Engine replacement - Legacy 2002

[CruisingBob]

Everyone knows that Subaru had problems with their 2.5L motors between
2001 and 2003... and it is now my turn to have an engine replacement.

When a received an email from my dealer saying that they had received
the short block, it says:

*****
Special order part # Description
SU10103AB390R2 REMAN SHORTBLOCK W/C
*****

My question is: is it a "REMANufactured" short block or a new one ? When
I called the dealer, they told me it is a brand new short block...

Thx !

Alain

 

[Bob Bailin]

Everyone knows that Subaru had problems with their 2.5L motors between
2001 and 2003... and it is now my turn to have an engine replacement.

When a received an email from my dealer saying that they had received
the short block, it says:

*****
Special order part # Description
SU10103AB390R2 REMAN SHORTBLOCK W/C
*****

My question is: is it a "REMANufactured" short block or a new one ? When
I called the dealer, they told me it is a brand new short block...

Thx !

Alain

It's remanufactured. Most auto makers only offer new short blocks for a
couple
of years after the introduction of a model year. This is not a bad thing;
the
remanufactured engine is assembled to the same tolerances as a new one,
and the only part that's reused is the block itself (including the bearing
caps),
and possibly the crankshaft if it can be made serviceable.

Bob

 

[Rick Courtright]

remanufactured engine is assembled to the same tolerances as a new one,
and the only part that's reused is the block itself (including the bearing

Hi,

Not that this is applicable in all instances, but I've seen many cases
where a "reman" (assuming it's properly done") will outlast a "new"
engine simply because everything's "settled" in WRT to warpage,
expansion, etc. If the "reman" is from Subaru (as opposed to a chain
parts store kind of situation), I wouldn't worry!

Rick

 

[MN]

Everyone knows that Subaru had problems with their 2.5L motors between
2001 and 2003... and it is now my turn to have an engine replacement.

When a received an email from my dealer saying that they had received the
short block, it says:

*****
Special order part # Description
SU10103AB390R2 REMAN SHORTBLOCK W/C
*****

My question is: is it a "REMANufactured" short block or a new one ? When I
called the dealer, they told me it is a brand new short block...

Why is it that a dealer would say its NEW while the
Order description clearly states "REMAN"

They just lie habitually, period, or they are discriminating here
i.e. having the customer for a fool since he is even asking such
a "stupid" question?

MN

 

[BrianW]

A remanufactured/rebuilt short block is NOT new and should not be
sold/characterized as such. Sometimes they are fine, sometimes not.

I don't know if Subaru has the responsibility under warranty to replace
defective parts with new ones, if available. I can't believe that a
**new** 2.5 liter Subaru replacement engine would not be available.
It's essentially the same engine still being used in the 2005 models,
and was used on the last generation Legacies until 2004. I'd really
push for a new-new engine, not a rebuilt.

 

[Jim Stewart]

A remanufactured/rebuilt short block is NOT new and should not be
sold/characterized as such.

Agreed.

Sometimes they are fine, sometimes not.

Have you had any experience with bad reman blocks?

My understanding is that a "seasoned" block is
generally better than a new one. As someone else
pointed out, the iron is more stable and as long
as it was properly inspected and reworked, it
should be fine. I'd have no problems at all with
it personally.

 

[Rick Courtright]

I don't know if Subaru has the responsibility under warranty to replace
defective parts with new ones, if available. I can't believe that a

Hi,

I don't know for sure (would have to read the OP's warranty to be sure)
but I've been under the impression for many years the manufacturers
could use "remanufactured" parts for most warranty work such as this...
after all, they're probably gonna argue they're NOT replacing a NEW
engine, are they?

Still, I'm with you and wouldn't give up on a "new" engine too early in
the negotiations.

Rick