kclage12

Thanks for the quick reply! Looks like the search continues and now I know what I'm looking for!

I'm not giving up on my '98OBW but I need some help determining engine compatibility. My engine type is EJ25DAXDYL (DOHC). Do I need the exact same engine type as a replacement? I have a lead on an engine from a '99 Impreza Legacy Forester Outback engine type EJ253AW1VB (SOHC). Is it compatible? I searched on-line for engine type decoder but had no luck.... As usual, thanks in advance for any help!

Good news bad news..... I was able to remove the cylinder heads without taking out the engine or raising the engine! It was a tight fit, but I did it.... That's the good news.... The bad news is that three of the cylinders are toast. According to a mechanic friend, the engine may have overheated and caused the cylinders to "fracture" at the face of the block. I guess the engine may have seized up temporarily after the overheating caused the fractures which caused the intake cam sprocket to bust... What a bummer. Thanks to all of you that offered help, guidance and support!! I could not have done this without you.

Quick summary... '98 Outback 2.5L dohc engine.... Sprocket broke timing belt came off most likely bent valves but am checking compression before I pull the heads. Question: how do I make certain the cams and crank shafts are lined up properly to install timing belt to check compression? The manual talks about not moving the sprockets when changing the timing belt so you know that everything is lined up to begin with.... But what about when you start with nothing lined up? The manual shows me where all the marks should be on the sprockets and where the piston in cylinder 1 needs to be. Is it that straight forward?

Finally.... I have an update.... Tore into the engine and found a broken exhaust camshaft sprocket on the right side. I ordered new intake and exhaust sprockets (right side only) and will test the compression once I get them installed. Are broken cam sprockets common? Thx k

Thanks for the responses... I hope to dive in shortly....nwill let you know how things go. I sure hope I can get another 100k out of "rubie"!

I'm new to this forum and am a mechanic wannabe so please bare with me. I searched the forum with no luck, please advise if this has already been covered.... According to my son who was driving the subie on the interstate at 75 mph - the engine started overheating and then he heard a "snap"..... Had the subie towed to a mechanic who informed me that the timing belt broke and the engine is "toast". So here are my questions: 1. What is the range of damage to the engine with the timing belt breaking? 2. I have been to told that the valves are damaged and I need to remove the cylinder heads. True statement? 3. Do I need to take the engine out to remove the heads? 4. Are there any tests I can perform prior to removing the heads to determine the extent of damage? 5. My family and I love our subie. It has 220k miles and I want to fix it- I will do the work with the help of mechanic friends - any estimate on range of cost for parts..... Thanks in advance for any help!