Timing Belt Replacing, have a couple of questions.

[uh_infinity]

I'm in the process of changing the timing belt on my 2000 Outback and have ran into two issues I am needing help with:

 

1. The belt tensioner is held in place with one bolt, that hole has been partially stripped out by the previous mechanical person. I would like to drill out the hole and put in a helicoil. Is this tapped hole blind or do I need to pay special attention with the chips to do my best to keep them from falling into the engine oil?

 

2. My other concern is with the driver's side cam and pulley. Before I took the idlers and belt off, I lined up the marks on the cam pulleys with marks on the cover and block, and the mark on the crank sprocket (round mark) with the mark directly above the sprocket. When I took the idlers and belt off, the driver's side pulley moved counterclockwise about 45 degrees. When I tried to move it back to the mark, it quickly moved past the mark and rested 45 degrees to the right of the mark. Is this normal? If so, how does one keep the pulley/cam shaft in place while putting the belt back on?

 

All I have to say about this forum, is AWESOME! I have found so much info for my '88 wagon and the timing belt change out for my OB, I just want to thank all those that have contributed so far.

[Fairtax4me]

You can helicoil the mount for the tensioner or replace it. That section is removeable, you can drill all the way through it of needed. Just don't drill into the block behind it.

 

Drivers camshaft is in the loaded position when at the proper timing mark. It will rest in that position when set at the mark. I use a breaker bar to give me the most leverage and avoid turning past the mark.

 

Good news is the pistons are all at half stroke when the crankshaft is set at the timing mark so valves can not clash. No chance of damage as long as you don't spin the crankshaft.

[MilesFox]

That part can be swapped with another engine. Or just take it off and repair it on the bench. Hooray for subaru being practical in design.

[uh_infinity]

Interesting, never would have guessed it was removable. I will have to look into that and find the bolts for it. How many bolts hold that piece in place? Also, thanks for the info on the driver's side cam, gives me some peace of mind that everything is how it's supposed to be. Thanks for the advice guys.