Has been a few months since I posted when all the **** hit the fan in this post
https://www.subaruoutback.org/threa...ns-fluid-issue-should-i-keep-driving.575025/page-2?post_id=6564251#post-6564251 lol.
So in that time, the OBW has spent 3 separate stints with my mechanic and just got it back yesterday, after the 3rd stint:
1. Turns out that even though my driveshaft was bad, it WASN'T what made the noise, as we ended up replacing it and the noise remained. We then tried one of the loose heat shields, that wasn't it. Ziptied the bumper (underside with openings, the actual bumper is on properly already lol) and other parts down to a piece of body, noise still remained. My rotors started to shudder at high speed braking, so got new rotors and in changing those... it was revealed that the passenger side parking brake shoe was all rusted and broken. That was removed and... THE SOUND IS GONE!

2. Had the differential oil done on Monday, so all fluids have been replaced in the last 500 KMs, but it was raining hard yesterday, so I couldn't check if the burning smell is still around. Will have to try tomorrow (though it's supposed to rain tomorrow too). With the windows closed, there is 0 smell of anything, both the burning and what I will write below.
3. The evap code led my mechanic to do a smoke machine test and... the top of the fuel tank has a pinhole leak somewhere (he was able to see it with his mirror, but not the exact location). My fuel lines are intact and in good shape functionality-wise, but quite rusted and the filler neck is quite rusted as well. Nothing is leaking, thankfully, but the smell of fuel can get quite strong with the windows open.
So for now, just have to keep driving the car, but I use Cruise Control religiously and this damn evap code keeps preventing me from using it (obviously)...
... so I wanted to ask: would it be worth it to buy a cheap OBD2 reader (one that can clear codes) and just carry with me at all times, then clear the code when it pops every time? Or is that a waste of time?
Also, is it true that the system does the evap check only less that 3/4 tank and above 1/4 tank? So hypothetically, I could drive the car with the fuel levels in those thresholds and the code will never pop?