Timing Belt: How close to disaster am I?

w261w261 · #1 09-12-2008, 08:37 AM

I'm trying to sell my son's '92 with 88k miles. I have to assume that the belt hasn't been changed, but am unwilling to invest the money in a car that's headed out the door. I continue to drive it. I know that I am beyond the mileage for the belt, but not too badly. I'm more concerned about its age. I know there are no definitive answer, but anyone that has actual experience with these I'd appreciate a reply.

Also, on my 3G Accord, the whole belt/pump/idler job is just over $600. On my '04 Passat, it's $1300. Where does the Suby lie in that spectrum. Thx.

benebob · #2 09-12-2008, 08:49 AM

Disaster as in the engine stops when it breaks? You won't do engine or valve damage if it breaks like you would on a Honda or a newer Subaru. I've never taken a belt out of one that looked worn. Even ones well past their prime. Granted if you're selling to someone with a clue lack of maint. will be taken into account on price.

siceclipse · #3 09-12-2008, 09:20 AM

I bought my subaru with 103K on the clock with no timing belt done and when i took the covers off and inspected it, it looked great.

w261w261 · #4 09-12-2008, 09:25 AM

OK, thanks for the info. I just wanted to confirm that the engine is non-interference. Gates says it isn't, but then again, Gates says my '89 Accord is, and it isn't. Good info from the poster about the belt condition as it ages.

TN_fwdsvx · #5 09-12-2008, 12:12 PM

Yes, the EG33 is non-interference. I just changed my 94's belt and pulleys/idlers at about 210,000 because the belt had jumped (or slipped). As far as I know it was the orginal belt. Have kit to change daughter's, plus water pump, next weekend.

FuJi K · #6 09-12-2008, 02:35 PM

Timing belts can vary in condition. Some will look just fine at 100k and you can run them for a bit longer. Some will break but I have not heard of those cases at all. The only cases I've heard of are the pulley next to the water pump failing because of the bearings going out; but this is on the 2.2/2.5L Subarus.

Overtime what you just worry about is the belt stretching. I've compared a few of the H4 EJ-series belt with a NEW belt and I've noticed a little stretch.

There'll probably be more stretch in a motor that has been run hard over time. Maybe my timing belt may stretch because I drive my car quite hard and it's seen a few driving events.