I just bought a 99 Leg with a EJ22.  Previous owner changed timing belt and water pump recently.  Water pump leaks at the  gasket.  Is it possible to change the water pump without removing the timing belt. Has anyone ever tried to clamp down tiiming belt while removing tensioner and the idler that blocks the water pump?  Thanks,.  

It won’t work brother. Need to remove it. It’s way easier and faster.

Possible? Maybe, but I doubt it. Certainly more work than just pulling it off.

 

Make sure you use the OE-style metal gasket for the pump. It probably leaks because someone used an aftermarket paper gasket.

Unfortunately no it does require belt removal.

Ok guys. Thanks, I will remove the belt, and use and Subaru Factory Gasket.

+1 clean it up good and use an OEM gasket.

 

They’re super easy. I can have a timing belt off in 30 minutes and have completely swapped a DOHC belt in 45 minutes before. Not hard at all and all the timing cover bolts will come out easy if it’s been recently done.

 

Belt needs to come off to replace the pulleys that weren’t replaced and probably the non OEM belt too.

 

That’s an interference engine and replacing the water pump was pointless, those pumps never fail, the timing pulleys fail all the time, particularly the lower toothed idler. If it’s an aftermarket pump its probably less reliable than leaving the original in place (what you’re already dealing with for instance). Should have put that water pump money into pulleys which will bend valves if they fail. at 20 years old they’re devoid of grease and will free wheel whhhhhiiiirrrrr in your fingers. Not good.

When you compress the tensioner, read up online about to do it s-l-o-w-l-y and vertically vs. horizontally. I like to use a C-clamp. And you likely have read about using the correct mark on the crank gear....it's not the front one.

GL,

TD