1992 Legacy Broken Timing Belt

Hi,

Does your engine use one or two timing belts?

I'm not sure of the procedure for timing single belt engines, but on the two belt models, you align the crank mark (there's a special mark for this purpose--DON'T use the ignition timing marks!) and the FIRST cam mark UP and install the inner belt. Then you rotate the engine 360 degrees so the crank mark's again at the top, but your first cam mark is pointed DOWN (180 deg from where you started.) Then you install the second belt with that cam mark UP. Failure to follow this procedure will lead to the same result you've had.

Also, since you're already in there, have you replaced all the seals on the front of the engine (both cam seals, front crank main seal, O-rings on back and small seal on front of oil pump?) Many will suggest you replace the water pump, too, to minimize labor!

Best of luck,

Rick

I did a Goggle search for "subaru 2.2 timing installation" and "subaru 2.2 timing belt installation" and found several sites that explains the procedure with pictures.

My engine has just one timing belt

All of the procedures I've seen have you align the cams with the timing marks above them (at 12 o'clock), and again, there's only one belt, so This wasn't the problem. Any other ideas?

Thanks

The procedure Rick offered is for the older EA82 engine.

Your problem is most likely you used the wrong timing marks down at the crankshaft balancer.

I believe I did use the wrong timing marks...my Chilton's manual says to line it up using the crankshaft harmonic balancer, which I did...unsuccessfully. I found another article which says to use the marks on the crankshaft sprocket which I didn't know about until I read it here:

Procedure for 2.2l.

Compress the tensioner and insert a small drill bit or allen wrench to hold the piston back. Install the tensioner, slide all of the way back, and tighten temporarily.

Align notch/line on both cam pulleys (_not_ the arrow) to notch in rear timing cover (~ at 12:00). Align notch/line on crank pulley to mark on case (again, not the arrow, and at approx. 12:00). Remove both R. side idlers (passenger side of engine; the smooth ones).

Note three white lines, and directional arrow(s) on the new belt. Belt should be installed such that the arrows point in the direction of rotation. Route the belt around the crank and cam pulleys, the tensioner idler, water pump, and L. idler (the cogged one), with the right line on the belt (right as you're facing the engine) aligned to the marks on the L. cam pulley, the center line aligned to the mark on the crank, and the left line aligned to the mark on the R. cam pulley. (Hope that made sense; it'll only go one way . . .).

Install the upper R. idler, and then the lower. Use a small prybar to push tensioner toward the belt as far as it will go with reasonable pressure, tighten securely, and remove the pin restraining the piston.

Double check that all of the above alignment criteria have been satisfied, all idlers are tight, and re-install the front covers.

If that doesn't get things going, you have something else wrong.

Hope this helps.

ByeBye! S. Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101

Compress the tensioner over a period of time not LESS than 3 minutes. VEEEERRRRYYYY slowly and preferably with a drillpress or other vertical press. Internal seals can be damaged otherwise.

Carl

Steve...I went to UCCS too! I graduated last year...small world.

It worked! The probelm was I was aligning the mark on the harmonic balancer, not the mark on the crankshaft sprocket. Once I used the correct mark, my legacy started right up. I've written an e-mail to the company that makes my manual so they are aware of the problem.

Thanks everyone for your help! I really appreciate it!!