 Jim Grant's Tech Tips‘93 Subaru Legacy Turbo, Engine Blow-By Q: My ‘93 Subaru Legacy station wagon is leaking oil and was diagnosed as having“blow-by”. The problem has persisted even after I had the oil seals replaced last year. Is total engine replacement the only option? (That is what my mechanic has recommended.) I am very fond of this auto; it is top of the line, a turbo-charged Subaru. But, I am leery of spending thousands on this 11 year-old vehicle. - Klara Comess A: I would be very leery of rebuilding the engine on that vehicle as well. Why is that? The engine in your vehicle likely has close to 100k miles on it. When rebuilding an engine in a vehicle of that age as well, you’ll find that there are many other needs (parts & labor) that are required to assure that you’ll get the best out of the replacement engine. If you check the Kelly Blue Book on line, you’ll likely find that the parts and labor to restore your Subaru exceed the value of the car. I suggest you think it over carefully before putting 2 or more thousand dollars into a vehicle of that age. That money could go well towards paying down the cost of a new turbo charged Subaru.
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