Check engine light comes on for several seconds on 1998 Subaru La

did you know how to replace timing belt it has to be installed in a specified way or it wont start
if it broke and you replaced it then the story is different as if it breaks while running usually it also bends your valves you should see a technician for this

yes, there is a big belt and it is a job to replace, remove just about everything up front, radiator, timing covers, fan, belts, pulleys, hoses, etc, I think you change the water pump at the same time, not sure, But get the new belt with timing marks on it, they come in real handy, clamp the cams so they don't retract, before pulling the belt, put a pin in the belt tensioner hole if it has one, then pull the belt off, align all the marks, they have to be perfect, or don't bother. When it is all set to the marks, release the tension on the tensioner and spin the engine by hand with spark plugs removed , a couple times, when it comes around to one mark again, check them all, they all should be right on the mark. If you can't find a belt with the marks on it already, mark the old belt, with a white out pen or junk yard pen, relay the marks to the new belt. Then try it, it is most important that they line up. Crank and cams, all have marks on them. Hope this helps.

yes that is your problem. the water pump is made to turn clockwise. when the engine runs it turns clockwise right! if it turns counter clock wise it will not circulate coolant and it will over heat. the only thing I can say is the drive belt may be on wrong causing it to run backwards.

If your going to do or get this done you need to replace the camshaft seals crankshaft seal and water pump plus the idlers and tensioner.
If its a quad cam you might just want to leave it to the pro's........

http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/index.jsp
Great place to start. Have a good day.

You need to have it scanned to see what code turned on the light.

under dash connect together the 2 green multiplugs. The CEL light (Check Engine Light) will flash. Slow then fast. Count the slow flashes then the fast ones. I.E. code 21 will give 2 slow flashes then 1 fast = 21.

let me know the code and I will diagnose for you.

Dan

REMOVE BELTS FROM FRONT OF ENGINE, REMOVE COVER ON TIMING BELT, REMOVE TIMING BELT AFTER MARKING THE WHEELS WITH THE ARROWS ON THE CAM SHAFT WHEELS. WATER PUMP IS LOCATED AT BOTTOM HOSE HOUSING IT IS A COMPLETE UNIT INCLUDING CASTING. EASY TO FIT REPLACE ALL PART AND MAKE SURE TIMMING BELT IS NOT OUT OF SEQUENCE GOOD LUCK.

it has engine damage most likely due to the broke timing belt its a interference engine and probably bend valves

Assuming the car has the 1.8 engine, the oil pump is on the front of the motor, behind the timing belt covers. The belts have to come off to change the oil pump. If you are a novice, this is a difficult task. If you usually fix your own stuff, then it is not so bad. Just be sure to replace both belts while you are at it, and be sure to get them set right. If it is the 1.8, one belt drives one cam, and the other drives the other cam, the oil pump, the distributor, and maybe also the water pump....It's been 10 years since I had mine. Good luck