u/Insanereindeer

Image 1 — Don't break your crank bolt off in the snout. It's not fun.
Image 2 — Don't break your crank bolt off in the snout. It's not fun.
Image 3 — Don't break your crank bolt off in the snout. It's not fun.
Image 4 — Don't break your crank bolt off in the snout. It's not fun.

Don't break your crank bolt off in the snout. It's not fun.

2009 Forester XT. 220k on it. Been delaying the timing belt for way too long. Finally decided to do it and crank bolt came lose, then locked up and broke off like it was nothing. It was pretty rusty when it came out.

Ended up drilling out the old bolt, threads were screwed, drilled out the snout for 5/8-18, and tapped the whole thing with a 2.5" flange bolt. Lubed the threads and went to 160ftlbs which I hope is enough. Debated on blue locktite and opted to not use it.

Hoping I get another 80k out of this motor and trans, then I guess I will debate on doing a rebuild, or opting for something else. This car has been great to me and I've had no major issues with it since I got it ~9 years ago, and a family member had bought it new. I do all my own work which sometimes is a learning experience like this.

u/Insanereindeer — 8 days ago