Timing Belt Change

[Frank Greene]

I have an "88 Subaru DL Wagon with the 1800 motor. The long timing belt broke. The first time I replaced the belts I did it wrong by lining up both marks at the top and then putting on both belts. I tried to start it but no luck. I then learned about having to put on the driver's side belt and then turn the engine one full turn, then line up the passenger side marks and install the belt. I have done that but it still won't start. It seems that cyl no. 1 has no compression. I have read that the valves will not hit the piston, but is this always true in every case? Any other ideas? I have spark and fuel. Thanks

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Perhaps the belt broke as a RESULT of another problem? On some soob engines it is theoretically possible for valves to hit each other, or a valve could have stuck or broken. Is it trying to run? One dead cylinder could maybe be 'motored' by 3 good ones.

If no help here, also try www.usmb.net the 'old generation' forum.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[Rick Courtright]

I have an "88 Subaru DL Wagon with the 1800 motor. The long timing belt broke. The first time I replaced the belts I did it wrong by

Hi,

Did you line up the flywheel with the proper timing marks as you installed the first belt? NOT the ignition timing marks--there should be a separate series of three scribe marks you use for doing the belts. Also, did you get proper belt tension: there's a procedure involving the cam cogs and a torque wrench. If you're not sure on either procedure, let me know and I'll dig out the book, take a look, and try to give you a better idea.

Rick

 

[Alan Taylor]

I'm in the same situation with my 87 wagon, though this is the first time I've heard about rotating the engine after installing the first belt. I can get it to run , but it's very rough and won't idle.

It looks to me like a timing problem since it gets worse as ignition timing gets closer to the mark, and better as it moves away.

I'd be very interested in the solution you (or anyone else0 eventually comes up with.

alan