I just bought a '96 Legacy. It was from the original owner, so at least I have an idea of the maintenance history (he had the reciepts).

 

It has 129K on it (it is the 2.2L) and basically has had the oil changed regularly - very little else done to it. I am in the process of catching it up on P.M.

 

So far:

-New Plugs (NGK Platinum)

-New Fuel Filter

-New Air Filter

-Changed Oil

-Changed ATF (not the filter)

 

I bought one of the E-bay complete timing belt kits with all the seals, and intend to reseal the front of the engine (looks like it is leaking from the cam shaft seals) and also do the timing belt and water pump while I'm in there. I also will remove the radiator and flush the cooling system during this time.

 

First question - any idea how much time I should budget for this one? I was guessing 4ish hours (I am pretty handy).

 

Second question - the car runs much better with new plugs and filters, but still idles a bit rough. It runs perfectly when driving, but while idling in gear, there is a bit more vibration than I would deem "normal" - maybe even a slight miss. Is this likely due to a stretched timing belt screwing up the timing - The previous owner had never changed it.

 

Third, as this is one of the Ebay kits, I am a little skeptical, but also don't have a ton of money to throw away at $100+ genuine subaru timing belts. I am debating just running the kit belt and checking it in a few years. What kind of luck do you guys have with the kits?

 

Lastly - I got the complete kit with waterpump. Mine is fine at the moment, with no leaks, but should I replace the waterpump while I'm there?

Congrats, sounds like you got this car at just the right time--and are planning to do all the right things to it!

 

For the plugs you really didn't need platinums, copper V-powers are just fine. Definitely change the plug wires too--OEM is strongly recommended here.

 

As for time, I'd budget a full day at least--maybe even a weekend (there always seems to be something that comes up.)

 

Definitely do the waterpump with new Subaru OEM thermostat & gaskets. New water hoses are a good idea too.

 

I'd go with the kit's timing belt. '96 2.2 should be non-interference so no devastating damage if it should break on you.

 

While you're in there do the crank & cam seals (Subaru OEM) and pull the oil pump, check the backing plate screws, new o-ring & seal. Also replace the o-ring on the front left (driver's side) cam shaft.

 

As for the rough running, might want to remove and clean the IACV, clean the MAF sensor, replace the PCV and check all the air and vacuum hoses.

 

And when you refill be sure to burp the coolant system.

 

Do a search here on USMB, there's tons of good info on all of this.

 

Good luck and be sure to axe questions if you need to!

For the rough idle use a can of Seafoam in the intake, and make sure all of the vacuum hoses are in good shape.

Rough Idle ..+1^

 

Also it prob wouldn't hurt to give the throttle body a good cleaning...