I own a 2000 Subaru Outback Sport about 55k miles
When should I replace the timing chain on my Subaru. I had an '88 GL and the chain broke on me 3 times so I'm leery. They told me when I bought my '00 Outback that I could go 100k before changing it but am wondering if I would be better off replacing it at 60k.
Any advice appreciated Thanks
Torris
I ran my Y2K OB up to 110K without incident before changing the timing belt. I was not hearing any kind of slap from the belt so I suspect I could have went farther. I have done a tremendous amout of freeway driving so I wasn't going to push it, especially since it is an interference valve system.
Based on the advice from a number of people on the forum, I also had the water pump and front seals replaced at the same time. The shop I took it to actually had a 'package' to do all the work, so it is probably a prudent way to do it. In Portland, OR this ran about $500.
good luck
Jack
Torris B> I own a 2000 Subaru Outback Sport about 55k miles
Jack, any chance you took it to the independent shop in Oregon City? They do know their Subaru's and their prices are usually lower than at the dealer even when using factory parts. Not to mention they are a good source of used parts.
Mickey
Mickey wrote:(clip) I have done a tremendous amout of freeway
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I would think that freeway driving would be easier on the timing belt than in-town, since the engine makes fewer rev's per mile, and does no idling. Timing belts do not fail gradually like old-fashioned fan belts, etc. You would not hear any noise, and if you were able to inspect the belt, you would not see any wear. The timing belt on my Outback was replaced at 112,000, and it looked like new. The mechanic showed me several broken timing belts from his garbage, which looked like new also, except they were broken.
mechanic
Some people are wondering why not use a chain or gears like other manufacturers. I recall the supposedly "maintenance-free" timing chain was a big selling point when I visited a Saturn dealer in the mid-90's. OTOH - that thing was poorly insulated for sound, and at 70 MPH on the freeway the sound of the chain was pretty loud. Then they insulated the newer models better, but they weighed 200 lbs more which sapped a lot of the performance.
A timing chain is probably less likely to fail than a belt, and will give ample warning that it's going to eventually break. However - they weigh more and will make noise - especially in an overhead valve engine. I've heard of GM or other carmakers trying to quiet down the chain noise by going with plastic-coated gear teeth. Then the metal chain mashing into the plastic gear teeth would cause bits of plastic to shed, plugging up oil filters/screens. It's not as if chains are always better than belts.
I took it to Precision Import (maybe Precision Automotive, just don't remembe the exact name) in Aloha. They did a good job and were about half the price of the Subaru dealer in Beaverton. I need to also have the rear seals replaced and will not hesitate to use them again.
That is a nice thing about Portland, there seems to be a number of really good independent shops that work on Subies.
Jack
Mickey wrote:
suspect I
Just to use as a yard stick, I recently had Mountain Tech in Oregon City replace the head gaskets. They pulled the engine, resurfaced the heads, resealed the complete engine. I had previously replaced the timing belt and water pump so wasn't done at this time. Cost $1325
This was a lot better than the dealer quoted and they didn't mention resealing the engine Their quote $2k.
Mickey
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.