I have 75,500 miles on the original AC+Alternator Belts. I have not changed them because they are easily inspected for wear, these belt failures will not cause the catastophic damage that a failed timing belt would on these engines, and because of some conflicting info. I've have:

 

My owner's maual suggests replacement of these belts at 60K miles while the Electronic Service Manual I purchased on ebay suggests that they be inspected at 30K-mile intervals and replaced along with the timing belt at 105K miles.

 

As a side note, the same inconguity is found in the valve adjustment intervals: owner's manual says 60K miles and ESM says 105K miles. I am inclined to wait until 105K miles because I hear no tapping or noise from the valve train. What's the deal? For those of you who have done the valves, how much were they out of spec. and at what mileage?

 

 

BTW, the Phase II 2.5 L engine was put into '99 Foresters.

I think 60k is a little early for the belts. I think I replaced them when I did the timing belt at 105k.

 

The valve adjustment topic has been discussed at length, do a search.

I think 60k is a little early for the belts. I think I replaced them when I did the timing belt at 105k.

 

The valve adjustment topic has been discussed at length, do a search.

Thanks for the input. Regarding the latter, I was only able to find extensive discussions on valve adjustments for the Phase I engines, which are shim under bucket, right? If the ESM I have is correct, I have screw adjusters on my Phase II engine. Any thoughts?

I really don't know. I don't know the origin of the ESM, is it Subaru? 60k seems like a short interval. They tend to get tighter, though some will probably loosen. Tighter lifters cause the valves to run hotter, perhaps eventually burning out the exhaust valves.

 

Yep, shim under bucket. PITA. The screw adjusters should be much easier, though probably less precise. If you are going to do them yourself, I see no reason not to do them at 60k if you want to.