Timing Component Alignment Marks: Locations
Caution: Incorrect removal or installation of the timing belt can result in damage to internal engine components.
Camshaft Timing Marks, Left Side (DRIVER'S SIDE):
Timing Belt Tension Adjustment, Left Side (DRIVER'S SIDE):
Camshaft Timing Marks, Right Side (PASSENGER'S SIDE):
Fig. 8 Timing Belt Tension Adjustment, Right Side (PASSENGER'S SIDE):
For complete Timing Belt Removal and Installation information: Service and Repair
Timing Belt Routing:
Note: Refer to Fig. 1 for proper belt routing.
To replace the timing belt, proceed as follows:
1. Verify that the timing indicator on the flywheel is lined up with the middle mark as shown in Fig. 4.
NOTE: This is not Top Dead Center (TDC) of the engine. These marks merely set the camshaft and crankshaft in the proper position to remove and replace the timing belts.
2. Remove all belt driven accessories as necessary to gain access to the timing belt covers.
3. Remove the air bleed hose, oil filler duct and water pipe.
4. Remove crankshaft pulley.
5. Remove the water pump pulley.
6. Remove the oil level dip stick and tube.
Fig. 15 Timing belt cover assembly. 1985-94 4-109/1800cc engine:
7. Remove the left, right and middle timing belt covers, refer to Fig. 15.
Fig. 2 Releasing Tension On Right Side Cam Belt:
8. To remove the timing belts, proceed as follows:
a. Loosen the tensioner mounting bolts near #1 cylinder, Fig. 2.
b. Retract the tensioner and tighten the mounting bolts temporarily.
c. Remove the timing belt for the right side cylinder bank.
d. Loosen the tensioner on the left side cylinder bank, Fig. 3.
e. Using Tensioner Wrench (Subaru Part 499007000) or equivalent, retract the tensioner and temporarily tighten the mounting bolts. Be careful not to damage any of the machined surfaces of the crank or tensioner pullies.
f. Remove the timing belt from the left side bank.
9. To install the timing belt, proceed as follows:
a. Verify that the crankshaft position has not been disturbed during the disassembly. The flywheel marks should be as shown in Fig. 4.
Camshaft Timing Marks, Left Side (DRIVER'S SIDE):
b. Position the left-bank camshaft as shown in Fig. 5.
NOTE: If the cam is out of position (for example, if the timing belt was broken) rotate the cam gear using a suitable tool. There will not be any engine damage during this process. This is a "safe" valve design.
c. Attach the left bank timing belt to the inner crank sprocket, oil pump sprocket, belt idler and camshaft sprocket, in that order.
d. Loosen the mounting bolts for the tensioner to apply tension to the timing belt.
Timing Belt Tension Adjustment, Left Side (DRIVER'S SIDE):
e. Push the timing belt by hand, Fig 6, to assure smooth movement of the tensioner.
f. Tighten the tensioner mounting bolts. Verify that the tension on the timing belt is is 24 - 46 lbs. Use of a belt tension gauge is recommended.
g. Verify again that the timing marks are still aligned, Fig. 4. With only the left bank belt installed, rotate the engine one turn clockwise. The left bank cam gear mark should now be pointing straight down.
Camshaft Timing Marks, Right Side (PASSENGER'S SIDE):
h. Using a suitable tool, align the right bank cam sprocket to the mark as shown in Fig. 7.
i. Install the right bank timing belt (outer crank pulley).
Fig. 8 Timing Belt Tension Adjustment, Right Side (PASSENGER'S SIDE):
j. Loosen the tensioner mounting bolts to allow tension to be applied to the timing belt.
k. Push the timing belt by hand, Fig. 8, to assure smooth movement of the tensioner.
l. Tighten the belt tensioner mounting bolts. Verify that the tension on the timing belt is between 24 - 46 lbs.
m. Replace the timing belt covers and accessories.
10. Run the engine and add coolant as necessary.
11. Check the ignition timing with the engine fully warm, refer to TUNE-UP.