Life or miles on EA82 timing belts

[esteveW]

I just picked up a 87 GL wagon, 5spd DR, NA carb. and it only has 137k miles. I haven't been able to start it yet because someone stole the distributor and cat. converter.

 

It has been setting since (or was last plated) in 2007..

 

How many miles are most getting out of the timing belts and tensioners. A couple days ago, I went to look at the same engine set up and he had just changed his timing belts at 253k along with tensioners. He had only owned the car for a few years so was unsure if or when they had been changed previously.

 

I should mention, I got this car for the drive train and intially I don't plan to use the EA82 engine in my Brat swap. I just got it for the drive train and a few other goodies. However, I want to get a clear idea of the condition of the engine while I still have it in the car. I'll try to turn the engine with a wrench tomorrow and if free, I will go get a distributer and see if I can get it to start for compression readings.

 

Is there anyway to see the condition of the belts without removing the covers. View hole or something.

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

Edited January 1, 2010 by esteveW

[markjw]

I will go get a distributer and see if I can get it to start for compression readings.

 

Is there anyway to see the condition of the belts without removing the covers. View hole or something.

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

 

If you just want to check the compression,you certainly do not need a distributor.

 

There is a section of the belt covers,more toward the center of the engine,that is removeable for belt inspection.

[idosubaru]

+ 1 no need for disty.

 

remove both side timing belt covers. it's only 3 10mm bolts and you got a great view of the belts. no need to reinstall, many of us don't even use the timing belt covers anyway and you're not even sure what's happening to the motor, just chunk them in the trunk.