02 subaru with 170k kms

[scruz0]

Hello everyone,

i have a 02 sub with 170k kms on it...wondering what anyones experience on

weather or not i should change the TIMING belt on it now...or will i get a sign..?? when its time...

dealer has encouradge me to do it...wondering if i should do it now ..

and how much should i expect to pay for it...also do i have to change

water pump while i m at it..???not much of a mechanic..understand the timing

belt is NOT inside the engine...???

also would anyone recomend/not recomend changing from ""normal"" oil to

synthetic at this time...or is it tooooo late in the engine's life to do it...and

gain anything from it...>>>????

appreciate any comments.

 

tks.

cruz.

[NoahDL88]

I'd say now is a good time to change the belt, as when it goes it'll take the valves with it.

 

When you get it done, get the oil pump resealed, you 99% won't need a new one, get the front cam and crank seals replaced along with the water pump. and if you're feeling generous, i'd replace the idler pulleys too.

 

As for the oil, as long as you've replaced it on time in the past, you should be able to switch from dino to synthetic, but don't expect miracles, you may pick up a k/l or two, but not much more than that.

[gbhrps]

scruz0,

 

Yes, do the timing belt now, or within the next 20 000 kms or so. The manual says at 168 000 kms, but there has got to be more than a little leeway in the factory limitation. It sure isn't going to fail at 168 001 km. If you should see any oil leaks out the front of the engine, onto the timing belt areas, then don't wait, do it now. Cam oil seals and the water pump are anyone's guess as to how long before they go south, and that's a call you'll have to make. My 97 OBW had a belt change at 122 000 km (supposed to be at 96 000) and my Subie dealer said that they normally didn't change the water pump with the first timing belt change, but at every 2nd one. You'll find tech's that will say to change everything every 5 years or at the recommended mileage limits. To change a water pump requires taking most of the same parts off that doing a timing belt change requires, and that is why its usually recommended at the same time, but is not always necessary. If you don't want to take any chances, then follow the schedule from the factory. Personally, I'll be leaving the water pump change on my 02 OBW until it hits its second timing belt requirement, and the seals as well.