How can I tell if a Subaru EJ22 engine is a non-interference engine, (or year manufactured) if I'm uncertain what year car it was removed from?  

 

That is, I replaced my 1998 Subaru 2.2L EJ22 (interference) engine with a wrecking yard motor.  I was told that the wrecking yard motor supposedly came from a 1998 Subaru Legacy.  My original (1998) engine had the "revised" newer timing belt tensioner (i.e., w/pulley).  The wrecking yard motor had the older style timing belt tensioner (i.e., ram style), which made me suspect that it may not have actually been the original 1998 motor in the wrecking yard 1998 Sub.  Is my suspicion warranted?  Any help to identify the actual year of this wrecking yard engine would be appreciated.  

i wouldn't expect to see that style tensioner on a 1998 EJ22 either, though the new and old style tensioners can be swapped.

 

i'm unsure how to tell long block differences.

Easiest way is to check the VIN stamped on the block on the lower corner of the bellhousing.

 

If no VIN, check the heads. Assuming the heads haven't been swapped.

 

Single exhaust port heads with hydraulic lash adjuster rocker arms will most likely be a 96.

 

Single port with solid lash adjusters (screw-type) would likely be a 97. IIRC that was the last year they used the two peice tensioner setup.

Thanks very much for the info.  From what you say, it looks like the engine is likely a 1997. Unfortunately, there is no VIN on the block that I can find.  The heads are single port with solid lash adjusters so I should assume an interference engine.... 

 

Any idea where I could verify that the two piece tensioner was not used on 1998 EJ22 engines?  I ask this as I bought the engine after being told by the wrecking yard that the 1998 car had 122k miles.  I'd like to know if I actually got a 112K engine or whether instead it was a transplant with who knows how many miles.... 

To swap tensioners you need to swap the tensioner bracket as well. IIRC it's held onto the block with three screws. You can use the bracket off your old engine, or any subaru engine with the newer style tensioner, for that matter. They're all the same.

 

I assume all engines are interferance. Breaking a timing belt on the side of the highway at night sucks and will ruin your day (actually several days).... Don't use it as an excuse to ignore maintenance...

Edited January 2, 201511 yr by 987687

every 1998+ i've ever seen has the new style tensioner.

1997 is a crossover year - i've seen both - though in my experience they usually have the new style tensioner.

 

an old style tensioner is most definitely not a 1998 - maybe a 1997 - and more likely a 1996.

 

that new style tensioner was used from 1997 - 2007+ so just look it up on subaru's opposed forces website and click on "USAGE" it'll show what years it was used on and it will show all 1998's i'm sure.

 

or look up older 1996's if it goes back that far.

 

or look at online Subaru dealers or stop in a local deal or look on ebay for that tensioner part and what years the OEM SUBaru tensioner applies too - you'll see a trend i'm sure as i outlined above.  the old style tensinoer will never be listed for 1998 i don't think for OEM Subaru parts.

Look closer for the VIN. Its small and often covered in dirt/grime.

The VIN is engraved/stamped on the flat on the lower vertical corner of the bellhousing. Right side.

Pic of the flat where the vin is stamped.

Edited January 2, 201511 yr by Fairtax4me

...I really appreciate all the helpful info. And, yes you were correct - I cleaned off the oxidation/grime and there was a serial number 4S3BD435XV6209780 is my best guess (see attached pic).  I checked with the local Subaru dealer who could not provide any info on the engine based on the number.  Any suggestions on where I might learn more based on the SN?  Thanks  

Edited January 2, 201511 yr by subx

 

The heads are single port with solid lash adjusters so I should assume an interference engine....

yes, interference engine.

 

 

4S3BD435XV6209780

this is the vin,

the V indicates it is a 97.

run a carfax on the vin and learn what you can.

Edited January 2, 201511 yr by johnceggleston

I ran the VIN. Last report was a major accident in 2004, and was given a salvage title.

It went to auction in 2006, last reported mileage on carfax was 55,933. Apparently a single owner car. Not sure why there's no info past 06

Thank so much for the information!  FYI, I have installed the engine in the car. It runs fine. Compression ~190-200.  Hopefully, it will continue to run well but I'm not getting rid of my original engine I pulled (w/rod bearing knock) just in case I need the heads, etc.....  

 

I'm not getting rid of my original engine I pulled (w/rod bearing knock) just in case I need the heads,

 

how sure are you that it was rod knock.

the new style tensioners will sound just like rod knock.

 

but i guess it does not matter now.

 

happy motoring!!!

It wasn't the tensioner. I had hoped that it was.  I had pulled off the drivers side timing cover and then checked to see if there was any movement in the tensioner while the engine was running.  There was none.  I also used a stethoscope to locate the source of the knock. it was in the center of the engine -- so maybe main bearings versus or rod bearings...?  I then took it up to the local Subaru Only shop and had them listen.  They also agreed it was coming from the center of the engine and recommended I swap the engine.  I had redone the heads about 7k earlier so I was disappointed with the prognosis to say the least.....  At some point I will look more closely at the original engine to get a more specific idea of the source of the knock.  I will post that info when I get it.  

my 01 ej25 spun a rod bearing at 82k miles.

so it can happen.

 

but it happens less in the 90s ej22 than on other subarus or other cars.

ANY ej22  90 - 98 block will bolt under those heads.

Edited January 3, 201511 yr by johnceggleston

Glad its running well!

 

97 was a changeover year but it's generally agreed that 97 will be interference. The only way to tell for sure is to look at the pistons.

Assume it to be an interference engine.

The 2.2 will run forever if you keep oil in it. These things are underpowered tanks.