I'm getting my baby back, but I learned a $1000 lesson so you don't have to

"JeffFurbs" (jefffurbs)
05/06/2014 at 18:09 • Filed to: None

So an update on the WRX for those following along. Subaru called me earlier today and told me that a timing belt pulley exploded and sent shrapnel inside the timing case. It took chunks out of my 10k mile old timing belt with it. Also the timing belt front cover was cracked, which spit some ball bearings out. So time for a lesson!

Guys, when it's time to do your timing belt, and they strongly suggest doing the water pump, pulleys, and tensioners, do them! I knew I should've done the pulleys and tensioners when I got the water pump and timing belt done. I didn't have the extra little money to do the pulleys at the time. I should've waited for the next paycheck to do it. Now I have another brand new timing belt and all new tensioners and pulleys! So a thousand dollars later my 100k mile maintenance cost me 1900. Don't be stupid, do your research, and (sometimes) listen to the internet.

On the other hand, I don't have to sell my baby yet. Any other major problems and I'll have to sell her, but for now thank you tax returns. I'm also very happy with Prime Subaru in Hudson, NH. They've been pretty good to me and I don't feel like they've bent me over.

DISCUSSION (20)

ddavidn > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 18:13

Gah. Don't scare me. My wife's Subaru is due for all this timing crap to be replaced :(

PS9 > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 18:13

I am never buying a car with a timing belt. No exceptions.

505Turbeaux > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 18:22

Guys, when it's time to do your timing belt, and they strongly suggest doing the water pump, pulleys, and tensioners, do them!

true story

JeffFurbs > ddavidn
05/06/2014 at 18:24

I had a legacy with over 150k miles on it that when I owned it, I know the timing belt was never done, or anything like that. I bought it at just over 100k. It's a roll of the dice not doing it, but it is definitely worth doing preventative maintenance rather than repairs!

Had I spent the extra coin to do the full gamut (it probably wouldn't have been too much more) I wouldn't be out another grand

JeffFurbs > PS9
05/06/2014 at 18:24

I assume chains don't have these sort of problems?

JGrabowMSt > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 18:25

Well, at least it's not a not an interference type engine. If it were, you'd be up to your hair in trouble.

If it rotates along with the timing belt, replace it when you do the belt. I had everything done on my Neon so I didn't have to worry about it. I had a friend take care of it, and the tensioner was completely shot, the water pump was halfway gone, but the belt was getting up there, and I didn't want a problem.

You'll be okay, just watch out for the head gasket.

ddavidn > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 18:26

Yeah I really am not happy rolling these dice. I know our belt (possibly water pump too) was replaced at 100k, and we're now at 210k.

PS9 > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 18:30

The good ones don't. My Chain-driven 3800's valvetrain and assorted parts were all good right up until it's last mile. There are poorly designed chains out there that stretch over time, but the inherent weaknesses in a timing belt design can only be avoided by not designing an engine with a timing belt in it. There's just no reason to leave something as important as engine timing up to a consumable, especially on an interference engine!

vdub_nut: scooter snob > PS9
05/06/2014 at 18:48

Came here to post something similar. My passat was a two day, 1100 dollar affair to get it all changed. My current whip is good for 350k+, because chains.

MUH engine noise

Muh not good at high engine speeds

Ya, hokay.

Axial > PS9
05/06/2014 at 20:20

Another vote for chains. The chains also make a neat whirring sound you can hear inside the cabin!

JeffFurbs > PS9
05/06/2014 at 21:42

Good to know!

JeffFurbs > vdub_nut: scooter snob
05/06/2014 at 21:43

MUH?

JeffFurbs > ddavidn
05/06/2014 at 21:44

Well on the bright side having a car at 210k, as long as it hasn't had a lot of issues, is paying for itself at that point

ddavidn > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 21:47

It definitely is, especially since my wife inherited it for free. I replaced the radiator at Christmas, but other than that we haven't had any issues in the last 35k that we've had it. I'm hoping to keep it that way, because I can't handle a second broken car.

JeffFurbs > JGrabowMSt
05/06/2014 at 22:03

I'm confused? I thought Subaru's were interference type engines?

JGrabowMSt > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 22:09

My bad, yours is interference. Older subies are a mixed bag, the 90's had some non, and some interference.

I've been having subie discussions the past couple days, and I get the blocks messed up because I don't really go by the engine name, I'm perfectly happy referring to the model year and displacement (I know it's not perfect, but it's easier when talking to plenty of newbie car nuts).

JeffFurbs > JGrabowMSt
05/06/2014 at 22:14

No worries! I didn't actually know what an interference engine was I just thought I had one. So I looked it up and learned something in the process

JGrabowMSt > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 22:50

The learning experience, such a nice thing isn't it?! You're lucky though, you've got a much smaller engine to deal with. I picked up a HEMI, and while they're somewhat basic, holy hell I'm not terribly excited to be changing 16 spark plugs.

One day at a time right?

vdub_nut: scooter snob > JeffFurbs
05/06/2014 at 23:10

It's the sound someone makes when you break their argument down to a fundamental 2-4 word phrase. Instead of the eloquent "Timing chains are much louder than timing belts, and I, for one, feel the extra required maintenance is worth it", the argument, to the timing chain fan, is instead phrased as "MUH ENGINE NOISE". Works for nearly any argument.

Boxer_4 > JGrabowMSt
05/07/2014 at 01:58

All of the 2.5L engines (EJ25 series) are interference engines.

The 2.2L engine (EJ22) is the one that's a bit confusing. The Phase I engine was non-interference. The Phase II engine, which had a number of performance and efficiency improvements, resulting in it becoming an interference engine. The Phase II was introduced in 1997.