98sub2500leg Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 FYI: Engine: EJ25, DOHC, phase 1, year 98 Sorry to have to get on this subject again, I know there is a ton of info, have not read this issue yet. I have the well documented Endwrench procedure, Sub. procedure, Haynes & Chiltons. I have had conflicting info on if it is entirely necessary to use the cam lock tool. There is some tool from Cobb, not sure if it is necessary. I am well understood on reinstalling the belt, tooth locations, cam locations , ect..., however I am concerned when I get the belt installed and release the tensioner pin that the cams might snap. It sounds like the tensioner has a very slow release. This is my 1st timing belt as you can tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 i'm in the middle of a 98 DOHC timing belt right now. very easy - line up cams, line up crank - install belt and done. i use no special tools. if something goes whacky while you're doing it, which it might your first time, just start over, line everything up again and install it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sub2500leg Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 I would prefer to get it right the first time. I am wondering how to get it to not skip a tooth on the belt when it is all lined up and the tensionor is released. The guy at the dealer said use the large black bundle paper clips. It just seems that there would be too much force on it. On the other hand, I know the tensionor has a really slow release. I bought the cheap plastic cam lock tool at Napa. I may return it because it was $ around $58,is made of cheap plastic, and I will be lucky if I get more than one use out of it. No other parts stores had one. I do have some cold rolled steel & thought of cutting a small piece off, then drilling 2 holes to lock the cams. I saw a similar design on a post. The Cobb tool looks like the most promising, but can't find it locally, and can't wait that long for shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgambino Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 My first TB job was on the 96 2.5 Outback of mine (DOHC) I did not use special tools It was not as easy as the last poster mentioned but doable The problem is that the driver side cams are in tension when they are lined up The upper will, if you are careful, stay in posion if you turn it by hand into position (slowly carefully) I got the belt installed on both pass side cams....over the top pulley (Heading toward the drivers side)...around the center gear thing...around the tension pulley...over the drivers side cam sprocket (carefully)...rotate the lower driver side sprocket and slip belt on All the while the lowest pulley (slightly on the pass side) is NOT installed. At this point I pull up on the belt with that pulley and slip the bolt thru and find the threaded hole Once it is together...pull the tensioner pin...it moves out fairly fast...but I don't think there is anything to worry about a tooth jumping at this point...won't happen I did have to do this a few times because it is tricky....but I do this each time and it works Would I like to have the tools? You bet...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eryque Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 The guy at the dealer said use the large black bundle paper clips. It just seems that there would be too much force on it. Clothes pin? Small spring clamp like this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebugs Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 That's what I use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sub2500leg Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 Excellent, that is more in line what kind of clamp force would be needed to do the job. Not to say the talked about large paper type clamps wouldn't work, I just can't see it would have enough clamping force.:banana: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sub2500leg Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 My first TB job was on the 96 2.5 Outback of mine (DOHC) I did not use special tools It was not as easy as the last poster mentioned but doable The problem is that the driver side cams are in tension when they are lined up The upper will, if you are careful, stay in posion if you turn it by hand into position (slowly carefully) I got the belt installed on both pass side cams....over the top pulley (Heading toward the drivers side)...around the center gear thing...around the tension pulley...over the drivers side cam sprocket (carefully)...rotate the lower driver side sprocket and slip belt on All the while the lowest pulley (slightly on the pass side) is NOT installed. At this point I pull up on the belt with that pulley and slip the bolt thru and find the threaded hole Once it is together...pull the tensioner pin...it moves out fairly fast...but I don't think there is anything to worry about a tooth jumping at this point...won't happen I did have to do this a few times because it is tricky....but I do this each time and it works Would I like to have the tools? You bet...lol Yeah, I didn't mention it before, but my concern is the drivers side cams springing back. Once you have them into position, they stay in position, but seems that when that tensionor pin is removed the small amount of shock can make make the cams jump position. Had that happen on removal of the belt. Thanks for the post, it will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdjdc Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 You are over thinking this. Just line everything up with the belt on and then put pressure on the belt near the tensioner. see if all the marks line up. If not, reset the belt and go from there. Onec you have the belt on the cams they won't move, even the drivers side. I have done many of these and the tools are totally unnecessary. Just don't pull the pin until you are sure the marks are lined up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine73 Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 It wasn't a dohc but I use wooden clothes pins just to help hold the belt where I want it, enough force to keep the belt in place but certainly not enough to damage anything or scratch anything... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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