Impreza/4runner timing belt etc…

[Noah]

I am about to undertake my first ever timing belt, water pump, etc replacement. I have heard mixed things about the difficulty. A few maintenance shops have advised me not to do it myself do the severe damage screwing it up can cause, but I would love any advice you guys have.

My 1997 Subaru Impreza 2.2L with 176k on it and is about 40k miles over the recommended replacement, but it is an interference engine (EJ22) which makes me a little apprehensive for my first timing belt job.

I am thinking about completing the job on my 2000 4runner V6 with 170k on it since it is only 10k from “needing” the service and is a noninterference engine. Do you think that is a good idea?

I am planning on replacing the: timing belt, all idlers, waterpump, and thermostat. Is there anything else I should do while I’m in there? I’ve heard of doing the crank and cam seals maybe?? Plus, any brand suggestions on the parts would be much appreciated. I’ve been leaning toward Gates at this point.

Also, I don’t have air tools and both vehicles are automatics so how should I get the crankshaft bolt off??

Thanks in advance!!
Noah

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[scott37300]

[quote=”tassien4″ post=52015]I am about to undertake my first ever timing belt, water pump, etc replacement. I have heard mixed things about the difficulty. A few maintenance shops have advised me not to do it myself do the severe damage screwing it up can cause, but I would love any advice you guys have.

My 1997 Subaru Impreza 2.2L with 176k on it and is about 40k miles over the recommended replacement, but it is an interference engine (EJ22) which makes me a little apprehensive for my first timing belt job.

I am thinking about completing the job on my 2000 4runner V6 with 170k on it since it is only 10k from “needing” the service and is a noninterference engine. Do you think that is a good idea?

I am planning on replacing the: timing belt, all idlers, waterpump, and thermostat. Is there anything else I should do while I’m in there? I’ve heard of doing the crank and cam seals maybe?? Plus, any brand suggestions on the parts would be much appreciated. I’ve been leaning toward Gates at this point.

Also, I don’t have air tools and both vehicles are automatics so how should I get the crankshaft bolt off??

Thanks in advance!!
Noah[/quote]

First thing I would do is search ebay for a factory manual, you can usually find them pretty cheap and the factory ones are better then the haynes manuals. Timing belts aren’t to bad but are a little intimidating on interference engines. But the manual while walk you threw it.

Replace the tensioner also. Seals are a judgement call, some say if they aren’t leaking to leave them alone, some say to always replace. I usually wait and see what they look like when I get in there and replace as necesary. I’ve had good luck with gates belt kits.

I don’t have experience with either of those engines but you should be able to get the crank bolt off with a breaker bar and cheater pipe if needed. Then will need a puller to get the balancer off. Search youtube for videos on your engines and see if there is any good info there.

[Noah]

Yeah, the FSM is incredible. I don’t know why I didn’t get these a while ago.

I know folks have made their own pulley holders, but do you think this tool will work to hold the crank/cam pulleys? http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6613-Variable-Spanner-Wrench/dp/B000F5JMEA

Also, are the seals behind the crank/cam pulleys? Will I need to remove the cam pulleys if I don’t replace the seals? Or if I replace the seals do you actually need the cup-like tool to press them in?

Thanks for the big help!

[EricTheCarGuy]

I will say that you will first need to figure out a way to get the crank bolt off. If you can’t do that, you can’t do the job. There are a lot of techniques that can be used besides air tools but crank bolts are usually on pretty tight and you’ll need a solid method of removal in order to be successful. Granted, timing belt and water pump jobs are pretty much parts replacement however if you don’t do the work properly then engine damage can result as you’ve been advised of. I can’t speak for you or your skill set but be sure you’re ready for the task before you begin. Personally wen someone brought me a vehicle that they started to work on but couldn’t finish I charge them an extra $100 right off the top. It’s much more difficult to repair someone else’s mistakes than it is to do the job from start to finish yourself. As I said, in your case the key will be getting the crank bolts and crank pulleys removed. I believe Briansmobile1 has a video on the Subaru timing belt replacement that you might find helpful. Good luck.

[Noah]

Thanks for the response Eric. I’m actually in the middle of doing the 4runner belt/pump. I put the belt on a few teeth wrong the first time so now I have the pleasure of doing it all over again :). Luckily, its a noninterference engine. I think once I finish the 4runner successfully I will feel confident enough to tackle the Subaru.

I used the tool below to hold the pulley in place while a buddy and I yanked the bolt off. The tool worked well, but I had to buy some bolts that fit the holes of the tool in order for it to reach the pulley holes.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=OTC6613&source=froogle&kw=OTC6613

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