On a 99 Forester with a 2.5 liter engine, at what milage should the timing belt be changed??? My owners manual does not say.

I know my 01 OBW is 105k, my old 93 was 60k, but I had over 100k on the timing belt when I sold it, and it was still in decent shape.

 

The 2.2l are non-interference until 97. All 2.5l are interference engines.

 

The difference being that if it snaps on an interference motor, big $$$ in replacing the valves, etc. Non-interference valves will be ok.

 

I'd say since it is a 2.5l, it would be 105k

99 to current Forester is 105K miles.

For the DOHC 2.5 engine in my 97 Legacy Outback (same engine as your Forester) the interval is to inspect the belt every 30k miles and replace at 105k miles.

 

HOWEVER! the interval for replacement is also 105 months. So if you are still on the original timing belt, I'd say it is due! And as the others have mentioned, it's not something you want to fail before you replace it!