Sorry Dave,
But the 2.2l and the 2.5l subaru engines are zero clearance engines. If the
timing belt breaks you will damge the engine seriously. Best bet is to
replace the timing belt every 105k miles. The old 1.8l engine in the
Loyalle's were not zero cleance engines. I know first hand because I had one
break on me on the expressway one morning. I coasted to the side of the
road, where I pulled the distributor cap and had someone crank the engine,
the distributor didn't rotate. There were 2 belts on that engine, I was
lucky that the left side broke, made it easy to figure out what was wrong.
Had it towed home and replace both belts that day and was back on my way for
another 40k miles untill it was too rusty w/ too mant body holes to safely
drive. That SPFI was a good engine, I don't like working on the 2.5l, even
replacing the spark plugs is a chore. Just my opinion.
-Nick
<dave.mcc@telus.net> wrote in message
news:1174615725.438884.62330@e65g2000hsc.googlegro ups.com...
> Hi:
>
> I have a few questions about a "new" 1996 Legacy wagon 2.2L 5 speed
> AWD I acquired recently.
>
> First, I don't need the AC where we live so has anyone tried removing
> the drive belt to the compressor - I'm thinking it would give
> slightly better gas mileage - one less thing to turn... Any comments
> about this?
>
> Second, I've read several posts about the importance of keeping all
> tires at even wear, change all tires at the same time, etc, because of
> that viscous thing that adjusts power to the wheels. I've read the
> owners' manual carefully, I think, and I can't see any reference to
> this at all, in fact the car has one of those little spares and only
> recommends not driving faster than 80 km/hr. Does anyone know what
> you CAN get away with? Not that I want to push the envelope or
> anything, but I might want to just put new tires on the front rather
> than replace all four....
>
> Third, I've also heard that on this engine if the cam drive belt
> breaks, there is not likely to be any damage - the thing will just
> stop. True or not? I will probably take off the covers and have a
> look at the belt, but there are lots of things to take apart to see it
> and the engine does have 250,000 km on it. Sooo....
>
> Finally, I'm looking for a shop manual. I'm sort of familiar with
> Chiltons's and Haynes and I guess they're "OK" if I can't find
> something better. Anyone have anything available or an opinion on
> what's best of those two choices? I'd like something with good and
> complete information, not a discussion of how to change sparkplugs!
>
> Dave
>