tjonblau

So, here is a long story of noobie mistakes and frustration, but also one of mystery.

I got quoted $1200 to replace timing belt and water pump, so I decided that with some help, I could get it done for a fraction of that. Heres where the trouble starts. Radiator removed, timing belt cover off, my friend and I notice that when the crank shaft alignment mark lines up with the mark on the block, the cam pulley marks did not align with the case, but were 30 degrees rotated clockwise.

Before you say anything, we used the right mark on the crank, NOT the arrow. So, following multiple guides that said they should line up, we cranked the pulleys separately until they aligned, and with the new belt on, everything lined up after many rotations of the engine. We tried starting it up, and it cranked a couple times before sounding like it was straining to try and turn over. We stopped everything, and I took it to a professional, who then noticed that the passenger side cam pulley is now "loose" in that you can rotate it back and forth about 30-40 degrees BY HAND.

I'm now getting quotes for having someone take everything apart to check for valve/piston damage, and some folks are telling me I'd be better off buying a rebuilt engine. How much damage could I have done if that is the case? Just weighing my options now. Also looking for a Subaru specialist in SF bay area if anyone knows.