How do you change spark plugs for 2003 Subaru Outback?

Answer 1

You're not going to like this...

Your spark plugs are on the sides of your engine, at the bottom, level with the frame at the bottom of the engine bay.

if you have the H-6 like I do, the last two plugs are shoved way in the back, with only about an inch between them and the frame.

The import repair shop that I called told me that they remove these engines in order to replace spark plugs.

But...

My buddy and I managed to change them using a system like this:

Remove plug cap and rubber "jacket", not so bad, 10mm socket?

insert magnetic spark plug socket

insert socket extension head

insert a horizontal socket wrench that my buddy had, which I've never seen before or since, that is SUPER THIN. Unscrew spark plug until you're running out of room for the wrench

Remove wrench

Keep unscrewing spark plug with the extension arm

remove arm

pull out magnetic socket and spark plug.

You ABSOLUTELY need two people for this.

You can imagine how to get the new ones in there, once you have a system down, its not terrible, but you can see why the shops just remove the whole thing.

Also, the plugs don't look like any you've seen before. Look for a black plastic squarish cap, with an electrical line going to it, attaching with a little "clippy thing", when you pull out the cap, it will bring a red rubber (mine was red) tube with it that sits snugly around the spark plug.

Make sure you have a solid day to get this done.