When do I need to replace this timing belt? Interp help needed! 1998 Legacy

Hey folks,

 

I recently bought my 2nd Subaru, a 1998 Legacy Outback with the 2.5 and a manual transmission. I'm working out some initial kinks (IACV is sticking, throws a catalytic converter code, shifter is a bit sloppy) and also planning out the next 25K miles of maintenance, and I'm hitting a snag.

 

The car has 260K on the body, and the PO said 70K on a new motor. Reading the receipts (should have been more thorough before purchase) it says some stuff I don't know the meaning of, or what to do with.

 

Receipt:

 

"R and R engine

 

New throwout bearing,NGK Plugs, oil and filter, anti freeze

 

Remove from old to new engine:

Timing belt, water pump, covers, intake manifold and components, fron covers, pullies, belts, A/C, ALT, P/S, Radiator and Fang.

 

Paid $1735"

 

I know what everything there stands for, but I'm having a hard time of figuring out what it means for preventative maintenance. Should I interpret an R&R engine to mean it was effectively new when the work was done? Would its mileage have mattered? When should I replace the timing belt and water pump?

 

THANK YOU for any help and clarification you can provide

Call the shop who did the work and clarify with them.

If PO paid $1735 to R+R the motor, he either had a new one for the shop to install or they put a junkyard motor in it and swapped parts from his old motor onto the one now in the vehice. They re-used the timing belt so I'd be a little leary about its age. You can pull the covers and check the condition of the belt prior to replacing.

ALWAYS err on the side of caution on an interference engine. If you cannot confirm the age of the entire timing kit, not just belt.

 

Replace it all. Recommend Aisin's kit.

Hey all, thanks for the feedback. I'm gonna replace the timing belt just to be certain. Bought a Gates kit and diving in tomorrow.