Timing belt changed, still issues
Asked by Viper_5794 Jan 17, 2017 at 08:40 PM about the 1998 Subaru Legacy
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
'The timing belt on my 98 Subaru Legacy broke. It
was replaced, then the mechanic recommended all
the belts & hoses be changed. Once that was done,
the car rums fine for 10-15 mins, then loses power.
There's also either oil or antifreeze leaking. Any
thoughts as to why these things are happening?
3 Answers
The only way to get a real answer is to have a mechanic look over the motor. If you don't trust the mechanic you have now, take it someplace else.
Subaru head gaskets leak and you have an older car that is especially susceptible to leaking head gaskets. I think you are unfortunate to have this happen after spending all that money but this is "normal" for Subaru's.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 7 years ago
Common SOHC 2.2i or an LS/GT/OB with the fragile DOHC 2.5? The former famously leaks oil at the front cam and crank seals, so those MUST be replaced when "belting" the 2.2; it was called "doing the front package" back in the day. The fancier 2.5 tended to not leak oil as badly, but is an interference motor, often bending a valve if a t-belt snaps. If you've coolant leaking, is it under your "new" waterpump or at a head gasket seam? If oil, is it under the FRONT of the motor (those seals) or the rear (maybe the rear main seal)? Ken is correct in that there are too many potential sources of problems and errors here, such that a solid investigation is warranted. Running for 10-15 minutes then experiencing a loss of power is indeed puzzling. I wonder if the t-belt was installed one tooth off? It won't throw a CEL but will have lost power. You may have to start over here...good luck.
