Hello, is an Engine in a 1998 Outback isn't an interference is it. I don't think it is and was just making sure. Oh, what does the pulley, on the lower left side of the crank do(It's part of the timing belt system)? Is it the oil pump. I'm asking these questions for someone who has mechanics telling them that there motor is shot because the pulley sheared off the, what I think is the, oil pump.

 

Thanks, Justin.

The 98 only came with interference engines to my knowledge. The EJ25 has always been one, and if they offered the EJ22 in that car, it's interference after 96.

oil pump is dead center surrounding the crankshaft, the lower driver's side pulley is the water pump. If the water pump locks up, the engine will skip time and have internal damage.

If you are facing the timing belt and oil pump there are 2 idlers to the passenger side that are just that, idlers.

 

The metal casting that holds those two are part of the block so if you shear one off the block is likely junk. There are 3 things the belt passes on in the drivers side of the block, the cogged idler, the tensioner bearing and the water pump. These are all part of their own separate casting and can be replaced without the block being junk.