TimeBandit

I had to button things back up again for now, so I can't take any more pics until I go in there again. I've attached the original un-cropped version of the first photo, since that gives a little more context. I had lined up the two cam sprockets and crank sprocket with the original factory belt before removing it. Then I positioned a new Mitsuboshi belt so that the three alignment marks painted on it were as close to directly in line as possible with the sprocket marks and the reference marks above them (which was probably more than 95 percent in line). Cranked the engine over by hand twice to check that all three sets of marks were still in line, and they were. I did recount the teeth between the left cam sprocket mark (not the mark on the cover above) and the crank sprocket mark. I actually get 43.6 - 43.7, which is what the service manual specs.

Posted this over on subaruoutback.org, but hoping for some help here. I did the timing belt on my 2011 Outback about a month ago. Since then the car has been a bit low on power with subpar throttle response. I just pulled the timing covers to check whether I may be off a tooth. Going by the service manual, I get 47 teeth between the right cam sprocket and crank (Z1). But I'm unclear where to start counting from for the number between the left cam sprocket and the crank. Right now, the belt has a tooth directly in line with the timing marks, but according to the service manual, I should be counting starting with the first tooth to the left of the marks (facing the front of the engine). Depending on whether or not I include that tooth that's in line with the marks, I'm either at 43 or 44, with the former number being a tooth off. Any input would be appreciated.