2000 Subaru Outback - i need help setting the timing belt

Excellent write-up here on an '01. Hopefully, it's the same.
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/99-do-yourself-illustrated-guides/26199-2001-timing-belt-water-pump-valve-cover-gasket-set.html
Hope this helps!

Sounds like the belt let go and maybe got jammed on the way out. The belt power the alternator, power steering pump and water pump etc. Check for a seized pulley as well. Sometimes the little bearings go.

water pump is ran by the timing belt. when changing the water pump the belt should be changed to. and sometimes the timing belt tensioner needs to be replaced too.worst case senerio. about a 350-400$ repair.

How To Install Replace Change Taillight and Bulb 2000-04 Subaru Outback

How To Replace Do a Front Disc Brake Job 2000-04 Subaru Outback

remove lower cover, remove cover on back of lamp and disconnect wire then unhook clip (clip just swings to the side) and remove bulb. dont touch new bulb on the glass part ,will weakin life of lamp. goodluck.

Are your injectors firing into the engine? You can buy a test kit to double check that. Is there spark at the plugs?

I had the same problem sorta with my civic it turns out after doing timing belt water pump, and many gaskets i had a huge vaccum leak.

Also check your fuel lines to see if they are loosing pressure somewhere

The 2.5L engine has a timing belt and it should be replaced at 105K. The 3.0L engines have a timing chain and are not serviced regularly.

all you need to do is remove the clip holding the washer fluid neck filler, once this is out of the way you can access the big gray backing that should have two wires coming out of it. just twist in the direction indicated and remove the cap, now you have access to the back of the bulb, remove the wires attatched to it and remove the metal clip that holds the bulb in place. now just put the new one in. You will see a small tab on the round part of the bulb, below the glass, align it right in the slot and put the metal clip back on and put the wires back on and backing cap and washer filler cap. P.S do not touch the glass on the new bulb, the grease on your fingers will prematurely burn the bulb out.

all marks need to be aligned to 12 o'clock driver cam should align with notch in cover,crank sprocket also at 12 o'clock there is a straight line on reluctor of crank gear ,this line matches a notch on the oil pump where the crank sensor fits,right cam at 12 line should match camcase where it meets cylinder head