Taking the Mystery Out of Subaru Timing Belt Replacement

At the tech line we get a high volume of calls regarding how to replace the timing belt on those models equipped with dual belts. This setup first appeared around 1985 and since that time the service procedures have been a little vague.

The most important item to remember on this setup is that this engine is NOT at top dead center when the cam and crankshaft marks are aligned. At the flywheel end of the engine, there are two sets of timing marks.

One set is used for the ignition timing and places the #1 cylinder at top dead center. The other set is the correct one to use for timing belt replacement. This consists of three lines closely spaced (refer to diagram #1).

In order to place the crankshaft in the proper position, the middle line of this set must be aligned with the timing pointer. This places the cams in a position so that they won’t be affected by spring pressure and rotate out of position. Set the right bank cam to the 12 o ‘clock position (refer to diagram #2).

Install the right-hand timing belt and tension as required. Before you install the left bank timing belt, rotate the crankshaft one full turn. At this point, the right cam timing mark will now be in the 6 o ‘clock position. Now, set the left bank cam timing mark to the 12 o ‘clock position (refer to diagram #3).

Install the left belt and complete the job. When the cams are correctly timed, one cam will be at the 12 o ‘clock position, and the other will be at the 6 o ‘clock position.

Under no circumstances should the distributor require removal unless it is to be replaced. The distributor is gear driven by the left bank cam and if both cams are correctly aligned, the distributor will be properly aligned.