QuestionI have a '98 Forester L that just ran hot. I parked it before the temp gauge pegged. I suspect a water pump problem because there was an intermittent belt squeal. It has 165k miles and the timing belt, water pump, et al, were replaced at about 105k. My questions are:
• How hard is it to get at the water pump?
• How long should the repair take?
• Assuming that I cannot do the work, what should I expect to pay in Myrtle Beach, S.C.?
Thanks
AnswerRon,
Most likely your problem is not the water pump, that would be very unusual for a Subaru. The water pump is not driven by the acc. belts instead it is driven by a cogged timing belt that doesn't really squeel.
The typical thing is a head gasket issue, which you can read about here.
http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/
The water pump is driven by the timing belt and you will need a few special tools or techniques to make the repair around having the right tools.
As to the rest of the question I have no idea how long it will take you or if you are up to the task, have the tools needed, and I have no idea what the labor rate or part matrix is like where you live. I would guess at $500.000 to $600.00 but a few phone calls or request quotes via e-mail to shops local to you should really answer that better for you than I can.
