I have a 97 Impreza L, the 2.2 (SOHC) , and I'm half way through the timing belt change and this is the first time I've attempted a repair like this.  

I've been using this guide as my main guide for the whole project: http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t154453-diy-sohc-timing-belt-change-w-pics.html.  I've also pulled information from other various forums (here) and have the service manual downloaded.

 

I've run into the problem when aligning the passenger side camshaft to put the new belt on.  I have the crank cam and the drivers side cam in the proper position.  

 

I was using a torque wrench to rotate the cams.  When I started (slowly) rotating the passenger side cam, I got about a quarter of the way around fighting compression, and once I moved past the resistance it spun all the way around by itself because of the ratcheting effect on the torque wrench and settled pretty close to where I wanted it to be for the timing marks.

 

The cam pulley has a little bit of play, I can rotate it about an inch left or right with no resistance and I can even line up the timing marks and put the belt where it needs to be.  I didn't notice this play before, but I don't really remember checking.  The pulley also seems to wiggle a little where as my driver side pulley does not.    

 

My concern is the play in the passenger side camshaft pulley.  I'm afraid there may be other problems that I don't have the knowledge to see.

 

When I was trying to rotate it and it took over and spun all the way around it was unnerving because of the sudden loud ratchet sound from my torque wrench.  It wasn't something I was expecting or had seen anyone mention.   

 

Can I just align everything and start putting it all back together?  Is that how a camshaft is supposed to rotate?

was the engine in known good running condiion?

 

as long as the PROPER crank mark is lined up (people often use the wrong mark), you should be able to spin the cams withou issue.

 

line up the crank

line up both cams

install belt

done

Hey gary, thanks for the reply.

 

The engine has been working great. The previous owner couldnt tell me the last time the belt was changed so it was mostly preventative maintenance. Im going to do a little more research but I plan to take your advice if I dont find any reason not to. Thanks again

great, then should be all good.

 

if the correct crank mark is lined up you can rotate the cams endlessly without interference or issue.

just make sure you use the right mark, some people use the wrong one. get that right and it's cake, can't harm anything.

 

if the cam snaps - rotate it back the way it went - it snapped clockwise - rotate it back counterclockwise so to speak .

...

Edited June 23, 201411 yr by tranceaddictfox

Great news! I moved on with the project and got the timing belt set. I hand cranked it through 2 full rotations on the cams and everything looked great so I put case, belts and everything else back on. She fired up on the first try to many cheers and high fives. I've done a little driving around and everything seems great.

I learned a lot and I'll definitely do it again in the future.

Thanks again for the advice Gary

Edited June 23, 201411 yr by tranceaddictfox