak at approximately 48,000 miles, burning oil smell, corrected at replacement of timing belt at scheduled 105k--not detected by dealer while under warranty (60k warranty). 2. Failure of head gasket at 110k 3. Failure of 2 cam seals at 158k 4. Failure of additional (remaining) 2 cam seals at 165k (mechanic initially indicated this was rare and unfortunately, dure to cost, did not recommend replacing all 4 cam seals--bad choice--$600 parts and labor each occurrence #3 and #4.

I own a 1998 Subaru Outback. : VIN #4s3bg6858w7605827. On the date below, the timing belt on my car, which had 53 thousand miles on it at the time, broke and resulted in a catastrophic engine failure. This forced me to buy a used engine. Fortunately, I was only driving at 20 mph and was able to safely pull over. Had this happened at interstate highway speed the result might have been very different. Subaru's own maintainence schedule says that the timing belt should be inspected at 60 thousand miles. I've been in touch with the company but they don't seem to be very responsive or forthcoming. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Timing belt failed.