legacycentral bbs

I've got 3 ej22t's and none of them have a timing belt guide on them, they were all AT cars and I don't think auto's were equipped with one.
I really need one of these, that's probably the problem.

I highly echo the comments Mike mentioned above regarding rotating the engine over by hand forwards and backwards to take the slack out of the belt. The tension of the belt is night and day difference between before and after. Having the proper tension, especially on startup is critical since you have a momentary acceleration when the engine fires, which could cause the belt to slip a tooth if not properly tensioned.

I'll share my thoughts on the tensioners.....I have used the older style tensioner with my ej22 & ej22t motors. I feel its design is superior to the newer style tensioners and holds the belt tighter. Compared to the new design, the older tensioner has a longer pivot arm between the tensioner and the pulley so the tensioner can provide more tensioning force. The only way the new tensioner can provide the same tensioning force with a shorter pivot arm is by increasing the pressure inside the tensioner. Which I'm not sure they've done, and could also lead to more seal wear and eventually failure.

The guide you mentioned for the MT vehicles is ONLY referenced on the newer subarus (with the newer style tensioner) 05+ Legacy and assuming the newer Imprezas. The older engines did not have this guide and weren't necessary.

As mentioned, I believe is properly set the timing, and rotate the engine back and forth to properly set the tension before the engine is started, you should be ok.

Hmm..I've never done the backwards rotation, but as Mike stated I do rotate forward 3-4 times to be sure its in alignment. I've never had a timing belt slip before so this is interesting.
@Josh, you believe the timing belt guide to be unnecessary? I haven't looked to see how it mounts or if its possible on the 22t, but their seems to be a few aftermarket ones saying their stronger and such. Doesn't seem like a bad idea, but I don't need to waste money if its not needed.

The guide mounts to the oil pump. There are raised spots with threads that the guide mounts to.

Here's a pic of an ej253 engine with the guide.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... G_6554.JPG
http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... G_6574.JPG

Here's a pic of an ej22 engine without the guide.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... P_2721.JPG

I do not think it is necessary on the ej22t. If you are truly jumping timing then you've either got an issue with the tensioner, how the belt is being installed, or perhaps some other weird issue.

Update:
After a bit a research and talking to several SubieGuru's I've come to agree with Josh's statement, the New style tensioner is inferior to that of the Old style. It seems odd that they made the update and I also noticed at the same time they started updating, Subaru started equipping engines with timing guides(crank&cam) and an extra tensioner pulley. Makes me wonder...

So, I've opted to convert back to the old style tensioner. I picked up a bit off advise from a local Guru who suggested to wedge a screw driver between the back of the tensioner and tensioner bracket to get the absolute most out the tensioner. I did this and noticed big improvements in tension. I also took the advise to rotate the engine backwards to help pre-tension. All this did noticeable improvements.
I also hit the junkyard and scored a free timing guide off a 98 legacy.

So far, everyrhings working OK. I haven't done enough driving yet to feel fully confident, but I'm hoping this concludes things.

Yes, you need to use a screwdriver or something to move the tensioner all the way to the left, that is very critical to getting proper tension.

Hopefully everything is good now.

So far everything is OK today, I will probably wait to get to 1000miles before officially calling it good. In the mean time I wanted to share a picture of my baby, at some point I will document my build on here, but for now a sneak peek:

ooooooooooooooooooooh I like that

600 miles down and things are still good.

Hopefully nothing got bent in the chaos of timing being off. It sure doesn't feel or sound like it.
These heads are one of a kind, and just about irreplaceable, It would be a huge kick to the balls.

You fancy huh I vote a build thread ASAP

Awesome, Glad your car is running good. +1 on the Build Journal.

When I go into the build journal I'm unable to start a new topic.

You have to ask a moderator to give you permission

Added you to the group & sent you a pm.