Timing Belts And Sprockets: Installation

Replace all seals and gaskets. See Figure . Install sprockets and tensioner(s) if removed. Tighten sprockets to 7-8 ft. lbs. (9-11 N.m) in 2-3 steps. Ensure tensioner(s) are held in place away from timing belt being installed. Install timing belt idler if removed.
Install both crankshaft sprockets and crankshaft pulley. Temporarily tighten bolt. Align flywheel/flexplate center mark (of three) with timing mark on flywheel housing. See Fig 5 . Align timing mark on left camshaft sprocket with notch on the rear of the belt cover. See Fig 1 - Fig 3 .

Fig 1: 1.8L OHC Camshaft Timing Alignment Marks (Left Side)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: 1.8L OHC Camshaft Timing Alignment Marks (Right Side)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Aligning 1.8L OHC Camshaft Marks To Install Distributor
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: 1.8L OHC Tensioner Squareness Measuring Point
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 5: 1.8L OHC Flywheel Timing Alignment Marks
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Place left timing belt around oil pump sprocket, belt idler, crankshaft sprocket in that order. Avoid downward slackening of timing belt. See Figure . Loosen timing belt tensioner 1/2 turn to allow tension on belt. Push timing belt by hand between camshaft sprocket and tensioner to ensure smooth movement of tensioner.
Apply specified torque to camshaft sprocket in counterclockwise direction. See TIMING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten tensioner adjusting bolt and then pivot bolt in that order to 13-15 ft. lbs. (17-20 N.m). Check timing mark alignment on camshaft sprocket and flywheel. Realign if necessary.
Rotate crankshaft one revolution clockwise from No. 2 timing belt. Align flywheel/flexplate center mark (of three) with mark on housing. See Fig 4 . Check that right camshaft sprocket timing mark aligns with notch in rear cover. Fig 1 -Fig 3 . Install timing belt on crankshaft and camshaft sprocket. Avoid slackening of belt on the upper side.
Loosen tensioner adjusting bolt 1/2 turn to apply tension to timing belt. Push timing by hand between right camshaft sprocket and tensioner to ensure smooth tensioner movement. Apply the specified torque to right camshaft sprocket in a counterclockwise direction. While torque is applied, tighten tensioner adjusting bolt and then pivot bolt in that order to 13-15 ft. lbs. (17-20 N.m).
Check that timing marks on right camshaft sprocket and flywheel/flexplate are properly aligned. Realign as necessary. Remove crankshaft pulley. DO NOT remove sprocket with pulley. Install timing belt covers. See Figure .
To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specifications.

TIMING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS

Application	Belt Tension lbs. (kg)	Torque ft.lbs. (Nm)
New Belts & Head Gasket	33-55 (15-25)	17-19 (24-25)
Other Than Above	24-46 (11-21)	10-12 (14-16)