2.5 DOHC Timing Belt issue

[georryan]

I know this isn't the right bbs for this engine, but there are good people on this BBS with knowledge of these engines as well. If the moderators would prefer I take it somewhere else, feel free to drop this post and PM me that you've done so, thanks.

I have a relative that has a 96 outback, 2.5 dohc. He was driving home from work and from my estimate, his water pump seized up, the round cylinder on the water pump that the timing belt spins actually came through the front plastic cover, and then the timing belt slipped some teeth and the car stopped.

My guess is that at least a couple bent valves are a near given. My relative is incredibly strapped for cash at the moment and I've offered to do the work, or at least as much as I can. What would be the best way to go about handling and diagnosing this, or would it be better to just purchase a used longblock off of ebay or some such place for under 1k?

Can I check for bent valves without pulling the heads? Will there be a clear indication on the rocker assembly after removing the valve covers?

Thanks for any input you guys may have!

[martimus919]

I'd start with getting a new timing belt kit with water pump of course, and putting it on. It's the easiest way to see if it has bent valves. I've actually picked up a few Outbacks that had the timing belt go due to the geared pulley exploding and all I did was put a timing belt on and they worked great.

[PhyrraM]

If you have access to an air compressor you can do a leakdown test on the cylinders without a timing belt installed to check for bent valves.

[Legacy777]

Yeah I'd suggest a leak down test as well. That's going to be your best indication without spending money you don't need to.

[mike-tracy]

If the old belt is intact, personally I'd use it during the diagnosis, and then buy a new one if everything checks out. Unless it got stretched I suppose

[wtdash]

Hi,
The EJ22 from a '95 Legacy w/the EGR (Automatic) is a 99% drop in and they are a lot less than the 2.5 (since the 2.5 fails so often = high demand). ...Usually $500. You can use a newer '96-98 EJ22, but will need the y-pipe as they are single-port exhaust vs. the dualies on the 2.5....just ensure any EJ22 has the EGR or it'll throw a CEL.

The USMB has a bunch of info on the swap if it comes to that....I've done a couple - easy/peasy.

GL,
Td