Timing belt, can it be inspected without full tear down ?

[Legacy]

I just bought a '91 Legacy wagon, I believe its a 2.2 16 valve na motor. It has 199,920kms on it [about 120 miles]. The previous owner claims the timing belt was down at 160kms but he only had the car since this July and has no bills to prove so who's to say ?? I've checked with the 2 local dealers and the last service this car saw at a dealer was '96.

In the long run I'd rather sink the money into doing the belt than paying 4x that for the damage it could cause. I know on some cars there is a way to take a peak at the belt to see if its worn... some places say if you can read the lettering on the belt its fine , if its worn replace it.

Is this possible on a legacy without tearing it down to the point were I might as well just do the belt ?

Also , when replacing the timing belt is there anythign else that needs doing ? For example I've heard on Eagle talons you have to do the water pump as well...

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[ColinL]

Remove accessory belts and pullies, cooling fans and timing cover. That's about 20 minutes of work with air tools, up to an hour if you've never done it before and only have human-powered tools.

After removing the timing cover you can see all of the timing belt. If it looks worn or cracked, come back here for advice on how to change it or button it up to take into the shop.

[SubyTechMaster]

'91 Legacy is not an interferance motor, if the T-belt brakes it will not damage the engine. It will however be very inconveniant for you.

The T-belt cover is a three piece cover; left, middle, and right. To just inspect the belt you can remove either of the end cover pieces (left or right) and expose the belt. I would not replace the Water Pump unless it has started weeping Coolant or is noisey.

[STiShawn]

are there DIY instructions anywhere on hoe to R&R the timing belt? I need to do it on my RS.

[steve_d]

I can walk you through it if you like...

you anywhere near atlanta??? I"ll just do it for you.

I've had mine off of my MY98 5 times due to one thing leaking or another.

sjd

[wac]

are there DIY instructions anywhere on [how] to R&R the timing belt? I need to do it on my RS.

Yes. Pick up the Haynes Subaru Legacy Repair Manual from your local bookstore or auto parts store. It has just about as much detail as the Subaru manuals, but presented differently.

Remember to take note of where all the notches are on the pulleys, as the factory doesn't always line the marks on the belt with the pulleys (my guess is that the assembly line worker was showing off that he/she didn't need to use those marks when building the engine).

-WaC
Wayhe