Jaimesbeam Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 Please bear in mind that I'm not a mechanic! Well, not since I sold my last antique VW. I like to think I'm mechanically minded and capable, but I have a full time job, and an organic farm, and a winery, and a family to run! I don't have the time! I have most of the hand tools, but none of the fancy automotive/power/air/hydraulic tools! Oh and the small matter of not having a garage, and it's winter out, with a couple feet of snow and 0 to 30 degrees F outside??? So in any case I won't be working on the car myself; unfortunately! So, most mechanics have said that when you replace the timing belt, you need to replace everything; on the other hand they also said that a broken timing belt equals a totalled engine too! I figure if I can get the parts cheap (aka importexperts on ebay); I might as well replace everything under the timing belt covers: Belt, pulleys, tensioner, water pump, crank & cam seals(?) I'll save on labor, which I'll have to pay for. I'll drive it back to maine, and find someone to do a compression/leakdown test, and if necessary a valve job later. I did run into a few snags ordering the parts from importexperts, though. I ordered a timing belt kit for a 99 Subaru Outback 2.5L DOHC engine from them on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370321515921&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT#ht_2676wt_948 I also sent them an ebay-email saying that I'd like them to send the parts to Boston rather then Maine, because the mechanic and car are in Boston. They say that they have to send the parts to the Paypal address. So, my bad, I shouldn't have paid with Paypal; I guess I should have called them up and paid by credit card, then I could have told them to ship them anywhere. So then I called them on the phone to see if I could have the parts sent to Boston (I don't take 'no' for an answer very well!), and to order the matching water pump and seals for another $100. I asked them to email my a recipt/invoice. They send me a Paypal invoice that just says 'auto parts'. I email back saying I'd like a detailed invoice stating exactly what parts I'm buying, and how much each costs, and that I'll have to call and pay by credit card, because (duh! I just finished talking to you about this!) I want to have the parts sent to Boston! Their response: 'We can't be bothered'. Call my crazy, but I like to know exactly what I'm buying, especially sight unseen mail order. I'll have the mechanic buy the parts in Boston; I won't be ordering from them again! Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaimesbeam Posted January 14, 2011 Author Share Posted January 14, 2011 I guess this was a hard luck car... I had the timing belt replaced, and drove it up to Maine. It drove ok, pretty rough at idle, but ok a driving speed. I never could figure out a cost effective way to get the valves repaired (replacement engine/heads/head job) I couldn't see putting > $2,000 into the car. So I've been driving it for a year as is; kind of resigned myself to the drive it untill it dies mode. It has been a good car; I really like the Subaru Outbacks! Unfortunately, just before Christmas... (I hope this isn't a trend)... I had VIP auto put in a new alternator in it. The replacement alternator had a bad regulator, and seems to have totally fried all the electronics in the car; like the wipers came on, even though they were turned off!!! The car died, and is toast, I'm afraid. After a month at the Subaru Dealer (Stanley Subaru in Ellsworth ME) replacing the ECM, fuse box, etc etc etc, they still couldn't get it to run!!! Thankfully VIP has paid for a rental, and is paying to replace the car. So I guess I have to start looking for another (used) Subbie... :-\ I'll start another Topic on that... Thanks for all your advice! Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericem Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 wow,that is pretty crazy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93Newbaru Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 So I've been driving it for a year as is; kind of resigned myself to the drive it untill it dies mode. Haha, cool. I was reading this thread the past couple days as I have the same problem now. How bad does it drive? Gas mileage? But that's not the case with this engine. Although it's an interference engine it will only sustain valve damage, none of the more catastrophic stuff. Is valve damage a 100% guarantee when a timing problem happens? I just started to swap an EJ22 into my outback, but figured I would check out the 2.5 first. The timing components are totally destroyed. One blown pulley, one bad pulley, tensioner pulley feels like garbage, AND seized water pump. I figured I'd install a used pulley set and belt and see how bad the motor is. Good idea or no? I don't see any major leakage or anything around the heads, only the whole front of the motor is covered in oil. If it takes any more than a timing kit I will probably just drop the 2.2 in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
987687 Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 Where in Maine are you? If/when you get the car back to Maine, Warren Auto Service in Warren, ME knows Subarus very well. As far as I know they are honest, reliable and knowledgeable. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com You aren't talking about Warren AutoBarn, are you??! DON'T GO THERE!!!!!!!! They messed up strut install on my car, messed up my friend's car so bad it needed an engine, and actually crashed my car. Denied all of it! Nearly took a lawsuit to have them pay for damage to my car. The guy who runs the place is a crook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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