Water pump replacement and?

[rrhartjr]

I'm pretty new to my Subaru, bought a 92 with a ton of miles on it last year for $800 and it has been great.

However, I need to replace my water pump now.

After some examination, it appears I need to remove the timing belt and all the accessory belts to get to the water pump.

I've read some stuff about other things that I should check or replace while "in there", since it is not a trivial task.

I know I should check the timing belt, and since I don't know when it was replaced last, presumably I should replace it regardless.

Any other suggestions?

[vrg3]

Welcome.

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=14378
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=17137
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=9003

[what huh]

welcome to the forums
you will find a lot of great info here, i would go ahead and replace it

[rrhartjr]

Thanks for the info!

I saw a mention of external oil leaks caused by the oil pump, would that leak from the front of the engine? I do have a decent amount of oil leakage.

What kind of skill level would you say replacing the crank seals, cam seals, and oil pump parts rates? From A-F (bad), I'm probably a D+ mechanic with D+ tools.

I feel confident doing a water pump, but some of the other engine stuff seems a little intimidating.

[rrhartjr]

Ok, I got everything off.

The camshaft seals, crankshaft seals, and oil pump area are quite dry, so I don't think my oil leaks are coming from there. Most of the oil looks to be further back on the engine.

The pulleys and tensioner are strong and don't really show any signs of wear or wobble.

I'm going to replace the timing belt which is a little worn and the water pump.

[chochocho]

did you find the source of the oil leak?

[rrhartjr]

Not for sure.

But it's definitely not from the front of the engine. There was a little belt dust, but inside the timing cover was very clean.

After spending the time poking at it, the leaking seems to be pretty close to the rear main.

[Radial GT1]

That is probably the oil seperator plate that is leaking, not the rear main. Mine was also leaking. I thought it was the rear main, so I pulled the engine and only to find that plate is only RTV'd on to the block. Subaru has a steel version instead of the plastic one that is on there. I would get the rear main and also that plate, also the rear cam shaft o rings. Oh yeah, and unfortunately you do have to pull the engine to get to it.. Time to get to know your car

They are great engines, just leak oil everywhere. cheers