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

103,215

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.

1 people found this helpful.

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.

48,700

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.

Your Answer:

Legacy

Looking for a Used Legacy in your area?

CarGurus has 7,064 nationwide Legacy listings starting at $1,250.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1998 Subaru Legacy

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    2,800
  • #2
    Anthony_60
    Reputation
    1,800
  • #3
    Tom Hawkins
    Reputation
    1,510
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Impreza
322 Great Deals out of 9,251 listings starting at $2,650
Used Toyota Camry
2,124 Great Deals out of 43,930 listings starting at $1,150
Used Subaru Forester
1,046 Great Deals out of 34,037 listings starting at $1,999
Used Honda Accord
1,522 Great Deals out of 30,102 listings starting at $1,200
Used Honda Civic
1,297 Great Deals out of 26,038 listings starting at $997
Used Subaru WRX
180 Great Deals out of 6,997 listings starting at $7,830
Used Toyota Corolla
1,396 Great Deals out of 27,607 listings starting at $1,450
Used Honda CR-V
2,003 Great Deals out of 37,778 listings starting at $1,600

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Subaru Legacy For Sale
28 Great Deals out of 563 listings starting at $20,777
2023 Subaru Legacy For Sale
15 Great Deals out of 123 listings starting at $19,998
2022 Subaru Legacy For Sale
30 Great Deals out of 426 listings starting at $16,480
2021 Subaru Legacy For Sale
19 Great Deals out of 232 listings starting at $15,595
2020 Subaru Legacy For Sale
18 Great Deals out of 271 listings starting at $12,994

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.