I have a 96 Outback with the 2.2L that I'm replacing the timing belt on. After getting the correct belt (the dealer I ordered from sent me a 2.5L belt) I got it on, but not without difficulty. Even with removing the two lower idlers (one smooth, one cogged) the belt was strung very tight and it took quite some time before I could get the idler bolt holes to line up. The driver's side cam was in a position where if I moved the belt too much it would snap and spin the pulley, so I'd have to realign the pulley and start over again.

 

Is this normal?

I don't think it should be that tight. Did you take out and compress the tentioner before putting the new belt in?

I don't think it should be that tight. Did you take out and compress the tentioner before putting the new belt in?

The tensioner was removed from the engine when I did this. I reinstalled it after getting the belt on.

 

The only other thing I can think of is the water pump. I installed a new water pump, part number 21111AA007. Two or three of the parts I received from this particular dealership were for a 2.5L, even though they had my VIN and "checked" the parts against the VIN to make sure they were correct. Perhaps the water pump is the wrong one, but I have no way of looking up the part number.

update........ all waterpump part numbers go to 007 from 004 005 006 so your pump should be okgive me your vin number and ill see if i can find out

The tensioner was removed from the engine when I did this. I reinstalled it after getting the belt on.

 

The only other thing I can think of is the water pump. I installed a new water pump, part number 21111AA007. Two or three of the parts I received from this particular dealership were for a 2.5L, even though they had my VIN and "checked" the parts against the VIN to make sure they were correct. Perhaps the water pump is the wrong one, but I have no way of looking up the part number.