1 Lucky Texan

sounds like a good idea on the snap rings - if they will stay put. Um, I have an 06 WRX, any idea how common my engine might have that problem? Did these cars seem well-maintained?

I HAVE seen RockAuto offer 'surplus' stuff - but it was CLEAR in the listing you were buying some overstock/surplus stuff (recently it was windshield wipers) yeah, I'd probably only go with a dealer-supplied belt or a Gates kit as others have mentioned.

do the lights dim when you try to start?

was the Engine Temp Sensor (not temp gauge sender) replaced? maybe run a can of SeaFoam thru a tank and/or use the SF Spray to clean the throttlebody. wondering still about the crank or cam sensors. but looks like they've been replaced? might be worth looking at vacuum readings cold/vs hot. might scan for 'pending' codes. wild ideas but, the car seems to be in the twilight zone already.

fuels trims should be low. folks start getting concerned at double digits. maxed out is very bad. double check cam timing. cars will run (poorly) 1-2 maybe 3 teeth off time. On some older cars, there's a commonly corroded/loose harness/connector in the back on top or near the charcoal canister. On newer cars, the valve is under the hood. might be a good idea to try a vacuum gauge.

it wasn't great, it was a GM or Nissan I think. I just mentioned it because the guy had to create a way to remove the bolt. Is the inside of that hole threaded? There are videos showing a puller that screws into a hole similar to that one in your pic. I dunno, hope you find an approach that works.

I saw a youtube video where someone had to cut a slot in a weird fastener to use a large screwdriver to remove that center fastener. I guess some are assembled with unusual fasteners for some reason. Looks almost like a plastic piece will come out and maybe some Torx bit would work but????....

in addition to the above, triple check PCV and breather hose routing. I read one post where it ended up a guy heard gurgling in the dipstick tube and it was caused by hose misrouting!

TB schedule is 105K miles OR 105 months, whichever is first. Unless there is incontrovertible proof that the TB was done with high quality parts by an experienced mechanic, better to get a car that needs the service so YOU have control of the quality of the service and a warranty if you hire it done. search for 'torque bind' . that would be another expensive mistake to make and the problem can be (but isn't commonly) hidden on automatic transmission cars. best to have a pre-purchase inspection done. the years you're looking for don't typically have dangerously weak headgaskets like models from the late 90s. BUT, ANY older car can suffer from poor ownership or be hiding a present problem, regardless of brand. maybe someone from WV can suggest a shop for you to have an inspection done.

^^^ and saving recycling energy or keeping stuff out of the landfill!

I have a minor squeak too and was wondering how folks lube the clutch pedal way up there and what they use. so, this pin can be removed with no fear of flying springs?

most likely there is a line on one of the 'tabs' that swing by the crank sensor, that mark should go at 12 0colck. that puts the pistons at their halfway point. DO NOT use any arrow/triangle on the front of the sprocket.

step the plugs back up and see what happens.

input shaft bearing?

It sounds like you still have the CPS failure code? yes, you need to confirm timing. If the CPS disagrees with the cam position sensor, the ECU won't start the car.

good posts, I have a tiny addition. when refilling, don't assume the distance between L and F is a quart, it's more like a pint so, sneak up on the F line 1/2 pint at at time and wait between checks with the dipstick. It's tricky getting a good reading. http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-TF-1-Heavy-Transmission-Funnel/dp/B000EH2SPO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368498085&sr=8-2&keywords=hopkins+funnel that's what I use, you might want to pour slowly (especially for front diff lube) but, it works well.

the second time was - tolerable - but, I'm in no hurry to do it again.

I wouldn't discount the possibility of putting that hole in the glass. The best drills for larger holes will be diamond cylinders (nickel plated preferred) and it's gonna be best to create a donut shaped dam around the position, fill with some thing like kerosene for a lube/coolant (water with a drop of dish soap would work) and drill with a drill press. You are actually grinding. get some similar glass from a junkyard and test/ practice 3-4 times before committing to the actual rear window. You MIGHT be able to do this with a copper cylinder, slotted a few times around the edge, and coarse silicon carbide grit. It will take longer, but will work. making your bit true and centered might be tricky. I certainly wouldn't attempt it unless i knew I could get a replacement rear window.

maybe the Engine Temp Sensor (not gauge sender) is keeping the ECU in 'choke' mode.

this would be me lol!

you can make your legacy more fun to throw around the corners, but it isn't going to win many drag races with the limited performance increase intake or exhaust will bring. MAYBE some cams would help, but $$$$ and maybe less reliability? It will help a little if you can get lighter-weight wheels and remove any other un-needed mass.

boxer4racing.com used to keep some gofast bits for legacy, some are $$$$ but you might look over there.

is the check engine light on?

some legacies and outbacks have a problem with a cap and swollen o-ring on the fuel pump. um, what year and model car do you have? what is its history, mileage and general condition?

temporarily parallel wire/'jumper' the fuel pump to 12V, then try to start. Might tell you if it is a wiring issue in the switch.