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So my dad's 93 Legacy had been backfiring on startup & idling high. I checked the timing belt marks & it seems to be off by a tooth or more. Also the driver side timing cover is broken where the cam timing mark would line up, bummer. But lined it up on passenger side & driver cam was off, even after cranking it around by hand. Well while I was working it I noticed it was an EJ20 nice surprise, I wondered why there was more room in the engine bay compared to my Legacy EJ22. Anyway is the timing belt, idler's, water pump & damn near everything else the same between the EJ20 & EJ22? Im sure the timing procedure is the same right? So a timing belt kit for a EJ22 of the same year is the same for a EJ20?

 

Gotta fix it this weekend!

 

Also 4EAT in the car is kinda sluggish, what would some members recommend? A complete fluid flush & new filter? Adding a In-Line tranny filter? Specific Additive or supplement? A pinched breather hose? Any opinions for "tuning up" the older 4EAT are appreciated, Thanks USMB & members for helping & saving each one us time & money on repairs & information/ And also getting to know our Subie's even better.

 

One last thing, I'd read of some people lubricating their throw out bearings threw clutch fork window, Is that something anyone has tried/accomplished? Its risky business greasing Throw out bearing once starting to make noise when clutch engaged. I assume only options are replace it or whole clutch kit OR ignore/get used to it but prepare for consequences. My 95 Legacy makes once pedal is released.

Edited by 88coupe
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1.  EJ timing belts are generally the same (with a few exceptions).  over here all EJ18 and EJ22 timing belts are identical so i'd assume EJ20 is as well.  Water pumps, timing sprocket, and the two idlers are all identical as well.

 

* in the US there was a timing tensioner change around 1997 - an old style two piece tensioner and a new style one piece tensioner.  they are even interchangealbe if you swap the bracket they bolt to.

 

2.  4EAT - start by flushing the transmission and making sure there are no check engine lights, engine is in tune (plugs, wires, air filter, PCV, knock sensor is not cracked)

 

3.  a 4EAT doesn't have a throw out bearing to regrease - those are in manual transmissions, not 4EAT's.

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Im sorry I didnt clarify, I have a 95 legacy w/ a 5spd.

 

you said 4EAT here - which is an automatic:

 

Also 4EAT in the car is kinda sluggish

 

 

So it's definitely a manual trans (or talknig about two different cars)?  If it's a manual trans then:

 

1. change the gear oil (not automatic transmission fluid)

2.  replace the throw out bearing, you don't regrease Subaru throw out bearings.

 

the amount of labor to get to the throw out bearing is considerable, it requires pulling the transmission or engine to get to it.  by the time you go through all that it's best to replace all the clutch components:

 

throw out bearing, pilot bearing, clutch, pressure plate, resurface the flywheel, and the two retaining clips

 

unless there's some compelling reason that you can't.

Edited by grossgary
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As long as you're working on a sohc ej20 the timing belt is the same, if it's a dohc it's a different story. Physically the ej22 and ej20 sohc are the same size so I don't see how you've got more room under the hood.

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  • 3 weeks later...

*** UPDATE ***

Changed the timing belt and water pump with a GATES belt & a NAPA water pump. It fired up right away with no backfiring or chatter & performs much better. The timing is in proper specs and everything checked out, the belt & water pump I bought for a 93 Legacy EJ22 was the same fit for the replacement EJ20 engine. Thanks for the information & help, USMB is a great tool to have!

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