Subaru Impreza STI Heads Gaskets

[thecube]

So, my 06 STI has done its head gaskets for the 3rd time (slight bubbling into expansion tank). First time the head gaskets were done at 40,000 using Subaru parts, again at 70,000 (then had heads skimmed, ARP head studs, cosworth gaskets, new clutch blah blah blah, pricey!) and now done it again after only another 14,000 miles. It's completely standard and always has been, so seems pretty weird. It doesn't even get driven particular hard - I have mechanical sympathy :-) (even more so given the history). So I don't understand it. Or what to do with it. In every other respect it's in great condition and has been really well looked after by me (I'm the only owner from new).

So after advice really. Not sure I want to try again. No idea what it's worth in its current state. So I'm any suggestions either on where to sell it and what it's worth with the HG problem, or what to do differently on a rebuild.

[thecube]

Thanks for the reply. I did talk it through when it was done - the heads and liners were inspected although I didn't actually go and eyeball them myself, heads I think he said had some pitting because of the leak and hence were skimmed to clean them up and ensure a they had a good surface for the gasket.

If it's down to the liner, what normally happens? A small crack down from the gasket surface? Any suggestions on what to do/ likely cost? Any good places doing exchange engines?

[thecube]

Thinking about it, a cracked liner wouldn't last 14,000 miles and then fail would it?

[thecube]

Thanks for taking the time to write all that stevieturbo. In the end I found someone who was prepared to buy it in its current state so I let it go.

With everything I've read about the 2.5 engine on head gaskets plus my own experience, plus the ringland failures, I don't think I would ever risk owning another 2.5 Impreza.

I don't think I'll continue with Subaru after this (my 3rd Impreza from new, but only this one was a 2.5) unless I can find a good low mileage JDM 2.0l Impreza. So any recommendations on JDM importers are welcome . . .