My dad owns a 1990 subaru 2.2litre engine, is a AWD 5speed legacy station wagon.

He got the car towed home today, he went to his stop (hes a courier) and it turned off like normal. When he came out he went to start it like normal but he said it made a noise "like it missed" and when i asked him what that ment he said it went badumbum.

After he got it home (towed) we looked at the engine and when i went to start it he said the flywheel spins but the timing belts dont.

Anyone know what could be wrong?

sorry i posted this in the impreza forums, but the legacy forums dont offer any help, there not realy to lively over there.

On the hood it says engine family LFJ2.2VSFFEO

its possible that the front crank pulley bolt has come loose, and the crank sprocket may be spinning on the crank. how are you sure the flywheel is spinning?

i dont know, my dad said that was what to right. I tried to start the car while he looked at the engine

im just trying to rule out any starter motor faults. when turning over the engine are there any noises? also if the vehicle is a manual try this but be careful not to stand in the way of the vehcle put it in gear with handbrake on and foot on the brake and try just flicking the key to see if the engine will not turn over and kinda bind up this will indicate starter is actuating onto the ring gear. if this is the case you will then need to remove the front timing belt covers and inspect the front of the crank