The Ultimate Subaru Spark Plug Ratchet

[@whitneydesignlabs8738]

Getting ready to change plugs and wires on an '02 Forester. Thanks for all your great content. I can feel the loss of skin on my knuckles already! :)

[@rboyett]

I just picked one of these up yesterday from my Matco dealer! Can wait to try it out

[@FordTaurusSHO93]

Mr Subaru! Please please do a video on keeping EJ25s healthy and on the road! I have a 2009 Forester at 145k and I wanna keep it running as long as possible. Love your videos!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Excellent idea!

[@promethbastard]

@@MrSubaru1387 I like this idea.. 2004 Forester XT right here coming up on 200,000 km! Gearing up to do my own timing belt/tensioner/pulley job soon :D

[@nicholasmcdonoough5922]

Man I’ve been using a stubby flex head from craftsman with a gas pipe as a break bar fit like a glove my shortie has been my life saver at times! Guts have been replaced before sears started to close doors! I had a older ratchet that needed bearings snap on guys up here wasn’t any help got their black long flex head! Still have the handle somewhere! But one day I’ll be able to find the correct bearings! Nothing better than having tools delivered but at same time working just to pay off a toolbox the price of a new car!

[@oldchev2850]

Wish I’d seen this video earlier. Just changed plugs while doing the timing belt on a 2012 wrx and after a lot of experimenting, came up with the same result as shown here. Only difference was I used the Kincrome K2106 3/8” drive extendable flex head. I didn’t extend it at all as it’s slightly longer than a normal ratchet in the shortest length. That number 4 is the worst being closest to the frame rail. Used a normal spark plug socket and 3/8” universal to remove old plug and install the new plug back to seated position, then swapped the universal for an extension that was 70mm long. I think this extension was out of some cheapy Chinese set as most ones you buy are 75mm or 3” long. I found on number 4 plug, the 75mm extension wouldn’t quite fit. Once the plug socket and extension was on the plug, this 3/8” drive flex head works great. I put a piece of tape around the extension and plug socket so they wouldn’t seperate in the hole and also a small bit of dielectric grease on the porcelain part of plug. Just so that once tightened up, it would come off the plug no worries. Also a little bit of neverseize on the plug thread. Late comment to the video I know, but thought it might help someone.

[@ChunkyChipz]

I use HF Pittsburgh 1/4 In, 3/8 In. Drive Long Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet. It's cheap tool but it gets the job done especially on tight spaces.

[@Andy-ms9vi]

I use this one, too, I love it. It was recommended by Cody's Auto Diagnostics, the diag guys buy cheap hand tools and save their money for diagnostic tools.

[@jdmkidd1263]

Been searching for this video thanks

[@specialized29er86]

113 degrees here at the moment and usually only 4 months a year and yes hard to do much during the days so we work of a night.

[@jayc2193]

Be cool to see that beside a regular 3/8 matco BFR128LF. Thank for the video.

[@naokimatsushima4979]

3/8" matco ratchet is the biggest piece of junk in my broken tool drawer. Everytime I use it, it breaks. Matco used to repair it. Now they don't even stop by our shop anymore. $190.00 paper weight.

[@coreyscarrepairs]

Was it the ADV ratchet? I bought that one when I was starting as a tech and like you said, it broke every time I used it. Ended up getting my dealer to let me trade it for full price towards the traditional 88 tooth locking flex ratchet

[@Ckeaton1991]

I believe that the harbor freight dual flex head long handle ratchet may be the ultimate. Thin, long reach,3/8 and 1/4 inch combo. Oh and only $30! What are your thoughts??

[@tmschneider02]

I have a weather from harbor freight, its super low profile, watched head and handle , works amazing

[@silentxd6978]

built one of those guys last month and I absolutely love it just gets into areas my regular 3/8s cant get into

[@MrSubaru1387]

Nice!

[@brad3741]

How much does this setup flex? I have been using my 8 inch locking flex head a lot more lately and like the idea of a longer version. Just not sure if it would handle much torque.

[@airratchet7313]

I did this last year and yes it works great for those plugs. I have the part number for the 3/8 conversion if anyone needs it.

[@alanchanthavisouk8557]

I need the part number for the 3/8 conversion please?

[@MrSubaru1387]

BFR5TK

[@Flatfourmotorworks]

@@MrSubaru1387 the BFR5TK appears to no longer be available on the Matco site. Do you know if it has superseded to a new part number?

[@eriku571]

I found a BFR5TK on Ebay.

[@WRXSTiROX]

Nvm. You linked the tools here. 😅. Ignore that comment on the other video haha. Appreciate you putting all this up on KZbin! 🙏

[@ryang1589]

I use a snap on spark plug socket with a matco Spring loaded wobbly and and a 24" extension

[@jamesbruno5896]

Looks awesome thanks for sharing!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thanks!

[@billstrobel9727]

Mr Subaru I like the Franken Ratchet but rather than taking 2 ratchets to make 1 what about buying the Matco BFR158lfr? Just a bit longer than the AFR128 the only thing I am not sure about is the diameter of the rod/handle on the 1/4" vs 3/8" ratchet.

[@dougstringer5358]

Did my first plug change on my 2012 Outback 3.6R and tried every combo in my toolbox to get those sparkies out! What a knuckle busting experience. Will try this route next time.

[@Laborchet]

@@ianloyd6384 Im about to tackle this and i cannot justify that cost for a one time use tool for me every 30k miles, maybe the occasional help a subaru friend out but i am wondering if this is possible to do without building a ratchet but just using a very low profile 3/8" ratchet, or this one Harbor Freight Pittsburgh 1/4 In, 3/8 In. Drive Long Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet. Seems very slim

[@rwdplz1]

Did a tune-up on an S10 Blazer that was always dealer serviced, relatively low mileage. The #3 spark plug is so bad Snap-On makes a specialty tool for it, S9723. That I wish I had at the time. got it out eventually, but you know what I found? 5 Champion plugs what must have been the original AC Delco.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yup. Due to the steering column. Been there, done many of those when I was a GM guy.

[@apicars1287]

Matco is the only tools I use

[@brandonrobishaw7606]

I have seen custom Snap-On 1/4 drive flex ratchet with 3/8 drive. Is this just the Matco offering of such. I understand the lower torque rating. Has any of the truck brands had better or worse service experiences. Also what about melding(Koken,or Tone sic) breaker bars and flex heads? Gearwrench or Napa Carlisle brands? ( Is the head size the defining factor)

[@MiguelMartinez-hm1hg]

Tone have almost the same handle as the powerbuilt ratchet

[@MrSubaru1387]

I think you mean PowerBuilt has almost the same handle as TONE. lol

[@MiguelMartinez-hm1hg]

@@MrSubaru1387 I dont know who was first the chicken or the egg 🤪🤪🤪😂😂😂😂😂

[@MiguelMartinez-hm1hg]

@@MrSubaru1387 great video btw I know what you going through I'm in texas the plus humidity make it me drip like if I was getting off the swimming pool even just standing up

[@ak-akira7239]

Whats the part number for the matco 3/8 drive? BFR8TKA?

[@bricemyers6527]

How about the gearwrench 81220T I have had great luck with this ratchet, and it's a lot cheaper

[@atpgarageatl]

Is this still your favorite for changing spark plugs?

[@tougedriver8358]

how well would that ratchet work on the BRZ? the things you have to do just to replace the spark plugs

[@BadJo0Jo0]

Would love to know as well

[@MrSubaru1387]

Love to try on one if I had one to try it on. Also want to try the special TONE BRZ/86 spark plug removal set I recently got.

[@tougedriver8358]

@@MrSubaru1387 I would love to see a video on that. I know of some mechanics using a snap on slim profile ratchet along with a small swivel extension and that seems to work.

[@BadJo0Jo0]

@@MrSubaru1387 Just for clarification, you're talking about the PG86S set right? I'm coming up on my spark plug interval. It's going to be my first time changing plugs on a boxer motor, and I'm a little worried lol

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yup. That's the one.

[@Poolmedic]

Being that Subaru is Japanese do you feel that the tools from Japan make your job easier than American tools?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Honestly a lot more Japanese vehicle specialized tools come from Japanese tool manufacturers. Always helpful.

[@CorvetteTrev]

GW locking flex head 90T , 13.7" h That was an easy buy.

[@donaldjames4437]

Ever replaced EJ25 Cam cap s that resemble freeze out plugs located at the rear of Subaru next to the fire wall ? Not much space to reseat those caps would love to know how they are replaced mine leak or did until I used gray RTV sealant. Oil leaks suck.

[@MrSubaru1387]

I usually replace them engine out with a head gasket job. That said, I believe they maybe replaceable in car. From below. But it's really tight.

[@donaldjames4437]

@@MrSubaru1387 Scary tight. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYOnpIB5rampgrc

[@ragucav]

Keep having check engine light come on my 2008 wrx just replaced spark plugs and it came back on a week later what else could it be? Love the channel been binging all the videos

[@MrSubaru1387]

Scan the codes.

[@THEDRAGONBOOSTER8]

Great idea.

[@xXBurntBaconXx]

I bought a Matco ratchet, Red handle black Chrome. It's been the most unreliable ratchet I've ever had. The head keeps jamming up on me when I go to ratchet. Matco guy replaced the internals but still does it.

[@raziel630]

Hey do you have a video on replacing the driver side window motor on an 03 outback? I can't find one.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Sorry, I don't.

[@ViperMods_216]

Idk how I'll break my addiction to Mac Axis ratchets haha

[@blacktater1hill691]

I live in upstate SC and I have a 2005 subaru baja turbo 5 speed... I'd love for you to do a video and maybe help me out on an issue I can't figure out and has stumped mechanics It stumbles and chugs under 1/4 pedal and up and under boost. No CELs and have changed maf and map. Also had it smoked for boost leaks and vac leaks and found nothing. Oh wizard please help!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Have you cleaned the TB?

[@blacktater1hill691]

@@MrSubaru1387 no I have not. Didn't see to be pedal related.. tends to happen more with AC on or when the engine is cold. I cleaned the map and it seemed to help but didn't help much if at all.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@blacktater1hill691 interesting. Definitely would be one I'd have to put hands on to figure out

[@blacktater1hill691]

Any time. Its 99% stock as well only thing is a STI top mount and an after market diverter valve. But other than that its stock

[@toadamine]

unless you have some monstrosity of a ratchet, whatever you already got will probably work jsut fine... on my crosstrek i used my plain old Craftsman 3/8 drive that came in a wrench and ratchet kit from the local hardware store... nothing about the job was difficult, nor did i wish i had a better ratchet, i had a smaller Tekton one actually, that i usually prefer to the craftsman, but preferred the bigger one for this as the short/small 1/4inch one was hard to grab onto when in place, but the big 3/8 one was better imo.. yeah the snap on one with the big long handle and micro head may be a tiny tiny bit better... but i cant see it being much better for this job, as the regular one worked fine... i guess if you wanna spend more on a ratchet than all the parts for the tune up then go ahead, but its definitely not necessary to get the job done quickly and efficiently

[@stefanojazz2241]

I have an Outback 2018 model 2.5 Petrol at how many km do you change the spark plugs? Now my car 72000 km

[@shinkle1000]

Do you happen to have the part number for the 3/8 head kit?

[@MrSubaru1387]

BFR5TK

[@shinkle1000]

@@MrSubaru1387 Thank you. My Matco Dealer says its impossible to do, so I am trying to hold his hand.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@shinkle1000 😂 😂 😂

[@mikeessary4925]

Would you recommend synthetic or conventional oil for the 2014 outback 3.6r? Love the channel!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Pretty sure those are factory filled with syn.

[@TimberWulfIsHere]

Seriously? Synthetic. There is no reason to use conventional in modern engines for regular use. Synthetic is really cheap these days.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@TimberWulfIsHere I still use Dino juice. Lol

[@dcyamahatech]

I'd love to have a matco dealer. We finally got a new snap-on dealer after our old rep checked his route in. Unfortunately he only shows up once a month right now. Twice a month if we get lucky lol. We got a mac dealer but he keeps more gearwrench and expert brand stuff on his truck instead of actual mac hardline product.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Ouch. Yeah, tool trucks are getting harder and harder to be reliable it seems.

[@burrowssj]

eh, I'm just happy to undo the engine mount/pitch stop and just send it up above the rails. Seems the way

[@shamindasalumayon9191]

nice tone

[@kevinm5177]

That Matco 1/4” is awesome. Is Matco only off the truck or available anywhere else?

[@MrSubaru1387]

You can buy online. Link in description.

[@andyholder6039]

Can you not just put a wrench on the spark plug socket?

[@jonk6137]

Robert why did you leave the last shop with the bricks in the shop?

[@MrSubaru1387]

The owner of the building and I butted heads one too many times.

[@jonk6137]

MrSubaru1387 it happens I’d imagine it be very hard to be a KZbin creator and work in a shop even if that had nothing to do with it

[@fuhrerj151]

what about this tool? GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 84 Tooth Long BeamTeardrop Ratchet with Dual Material Handle, 13" - 81265

[@Itsdazeni]

That’s pretty awesome

[@8145dwerdna]

Gearwrench 120xp?

[@MrSubaru1387]

What about it?

[@katous]

@@MrSubaru1387 I think he meant, the 3/8 in. x 11-1/2 in. Drive 120XP Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet, perhaps a perfect match for the 3/8" Drive 6 Point 2-1/2" Universal Spark Plug Socket 5/8", which I already own and adore for changing spark plugs on my Subarus. Wrench is Catalog Number: 81215P, and Socket is Catalog Number: 80404.

[@timlincoln92]

I'm looking for The manufacturer of the macho 75 PIECE MASTER ADV HEX / TORX BIT SOCKET SET Part number SBS75V I was hoping you could help me out really don't want to pay the Macho price

[@MrSubaru1387]

Most ADV stuff is Sunex

[@timlincoln92]

@@MrSubaru1387 I'll start Looking under that name thank you

[@Hello_its_me_mario]

Hello sir, I'm looking a used 2019 sti. What should I look for the good and bad. Thank you

[@MiguelMartinez-hm1hg]

What's the price range on the MATCO ratchet

[@MrSubaru1387]

Believe it was $140

[@MiguelMartinez-hm1hg]

@@MrSubaru1387 not bad for those hard to reach places

[@1009wlwilling]

104 yikes. Stay hydrated!

[@juggalotuz04]

Can I lend a pen, haha

[@beanlam6223]

sell it, i got dibs

[@toolsmetals2148]

👍👍

[@artcraven8313]

or go to harbor freight and spend twenty bucks

[@MrSubaru1387]

For Chinese junk? No thanks.

[@williamgrand9724]

150$ thats a pricey ass ratchet.

[@MrSubaru1387]

First look at professional tools? Hehe

[@nedbijelic2212]

Q.

[@subaruenduro]

Dude you doing it all wrong take the fricken battery and air cleaner cover out

[@MrSubaru1387]

I'm fully aware... I do. Just stuck the ratchet in the Crosstrek's engine bay for demo pictures of where the handle ends up, and the advantages of getting your hands up and above the engine and rocker covers.