Time to do timng belt on my '97 GT DOHC 2.5, what do I need?

[SubeeTed]

Hi all!

It's time to do my timing belt on my '97 GT, with it's 2.5 DOHC. It was done when the lower end was replaced at 83K miles, now I have 183 K miles. Does Subee sell a kit for this? Of course I'll only use Subee OEM parts as I have heard many times here! What EXACTLY will I need? Once I get it open with my buddy mechanic, I want to have it all?

 

Which is the best place for parts ? First Subee or is there somewhere else?

Many thanks, SubeeTed

[idosubaru]

Toughest decision to make is with the idler pulleys. The engine can make another 100,000 miles but the idlers have a good chance of not making it to the next timing belt change.

 

They are very expensive from Subaru. Ebay sells complete kits for $200 for the belt and pulleys. Some folks buy the kits just for the pulleys and use a Subaru belt.

 

You'll have to price it out yourself and decide. You're talking $400-$500 for belt and pulleys from Subaru verses $200 from Ebay.

 

Along with that I typically replace the water pump, thermostat, reseal the oil pump and replace the cam seals while the belt is off.

[davebugs]

Toughest decision to make is with the idler pulleys. The engine can make another 100,000 miles but the idlers have a good chance of not making it to the next timing belt change.

 

They are very expensive from Subaru. Ebay sells complete kits for $200 for the belt and pulleys. Some folks buy the kits just for the pulleys and use a Subaru belt.

 

You'll have to price it out yourself and decide. You're talking $400-$500 for belt and pulleys from Subaru verses $200 from Ebay.

 

Along with that I typically replace the water pump, thermostat, reseal the oil pump and replace the cam seals while the belt is off.

 

 

Yep, and crank seal, you'll have the pump cover off anyways.

 

I usually do the spark plugs as well thile I'm doing the major maintenance.

 

I get aftermarket all metal WP but use the OEM gasket - I think they are a much better design/quality. Usually Cardone or Advange's "signature" series.

 

Subaru for the cam/crank seals and WP gasket in my opinion.

 

I'm one that Gary speaks of using the Ebay idlers and getting a different timing belt for an interference engine. I also replace both accessory belts when I'm putting it all back together.

 

If you don't know - READ HERE about the MAJOR problems from not getting the crank bolt tight enough. Frankly if you don't think you can get it tight enough you should pay someone to do the whole job - it'll be cheaper in the long run.

[SubeeTed]

Hi ALL!

Thanks so far on the tips!

I found this kit on Ebay (click below). Is this stuff ANY good?

I'm terrified of doing this with using less than par parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-97-2-5-Subaru-Legacy-DOHC-Timing-Belt-Water-Pump-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d3Q26psQ3d6QQ_trksidZp3286Q2em7QQcategoryZ33625QQihZ023QQitemZ360186305224

[idosubaru]

I have a set on one of my daily drivers and I've used multiple other sets before. Up to 40,000 miles so far. In the past I have used a Subaru timing belt and only replaced the pulleys that needed too. My guess is most of yours are going to spin rather freely and even have some noise to them. Brand new they don't have any noise, yours will probably all be noisey because they've lost their grease over the past 12 years.

 

I would not use the seals, I'd go Subaru only for the seals, water pump gasket (although that one looks like an OEM Subaru gasket) and thermostat for sure, noticeable differences there.

 

I wouldn't be concerned with the water pump.

 

An option is to plan on pulling the belt off in 50,000 miles and check all the pulleys. I wouldn't trust the 15 year old originals any more than the brand new aftermarkets to make it to the next timing belt change.

[987687]

I had my water pump seize up on me at 92,000 miles (yay non-interference engine!!). So I always say replace it.