Melted timing belt - how screwed am I?

[spydr101]

Hello,

I have a 2002 Impreza RS sedan with 99k miles on it(I know its not a wrx or sti, but same motor if Im not mistaken?).

The other day I noticed when I was idling at a light I started to hear squealing. So I asssumed it was the timing belt slip, but when I hit the gas it didnt squeal. Within a minute of driving slow and listening, I lose power (REALLY started to slip - gas was jumpy or no power at all). I pulled off to the side of the road, shut off my car and popped the hood. No sooner than I did that I heard something fall, and I look underneath my car to find a gear fell out with melted rubber coating it. From looking around on google I think it is the #1 idling gear (right terminology? - it has the markings 600SDWA, and about 2" in diameter).

Despite the car having 99k miles on it, the engine was rebuilt and had a new timing belt and water pump installed last september, at 80k miles. Supposedly the rebuilt engine has a warranty, although Im not sure on what it covers.

I am wondering how screwed am I? Is the engine from an '02 impreza an interference motor? Does that mean my engine is potentially shot? If not, what would be the estimated cost for a repair like this?

Thanks for any input,
-Kevin

[brfatal]

If your car is still under warranty, then there is a very good chance you will be using it. What shop was it done by? Dealerships usually offer a 12k mile/1 yr warranty and other shops vary.

No, it's not remotely the same motor as an STI/WRX. What was repaired previously?

[spydr101]

when it went into the shop, the engine was replaced by a used one with roughly the same mileage, and the receipt I have shows the timing belt and water pump was done.

[brfatal]

when it went into the shop, the engine was replaced by a used one with roughly the same mileage, and the receipt I have shows the timing belt and water pump was done.

Yes it's an interference motor. Call the shop and ask them about their service warranty. Nobody knows if they will cover it but them.