timing belt 04 forester

[scoobyroo321]

New member today, need advice on timing belt replacement. It was recommended to me to use only Subaru thermostats, but what is the most cost effective way to go (names, places) for the other components i.e. water pump, belt/pully kit? Thanks.

[johnceggleston]

''theimportexperts'' on ebay have good parts at good prices.

lots of folks use them for timing idlers, water pump, tensioner and belt.

 

i use subaru oil seals, they cost about $35 ? for the front of the car.

saving 5-7$ on those prices is not a big deal to me when spending over $250 on everything.

besides, i know the quality of the subaru seals.

 

the t-stat and gasket is another 18 - 24$, but i'm not sure i would replace it.

of all the t-stat and overheating issues i have read about none were due to a bad factory t-stat.

all were because an after market t-stat was installed

or not a t-stat issue at all, but a head gasket issue.

 

i may be short sighted about replacing it.

but i have driven over 250k subaru miles on 5 cars, all purcheased used with at least 100k miles,

and i have never had to replace a bad ''subaru'' t-stat.

but they are not real expansive and it is your money.

so suit your self.

 

good luck.

and welcome on board.

Edited April 20, 2013 by johnceggleston