Head gasket failure represents the most common major repair Subaru owners face. The symptoms are unmistakable, overheating, milky oil, sweet-smelling exhaust, or bubbling in the coolant reservoir. When these signs appear, you need specialists who perform this repair daily.
At East Valley Auto Rebuild, with over 70 years of combined experience, Subaru head gasket replacement is our bread and butter. Our Kent facility exists specifically to address this repair with the precision and expertise these engines demand. We've restored countless Subarus to reliable operation, from daily drivers to high-mileage vehicles their owners refuse to abandon.
Why Subaru Head Gaskets Fail
Subaru's horizontally-opposed boxer engines position cylinder heads on opposite sides of the engine block. This configuration creates unique thermal stresses as the engine heats and cools.
While Subaru improved gasket designs over the years, even newer engines can experience failures when cooling systems aren't properly maintained. Mark Bryant, the Independent Subaru Guru, has diagnosed and repaired thousands of head gasket failures during his 30-plus years in the industry. This focused experience ensures an accurate diagnosis and a repair that actually lasts.
In-House Machining for Superior Results
Proper Subaru head gasket repair requires more than just swapping parts. Cylinder head sealing surfaces must be inspected for warpage caused by overheating. Heads that exceed flatness specifications require machining to restore a proper seal.
East Valley Auto Rebuild provides capabilities no other Washington shop can match. We are the only automotive facility in the state offering complete in-house machining plus full Subaru engine installation services.
- Quality Control: Your cylinder heads stay in our 7,000-square-foot Kent facility.
They don't compete for attention at an outside machine shop.
- Faster Turnaround: Eliminating the "middleman" machine shop gets you back on the road sooner.
- Better Value: We pass the savings of in-house work directly to you.
Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Gaskets: The Permanent Fix
We install
multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets on every Subaru head gasket replacement we perform. Original equipment composite gaskets often proved inadequate for long-term sealing. MLS gaskets provide superior clamping force and resist the thermal cycling that causes other gaskets to deteriorate. We aim to ensure you never have to deal with a head gasket failure on this vehicle again.
Thorough Service & Transparency
Head gasket replacement is the ideal time to address "while you're in there" maintenance. We inspect and can replace:
- Timing belt components
- Water pumps and thermostats
- Cam seals and valve cover gaskets
We document the entire process through photos and/or videos sent directly to you. You'll see your engine being disassembled, the condition of your old gaskets, and the machining process that restores your cylinder heads.
Transparent Pricing That Respects Your Budget
Our shop rate reflects specialized expertise while remaining well below dealership pricing. Because we handle machining in-house, we eliminate the markups common at other shops.
See Why Subaru Owners
Keep Coming Back
The quality of work is top notch. Took my 2011 STI there to get the head gaskets done and could not be more pleased with the work they did and how they treated me through the process. Sent photos and videos of the entire process while taking apart the motor. Great people who really do want the best for the customer and their car. Would absolutely take my Subaru there again if needed.
I brought my 2017 wrx with a blown engine to Mark at east valley auto rebuild. I really liked how he took the extra time to discuss all my available options, from keeping it stock to going with more quality parts. Mark covered it all with his extensive knowledge while he tooks us out to lunch. He really made sure that what I wanted out of and from the car is what I got.
I have been coming to this repair shop for a couple of years now and just bought my second Subaru to allow them to keep maintaining my car for me. They have been so helpful to me over the years, always working around my budget, always squeezing me in last minute when they are busy. The owners are great people who genuinely care about their customers and the staff is very informative. Thank you, East Valley!
These folks handle all my auto repairs with extreme care and understanding
I've brought my 2011 Subaru Outback to East Valley Auto Rebuild a few times now, and every visit has been a great experience. Mark Bryant and his team do excellent work at a fair price, and they really know their stuff—especially when it comes to high-performance Subaru options. They're honest, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. If you're looking for quality service and trustworthy advice, I highly recommend them!
Some of Our Professional Subaru Services
Below are some of our most popular Subaru Services and Repairs and descriptions of each.
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Other Services
Explore our full range of Subaru specialist services
Serving Kent and the Entire Pacific Northwest
The reputation Mark Bryant has built as the Independent Subaru Guru draws owners from Seattle, Tacoma, and even as far as Portland.
Our Kent facility provides convenient access from I-5 and Highway 167, making expert care accessible for the entire Puget Sound region.

Get Your Subaru Back on the Road Head gasket problems don't improve with time. They lead to progressive engine damage.
If your Subaru is showing symptoms of failure, contact East Valley Auto Rebuild for an evaluation.
Call us or visit our shop at 22647 88th Ave S in Kent, WA.
