I'm having the same issue as Newbie except my spark plug isn't bent. I have a 1996 Legacy 2.2 Wagon. Have a haynes manual & followed it step by step. I have the same issue with the left camshaft acting like it's spring loaded. When we turned it back just a touch it made a springing sound. This car will not start now. I'm wondering if this could have done something to put it out of time? We've checked our timing marks several times,everything seems to be in place. This car was running when we brought it in the shop to change the water pump. Are there any particular steps to set original timing ?