I have a quick question.  I will be replacing the timing belt on my 2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5 SOHC, when I go to line everything up, should I use the little timing notches on the crank and cam sprockets instead of the arrows? What if I don't have those timing notches?

What makes you think it won't have the marks?

 

Use the marks on the cam sprockets and the mark on the rear lip, not the front face, of the crank sprocket.

 

Google for pictures to clarify the marks if you need it.

They're there on our 2011. Look on the back of the crank sprocket, not the front. You should see the hash mark.

IIRC, any large arrows on the cam pulleys will likely be at a 45* angle when put in 'belt installation position' .

 

you DO NOT want any of the shafts at TDC position.

When I removed the belt the driver's side cam gear jumped out of alignment, can I turn it clockwise to put it back in alignment?

When I removed the belt the driver's side cam gear jumped out of alignment, can I turn it clockwise to put it back in alignment?

 

Yep.

 

That's normal since that side is under pressure. Will often do the same thing a couple more times as you align everything to get the new timing belt on.

What he said. Normal just carefully move it back.

 

If you're reusing the tensioner compress it very slowly. Compress a little - go get a drink. Compress a little - make lunch. Compress a little - watch game of thrones. Wash rinse repeat.

 

I'm exaggerating but follow the FSM directions and don't do it too fast. They do ocassonalky fail and excessive compression speed is specified as bad.

Edited August 3, 20178 yr by idosubaru

after you release the tensioner pin, wrench the crank thru 2 revolutions back to installation position, do a tooth count to confirm timing before the first start. Double check any fluids or connections removed before the installation process; coolant, fan connectors, hoses, etc.

this is the mark you are looking for on the BACK side of the crank pulley - you can make a corresponding mark on the front with a paint pen for easier visibility if you like...

 

 

Edited August 3, 20178 yr by heartless