mmcclain

I am in Seattle. I live in an apartment and so does everybody I know. I need a Garage for 2 weekends (would be in a row) to fix my Subaru. I will be doing a tranny & engine swap. I have done a lot of subaru repairs including an engine swap on the street and I am just getting tired of getting hassled so I am trying this route. I want to pay rent and if you have an engine hoist I would rent it for sure. I am also willing to put a larger deposit down.. for an incentive for me to get it done and get out. I think I can do it in one weekend.. but you never know. I know this is a weird request, but can anyone help? Oh my schedule is flexible this month or next. Thanks!

Thank you all for your input and assistance. You not only provided some helpful insight, but you also gave me a little confidence that it shouldn't be a big job. I got it all back up and running today and I must say, I really appreciate the time you took to reply to my post. It took me 4 hours, including getting the belts from the auto store. I did not repack the bearings or any extra stuff, but I did change both belts. I decided to put the cover back on. Not that I don't trust that it will work, but just for some completion to the project. They are in good shape and now broken threads so I decided why not? Some of you are probably saying 4 hours is a bit long, but I try to go slow and not screw anything up... plus I am slow. I think that if I did it again I could do it in 1 or 2 hours. (probably less if I left the covers off) If there are others looking to do this job I have a few pointers from a newbies perspective... Ask they questions you have, but do a search through USMB first. You will probably find your answers. DO NOT TAKE THE ENGINE OUT. That would be a total waste of time. There is plenty of room once you take out the fans. No need to take the alternator or the air conditioner off. Just move the alternator to the side and leave the AC unit where it is. No need to take out the radiator. Again, plenty of room. My crankshaft bolt was on pretty tight. No need taking off the started or sticking a screwdriver in the top of the transfer case If you have a manual transmission.. just put it in 5th gear and pull the E-Brake up hard. With a breaking bar, turn the bolt counter clockwise. If it is still not coming out.. hit it with a rubber mallet. 3 wacks did the trick for me. Don't ever sell your subi. You won't get enough money what it is worth and how easy it is to repair, once you know what you are doing. Thanks again for all of your feedback and advice. -M

Thanks all. It is 7:00 the tow truck will be here soon. I am going to get started. I think I am going to leave the covers off. Thanks again for all of your help. -M

Leave the cover off? Really? I would assume the any greese , rocks etc would cause some problems?? I am very curious about this.

Yes, thank you. I have changed the timing belt before (on another Subaru) but I took the engine out. I am a little paranoid about doing it with the engine in. It seems that it will be hard to get to everything. The last time I changed a timing belt it was because I was replacing the head gasket. You folks helped me out big time with the timing issues because my manual had left the step out where I am to offset each cam 180 deg. Two days later my Subaru was stolen from in a mall parking lot. Same day I found the same color, year, model for sale. My wife and I bought it same day. We love our Subaru and I like to fix it, but I don't have 2+ days to work on it. Easier to take the engine out? I mean how much work will it be with the engine in? I know I am to replace the parts while I am in there. I am not sure what I will replace yet, still thinking about it. Especially if it turns out I blew an oil pump or something. I value your opinions a lot, but I think I may just replace the timing belt and probably tension pulleys, sense that seems to make a lot of sense. Replacing the other parts will add a lot of time to the project, although I will probably regret it later.

Maybe I can. I have been getting a lot of work lately. More than I can do on my own. Would you be willing to work by the job vs by the hour?

Thank you for your help. I feel more sure that I can fix it now. I understand that it could still be more than a timing belt, but it sounds like it is just that. I just can't understand how they break all of the sudden... but it makes sense that they break eventually. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me!! Hopefully I can repay the favor sometime. (I have a small web design company, maybe a discount if you are ever in need.) I will post tomorrow if I get it running or not. I can't believe there are so many people on USMB willing to take the time to post advice. -M

Thank you GD. Do you know if there is anyway to test for seized engine? When I turn it over... it rotates and makes the typical "I'm about to start" noise.

Is there anyway to test for seized engine?

The engine oil was very low. I did not notice it until the car stopped. Barely any on the dip stick. So... one of you says possibly, the other says doubtful more engine damage. Mainly I am trying to figure out if I will be able to do the job. I have 1 free towing and am going to tow it somewhere to fix it if I can, otherwise I will tow it to a mechanic. If it is more than a timing belt I probably do not want to takle it. Any other opinions? Thank you for the info you have provided so far. I really appreciate your fast responses and USMB!

I was low on oil coming back from a trip. The timing belt broke. I am going to fix it tomorrow, and I am curious if you folks think that there will be more broken than just the timing belt/bad timing with the low oil? Also, do think it will be faster for me to take out the engine or work with the engine in? I was going 35mph when it happened. It is the drivers side belt. 1990 Loyale Wagon / non turbo. Thank you so much!!!