Mechanical advice: 98 Limited Outback

[Glenn Pure]

Got my Outback from dealer today after 100,000 km service.

There was a delay in getting it finished because they admitted to
being unable to start the car because the timing belt was fitted one
notch out (they had just replaced the timing belt). Is this likely to
have caused any damage? I suspect not but would like some further
opinions.

Cheers
Glenn

 

[Rob Munach]

Got my Outback from dealer today after 100,000 km service.

There was a delay in getting it finished because they admitted to
being unable to start the car because the timing belt was fitted one
notch out (they had just replaced the timing belt). Is this likely to
have caused any damage? I suspect not but would like some further
opinions.

Cheers
Glenn

I would think the vehicle should be able to start with the cams one
tooth off.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

If the crank is one tooth off from the cams, thats probably not risky.
BUT, if this engine is DOHC AND the cam pullys are one tooth off from
each other - you MAY have a valve interference problem.
I hope someone with some experience replies.
The dealer needs to make every effort to assure you nothing happened.
Plus, you probably have at least a 30 day warranty on their work right?
If you have a nagging doubt you could pay some other dealer/mechanic 30
bucks to check it out.
let us know how it goes OK?
Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[Mike B.]

If the DEALER screwed up.. I would surely go find another dealer and report the
dealer to subaru. They are suppose to know what they are doing.
Subaru is a non-interference engine. Meaning the valves and piston will never
meet if the timing belt breaks. Only many crappy US engines are that way.

 

[Edward Hayes]

According to Subaru ALL 2.5L engines ARE interference engines. Eddie

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

If the DEALER screwed up.. I would surely go find another dealer and report the
dealer to subaru. They are suppose to know what they are doing.
agreed


Subaru is a non-interference engine. Meaning the valves and piston will never
meet if the timing belt breaks.

partly true. From what I read ALL the Subaru DOHC engines can experience
valve-to-valve damage due to the valves protruding at an angle into the
combustion chamber. It's even an issue when changing the unbroken belt
at the proper service interval. Some special tool/precaution is required
to prevent the valve springs from rotating the cams suddenly and
possibly allowing valve contact. I suppose it is possible to experience
TB breakage and luck out with no damage - I wouldn't risk it. They used
to tell me my old '79 Honda had 'only' a 30% chance of damage if the
belt broke. It broke and I won the 'lottery'. Broken valve and piston in
ctl. #2. That is one reason why this statement--------
------> Only many crappy US engines are that way.----------------------
is also wrong. (though most newer engines are noninterferential)


Carl
1 Lucky Texan