Second go around proved successful with the timing belt (94 Legacy Wagon EJ22). It jumped quite a bit the first time, perhaps the slack between the crank sprocket and drivers side cam pulley caused the marks to move when I pulled the allen key from the adjuster... Anyhow, she purrs now. Sounds better than any point in my 2 years of ownership.

 

For the first 25 minutes of warming to burp system, no codes. Next startup after this, the CEL reappeared; code 35 canister purge solenoid valve (no more O2 sensor code however). Is it OK to junkyard swap these, or is that the only option? Is there another search term for this part, because I can't seem to find any parts stores with this?

 

After running the car for nearly a half an hour during burping, the fans never kicked on. After noticing no more bubbles the lower hose finally felt warm, and with an even heat around the radiator, I capped and drove around a few miles and still no fans kicking on. This is a new (to me) used radiator, however similar behavior was happening with the old shotty radiator as well. Before I realized the old one was bad, and having changed the thermostat as a first measure, the fans did kick on eventually about 25 minutes into the burping and then after driving, but only for less than a minute. Is this typical, or does this sound symptomatic of something electrical/gauge oriented?

 

Just finished school and I have a good job lined up in Nashville in a couple weeks, so I am dialing in as much as I can before the move. This also means that before long I'll be able to eat more than ramen, and send a donation to help keep this forum running smoothly- I appreciate all the help thus far!

What was outside temp during the burping procedure?

 

I've seen lots of 4 cyl cars never need the fan with the hood open and relatively cool temps outside. The cooling system is efficient enough that it just doesn't warm up enough to need the fan.

Probably mid-upper 40's, starting to feel chilly in the Northeast. Thanks for the info, I have never paid much attention to the fans as this car has been a trooper for 2 years, and all I have to compare to is 80's Fords that always had the fans running (before I learned of the superiority of Subarus/Toyota trucks).

Oh, do I know all about the 80's fords! Mine (84 ranger) would overheat in the middle of winter!