The cheap tensioner should be fine. I’ve been through 3 cheap timing chains. The timing kit for my car, that is OE, is $345. But the other day, I just noticed they have just the OE chain for like $69 or something like that. I’m going to have to order that and change it one day.

Oil in coolant is the main problem. It could just be a head gasket. But how long has it been like that? Need a leak down test of the cylinders to pinpoint where a leak may be. It sounds like the oil caused damage to parts that don’t like oil. As long as there is no coolant in the engine oil, it might not be too bad. Hmmmm, a Subaru is actually something I haven’t really worked on. Just changed oil on. I did a quick search and found 8 engines for $1,300 each in New Jersey. Plus shipping. I’m not sure how much the shipping would be.

As a mechanic, I’ve always known them as dykes or wire cutters. But I feel like I’m being mean to a woman when I call them dykes. LOL

I’ve only done that to rebuild them. But now a days, they don’t sell the rebuild kits at Autozone and O’Reilly’s. If you’re not rebuilding them, you need to get them to align back into the caliper and press them back down. Once they get started back in, then use a C-clamp and old break pad to compress it back down. Be careful not to damage the O ring seal in the caliper. Brake fluid will leak out when you press it back down since you stepped on the brakes too many times with the calipers off the wheel assembly. So when you start pressing them back down, some fluid will leak out as they get pressed back down.