head gasket question

[CanonLaw]

I have a 2000 GT Wagon. The previous owner replaced the head gasket in
2005. I guess only the left head gasket was replaced. Since one side
failed, should I be worried about the other side? Is there anything I
can do to prevent this? Should I worry about the side that was fixed
failing again? Thanks! I already had to fix the viscous coupler, which
was expensive and I am still paying off.

 

[Todd H.]

I have a 2000 GT Wagon. The previous owner replaced the head gasket in
2005. I guess only the left head gasket was replaced. Since one side
failed, should I be worried about the other side? Is there anything I
can do to prevent this? Should I worry about the side that was fixed
failing again? Thanks! I already had to fix the viscous coupler, which
was expensive and I am still paying off.

If it was done by the dealer, yes I believe you have similar worry
about recurrence. All I've read here is that the problem seems to go
away with the use of aftermarket gaskets.

As for the the original failing, yes it's a worry.

Best prevention is simple at least -- use the geniune subaru coolant
conditioner. It's all of a couple bucks at the dealer. Everytime
your coolant is changed, that stuff goes in, and hope for the best.