WAMB00

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. Regarding which sprocket was jumping- it's the crankshaft. The 4 cam sprocket timing marks all line up. I was able to check this one myself before getting a mechanic the 1st time. I would have dug a little deeper if it were summertime or I had a garage... Pennsylvania temps in December take the fun out of the job. I'll take this info to the mechanic and see what he says. He was recommended to me as being a good experienced subaru guy and I hope he's open-minded regarding some advice. I hope it turns out to be an idler or tensioner. The camshaft trying to seize up doesn't sound good. I'll post again when I find out anything new. Ferret, funny to see a old local reply- small world? I spent a little time at the lakes, but most of my younger days were on the river. Thanks Everyone for your help!

Hi, my son recently bought a '97 Legacy 2.5 L from a used car dealer. I have no history on it. He put about 70 miles on it when it suddenly died and wouldn't start. Had it taken to repair shop and they found that the timing jumped 90 degrees. The belt did not break. The mechanic said we were lucky and there was no valve damage. He replaced the tensioner(s) re-timed and gave the car back to us. My son put about 30 miles on it when it died coming to a stop at a stop sign. Had it taken back to same mechanic and he said it jumped time again. Again no damage to valves but real concern as to why it is jumping time. Mechanic can't find anything. Appears that the engine had been worked on previously and belt was in like-new condition. 180K on it. Does anyone have any thoughts on why this timing belt has jumped time 2 times in less than 50 miles? Any help would be really appreciated... thanks!