Tips when changing a Subaru Timing Belt

[frank]

When I changed my belt no one gave me these tips. And the book was also
not much help when it came to these. So, here are the tips, the rest
you can get from the book:

1) Parts that no one seems to mention you should purchase while your
into this: A) I highly suggest the belt with the timing marks. B) The
time belt cover has a neoprene gasket at the bottom center. This must
be purchased separately. But no one tells you this. The old one will be
highly distorted when are removal and will not have a nice fit for
reassembly. C) Oil pump o-ring. Your oil pump is probably linking and
if it not, it will start to shortly after you complete this job. To
replace this o-ring you must do almost 80% of the same work, so buy the
ring and do as part of this job. (It totally fries me that neither the
book (which is the reason I purchased it), nor the guy at the Subaru
parts counter - makes these suggestions. In fact, the parts counter,
not making these suggestion taints my faith in my Subaru dealer.
2) When it comes time to unscrew the harmonic balancer, (on my 1999
Outback), there is a rubber plug just behind and below the throttle
body. Remove the rubber plug and you'll see the flywheel or ring gear
assembly. Spin the engine until you see a notch or hole that you stick
a large screwdriver in. This will hold the engine in place while you
break loose (using a breaker bar) the bolt on the harmonic balancer.

With those tips, the job goes pretty smooth and you'll be much
happier when you done.

 

[Edward Hayes]

Thanks for the information. The parts people are not mechanics in most
cases. I do not expect them to advise me on how & what to do to
service my vehicle. I went to www. endwrench.com and the important
information was there i.e. the oil pump. If I did not have a source of
information before a job such as this I talk to a certified mechanic
who has done it before many times. ed

 

[Jim Stewart]

Thanks for the information. The parts people are not mechanics in most
cases. I do not expect them to advise me on how & what to do to
service my vehicle. I went to www. endwrench.com and the important
information was there i.e. the oil pump. If I did not have a source of
information before a job such as this I talk to a certified mechanic
who has done it before many times. ed

Likewise, a google search of this newsgroup
would have given you a wealth of information
on the subject.

 

[Guest]

That's looks like a great resource. I did this job early in the spring.
I wish I new of http://endwrench.com then.

 

[Mike Lloyd]

Regardless of tips available in other places, thanks Frank -- good feedback
is always a good thing.

 

[DG]

Uhh, harmonic balancer? I assume you mean the crankshaft pulley.