Shouldn't the timing belt and head gaskets and water pump be done at 100,000 miles
Asked by hermitville Aug 25, 2013 at 04:20 PM about the 2001 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I am almost locked in to a purchase of a 2001 subaru outback vdc and the dealer doesn't seem to want to ease my mind by telling me if these things have been done. All he said is he will check to see if any leakage on head gasket and look to see if the timing belt has been done. the outback has 127,528 miles on it
11 Answers
migration_judge_roy answered 10 years ago
yes,,,,all at once will leave you trouble free for miles....and the drive shafts too....and NEW tires~
I have an 05, the timing CHAIN needs to be done around 200K miles. Check the recommended on yours.
Every Subaru with a belt should be done at 100K, the one you're looking at buying has a belt.
And as a general most Subaru's use a belt, I was not aware any used a chain but newer belts tend to last longer.
Only the new Subaru FA and FB motors use a chain. Every EJ is belt driven.
thundersnow answered 10 years ago
Went through this scenario in depth myself. Purchased 2001 Outback LL Bean with 107k miles Aug 2013. NO BELT. TIMING CHAIN. With regard to water pump, other vehicles need to move water pump to get to timing belt, so it is recommended to replace at the same time to save labor costs should water pump fail. Subaru has flat box engine -- water pump more accessible -- so only need to replace when there is a problem. Follow maintenance schedules and don't take the word of anyone not a Subaru specialist. I had valve covers replaced due to a very minor oil leak, but only because I was driving 1200 miles to relocate and nearest dealership is 2 hours away. Got new tires w/warranty pkg as it is good anywhere in the country. Living in Northern Michigan now and absolutely Love this car. Routine oil changes, etc. done locally, will have any major work done at dealership.
The timing chain is supposed to last the life of the engine.
Lewis- YES, the H6 engine has a timing chain...... That doesn't mean that it can't​ break.., iF it does, better get out your checkbook..... Unless you know what you are doing, DO YOU?
Can I just change my timing belt with out changing the water pump?
Yes you can change the belt without changing the pump. I highly recommend changing the idler wheels when doing the belt. A complete kit with everything including the pump is a little over a hundred bucks.
