Subaru Forester timing belt change?

I was asked to look at a Forester SL (I believe it was a 98) that the timing belt went out on while he was driving. He was told the gear went out on it. I am just a mechanic as a hobby and I only have experience with V-8 and V-6 Fords and GMs, and 4 banger Hondas, but I have never heard of the timing gear breaking. I've heard that the flat 4s are a ***** to work on and I wonder if anyone could tell me what I may be getting into by looking at this for him. The guy I am doing this for knows almost nothing about cars, and I am wondering if someone told him the (tensioner) pulley broke and he only remembers it as the gear, b/c that is what I seem to be finding on line. Also, I seem to be finding conflicting reports as to whether this is an interference engine or not. I told him I don't mess with valve damage and since he was driving when this happened I am afraid that it has some damage. Any help anyone could offer would be great. This guy is low on $ and I am trying to help him outSubaru Forester timing belt change?If its a 98 forester it more than likely has a DOHC 2.5 litre engine. It is an interference engine. He should of maintained his car properly, not just LOF. His engine is probably toast, Valves are a pain to change on this engine. You might be able to get an engine from a wrecker. If its not a 98 its just a SOHC it should be okay with just a timing belt change. They are great cars if maintained properly, have seen somewith over 300,000 miles. Good Luck!Subaru Forester timing belt change?you better get a repair manual for it :)Subaru Forester timing belt change?simply call the dealer monday, ask for the service manager. Be really cool and thank him for his time beforehand and hell tell ya whatever you need to know. I cant remember from my shop, but i know our dumbest tech could do the timing belt so its not that hard for any shadetree mechanic .Good luck!Subaru Forester timing belt change?Your best bet is NOT to touch this car because it probably has bend valves and this can been a can of worms. Tell him to take it to the dealer or Subaru specialist.



Remember your friendship will be on the line if you can NOT repair this can of worms.Subaru Forester timing belt change?This one is a pain in the ***. Every-time I work on a Subaru, I end up buying new unusual tools (that I don't use again) get some of the job done, before going to a Subaru specialist.

They are good while they run, but a true pain in the *** otherwise.



If you have to do the job, do it at your friends house, have him buy any funky tools. If necessary try to coax a mechanic from the dealership to offer guidance.

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