Timing belt replacement - Subaru GL 2.0 '97

First of all, I've bought a new car which is Subaru mentioned in the title. Mazda 626 is not a very interesting car in the long run.
I didn't know when the timing belt was replaced, so I had to do this first thing after I bought this car.

I was a bit stressed since it was the first time I was doing this operation on my own and we all know how important timing belt is. I took my time and did everything very precisely.

First I drained the coolant and removed the radiator with fans.
Then I removed the two drive belts.

Removing the crankshaft bolt and pulley was a little bit tricky. Many people remove the bolt, using the starter. I didn't want to try that. I simply put the car into 5th gear and applied the brake, and I was able to remove the bolt.
The crankshaft pulley itself was more stubborn. Probably due to rust it didn't want to come off easily. I had to use a lot of penetrant, hit on it with a rubber mallet and pry it with two wrenches at the same time.

Then I just removed the covers and had access to the timing belt.

I removed all the pulleys, the tensioner and the water pump with the thermostat. I replaced everything. Here is how it looked like after the job was done:

I put everything back in place, filled the cooling system with coolant and started the car. Everything worked perfectly. I'm very proud of myself!

Dyno test

My Mazda got tested on a dyno. I'm proud to announce that the measured power (92,3 hp) was even slightly higher than the manufacturer's data (90 hp). And that after 17 years and over 125,000 miles! Now who would prefer a new engine that can't even last that long?

Here's a video footage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8IQ6GBqf4Q

Rubber exhaust mounts replacement

My Mazda had been making annoying noises for a month until I finally figured out what the problem was - the exhaust mounts/hangers. After I've replaced them, Mazda is wonderfully quiet and I enjoy driving it again!

I must admit, it's been a real struggle to install the new mounts. The task seemed easy, but it turned out to be very exhausting.

I replaced the three rear mounts on my parking place and the two front mounts in the inspection pit. I've found the first option easier since I could help myself by holding the exhaust with my foot while installing the mounts.

Here is a video footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M9eCcwLiQc

Front MacPherson struts overhaul

I've overhauled the front MacPherson struts. My Mazda has now new springs, upper mountings, thrust bearings, bound stoppers and dust covers. It was a little tricky to compress the spring - it has only four coils and it turned out to be impossible to compress the spring enough while it was attached to the spring only. Fortunately, attaching one end of the spring compressor to the strout solved the problem.
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVa-vbDWfqg

Control arm replacement

I had to replace the left front control arm, since there was play on the balljoint and the rear bushing was worn.

Luckily I've managed to do this on my parking place without a pit. The only trouble I had was with the stabilizer link - I couldn't remove it, but I've heard it's a common problem. I used a rotary tool to remove it and bought a new link.

Mazda running on synthetic oil now

Two weeks ago, I've cleaned my engine with an engine flush and poured syntethic oil (5W30) into it. Mazda is running much better now. Most importantly, it stopped emitting white smoke from the exhaust! I'm really glad I've changed the oil although most people would advise against it. They always say that you don't pour synthetic oil into an old engine and that you never change for "better" oil. This whole thing is more complex though.

This is how it looked like on 10W40:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0i3GlmL1G0&nohtml5=False

Compression check

I've checked the engine compression in my 17-year old Mazda 626 1.8 - it was very good! 200, 185, 200 and 200 psi. I guess it's true what they say about the good old Japanese cars.

I've checked it because I was worried about the white smoke coming from my exhaust. Now I think it might be due to the recent oil change. My Mazda is running on 10W40 now. The oil type recommended in the service manual is 5w30. I will soon change the oil again and see if it helps.

PS. Here is my "how-to" video made during the cylinder compression test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xnoOHZfhco