I looked a a 2001 Impreza OBS the fellow drove it into work and when he went to leave it would not start.

I turned it over and it seems like it has no compression.

- Timing belt moving both sides look like the timing is correct

- Pistons are moving

 

Very strange, any ideas?

 

Thanks, Larry

Crank may have jumped. If you can find it, there is a mark for TDC on the crank pulley. It may not be easily visible though, in which case, unbolt and remove the crank pulley and set the arrow on the face of the sprocket at 3 o'clock. Keyway should be at 6 o'clock. Even though you can't see the mark on the rear of the sprocket, the crank will be at timing position. Then check cams for proper alignment.

Yes, I'll verify the timing if i buy it.  Just strange that he drove into work and then it would not start to leave.

See if the engine will fire up using some starter fluid sprayed into the intake. You didn't mention anything about spark so if that hasn't been checked take a spare plug with you so you can plug it into one of the wires to check that out.

Well it was off time on the crank buy about 10 teeth.  I set the timing but still no compression.  The PO had tried to turn it over and I guess he either damage valves or something let loose.  Hard to see how it happened by hand (that's how he said he did it) but who knows.  Still a pretty good deal for $500

10 teeth is just shy of half a revolution. Bent valves are a guarantee.

 

The belt was probably loose because of a bad tensioner and skipped when the engine was turned off. Not uncommon for the crank to spin backwards a little when the engine stops (compression makes it spin back). If the belt is loose it will just skip rather than moving with the crank.