Subaru Outback EJ253 2.5L Spark Plug Replacement

Overview of Subaru EJ253 spark plug replacement.
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----I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. I recommend safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself.----

[@keithnelson9690]

This is an awesome follow. I really like how you just show the work and explain everything in writing. I must say with the silence of the work and the birds chirping in the background, this is right up there with meditation. Very relaxing. Thanks

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@thelert]

@ 12:35 He had a hawk cheering him on.😁

[@unknowntitan5884]

Even though this is a old video I still come back to watch it every time I do my plugs as a reference and refresher.

[@michaelgerdau6758]

Really appreciate no talking. Other videos the guys just talk and talk. This video shows you what you want to know. THANK YOU!

[@Ellis1127]

8-6-23, This video was extremely helpful! I just replaced 4 NGK plugs today on my ‘12 Outback 2.5 with 151k. it took me about 2 hours, easier than I thought. I didn’t replace the coils but that will be easy in the future. No need to raise the Engine, I removed the battery and air intake up to the throttle body. Good access with a 5/8 plug socket and multiple ratchet lengths and a angled ratchet.

[@thesniperofcs]

Thank you for the video, keep on Waiting for EJ20 DOHC Spark plugs replacement

[@djblackarmstrong]

Thank you sir for the anti seize info. I wouldve never known, especially since I come from a air-cooled vw background where anti-seize is life. #MindBlown.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Heels2Cheezus glad to help.

[@smv1013]

Heels2Cheezus me too I was just about to go buy sum😰

[@jspiren]

Thanks you for including the socket sizes and torque specs

[@brentkelly9864]

Top Quality tutorial content! THANKS!

[@JI77469]

Thanks for having a video on changing valve cover gaskets/sparkplug well seals! Just went to do a sparkplug change figuring that my Subaru has 60k miles, it can't be leaking oil into the well, and low and behold... Not feeling love for it at the moment.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Oh no! Glad you found my video helpful though.

[@GSOAguitarplayer]

I always wanted to know how to do them on a Subaru. Great video!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+GSOAguitarplayer glad you enjoyed.

[@andrewcoulter525]

Nice info regarding anti-seize on plugs. The document states risk of over-torquing. I guess many people are unaware that you must always reduce torque by 30% on any lubricated fastener. Nice to know about the coating on the plugs and that anti-seize is not needed.

[@chrisplume1401]

Thanks for the torque specs👌🏻

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@user-hf7zs2vp5w]

Thank you for sharing the video

[@EAA95]

Excellent Vid! Keep it up!

[@bernardmalinowski9180]

Well shown and good job.

[@jessuckakepow]

About to do my 2018 Outback and this is great!! Sure did take me only 10 min to replace the spark plugs in my Infiniti G20 tho, which was ages ago, which is also the last time I replaced spark plugs.

[@Maginiry]

Great video and very informative.

[@fidelquinones7584]

Thanks for the tutorial video 100% liked.

[@1stNeoSpartan]

I wish I had found this channel earlier. I have a 150,000+ mile 2010 legacy and have never changed those :/

[@johnroberthanna1623]

I've got a 2018 Outback with 119,700 miles and it's going in next Thursday for plugs and other maintenance. First time it's been in any shop since delivery new to me.

[@kenm3456]

@@johnroberthanna1623 I just pulled my plugs at 60k and they didn’t look bad at all. Still replaced them but those laser iridium plugs will probably last a while

[@ninolama]

OUTSTANDING

[@yaroslavarabok4756]

Thanks, very good video!!Step by step as it should be. Please keep on Waiting for EJ253 valve cover gasket together with spark plug tube seals replacement. Pleeaaseee

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Yaroslav Arabok next week!

[@yaroslavarabok4756]

MrSubaru1387 , excellent!!

[@amirabelardo8203]

Hey thanks man .keep up the great work.

[@FugaziSB]

Great video, always appreciate people who takes the time and hard work to share their knowledge and help out others. One question though, why did you remove the air intake?

[@andrewnilsen986]

Thanks for the great video 🙏

[@vibesmom]

Clean engine, holy cow.

[@maxmakohin5464]

Informative. Nice watch, by the way.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnroberthanna1623]

subbed...thank you for the great video

[@p1epoppa]

Silent style! Nice.

[@kopboy55]

I remember doing this on my 98 Outback. It was hell. the frames are right in the way you gotta assemble the socket and extension inside the hole. dark ages those were.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Kopboy55 I guess it's my familiarity with Subarus and knowing the tricks. I have no issues changing plugs on any of the engines. They're no more challenging than a Vortec V8 or a Honda Civic to me.

[@snosqrl]

Do you have a video on how to replace the spark plug well seals and the rocker gasket cover? Also do you know the part numbers of those items?

[@skyfire2558]

I've change my sparks plugs with gap size 0.8mm NGK Iridiums on my 2000 B4 Legacy Twin Turbo Sedan AT ,it cranking not starting...had a short circuit before will it be my ecu fried or something else

[@isaacwells1749]

I'm coming up on 200k for my 2012 Outback 2.5i. I did the valve cover gaskets, plug well seals, and the plugs themselves at around 160k. I'm going to check the plugs this summer and wanted to know when it's recommended to replace the coils or even what I can do preventative-wise? Thanks!

[@jacobwells9128]

Hey mr Subaru man, just wanted to check if its the same spark plug for a 05 legacy outback 2.5 sohc 5mt? Thanks!

[@hunterrocker]

Hello, please tell me how to distinguish original from fake?

[@Mrscrapiron5]

I'd love a video on replacing plugs on a FB25 in an outback. Looks almost impossible to me without pulling the engine.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Just did a video on the FB20B. Basically identical procedure.

[@Mrscrapiron5]

@@MrSubaru1387 Thanks. Just watched it. Not going to the dealer next time!

[@nickl9935]

these plugs come gaped at 0.044 did you gap them or is the 0.001 negligible?

[@austinmuncrief252]

Does this work also for the ej 251? The gap ?

[@joepinehill]

hi, My 09 Forrester, non turbo is coming up on its 30k spark plug interval. I got out of synch when the heads were done at 80K, I have 195K on the car, and the next plug change is in 5K, at 200K miles if I follow the 30K. I've been religious for 11 years on following the maintenance intervals, but do you follow the 30K for plug changes? I've been using the NGK FR5AP-11 for all the changes.

[@sktong81]

Hi. I hv 14 impreza.. i try to chamge spark plugs. But i may turn too much broke the spark plugs front parts inside the engine....do you have help me solve the problem..how i put out the broke parts fm engine?

[@waynesitarz424]

Manual says gap up to 0.043, they come gapped to 0.043 in the box, but later NGK specs say 0.044. So regap or no?

[@kboyd116]

Hi! I have a Subaru Outback 2005. The spark plug blew and stripped the threads in the head gasket. Can a shop fix it with hexi-coil without removing the head gasket? Thank you!

[@bcal5962]

Question for you Mr. Subaru that this video's first part triggered me to ask where you disconnect the battery: I have a 2010 Outback that appears to have the original 490 CC amp battery. I live in Northern Alberta and temps in winter regularly fall to -20 celcius (-4 Feirhenight). I realize these are 4 cylinder engines and do not require huge CC batteries but the 490 seems small...what is the maximum CC amp batterty you would recommend for this vehicle? The reason I ask is that my last vehicle was a 05 Blazer with a 4.3L V6 and I had a 800CC battery installed. I am wondering if I should get a 600 CC amp battery for this Subaru. What do you think?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+BCal I really can't advise as I live in Southeastern US and we don't see much cold. Might be wise to call the local Subaru dealership and see what they recommend battery wise.

[@RogerWhite-od2xs]

I’m not sure what year Outback you’re working on but it’s definitely not a 2018. I was only able to get to the front passenger side plug. The rear is blocked by the frame. On the drivers side the battery support tray must be removed and I have no idea how to get to the two lower bolts. Even then, the frame blocks access. :(

[@alexanderh.999]

Subaru recommends on Outback 2015 to replace spark plug at 5 years or 100000 KM. I am only at 50000 KM. Do I go with the year or mileage for spark plug replacement? Anyone knows?

[@shawn4900]

Great video on a sweet outback. Nice condition. Was curious if the only option one would use is ngk subaru plugs? Would there be any use for dielectric grease on the boots ? Regards

[@MrSubaru1387]

NGKs are all I run and recommend for Subarus. Dielectric grease is at your discretion.

[@shawn4900]

@@MrSubaru1387 thanks my man. Keep up the good work brother!

[@cottonzway]

How different is this to do in an EZ30 (07)? The SVX had the plugs replaced less than 300 miles ago. My 07 has about 80K on it and I believe they are the original plugs.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+cottonzway pretty much the same. Coils are center mounted rather than upward sloping. Airbox out passenger's side. Battery and fuse box out/moved driver's side. Two extra cylinders.

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Not so easy in the older models. the one I'm working on has the plugs in line with the chassis, a real shit to get in and out.

[@thesparksplug]

I was thinking the same thing. Lol. He had a little bit more elbow room on this model.

[@monticella]

Very Good!! & 6mm nitrile gloves from Harbor Freight but Snap on ratchet and torque wrench! Man after my own heart. lol

[@MrSubaru1387]

Actually Midknight Microflex gloves. Lol

[@dannylee5588]

Do you have a video for the 2000 Outback Wagon spark plug change?? This looks much much different. I had a Misfire pop up on #2 just the other day and thought I would start with new plugs, its been awhile. There were no Codes Pending. An occasional off Idle stumble is what may be the cause but I cant find anything visually and as I mentioned there are no Pending Codes! Thank You......

[@MrSubaru1387]

This is the same as the 2000. The 2000 just has spark plug wires instead of coils.

[@danielslaughter104]

Changed them on my 99 outback. Worst spark plugs I've ever had to change. Only due to the lack of space. A 10 minute job turned into a 20 minute job with a few curse words.

[@chaseclough7521]

Thanks for another great video. I will be performing this job in the short future, as the Legacy I'm working on still has the original plugs @ 110k miles. How common is the well seal leaking issue? I'm wondering if it makes sense to account for that ahead of time and replace them as part of the process, especially given the age. Also, thanks for posting the bulletin regarding anti-seize. I've always used it in the past. Do you know if it's recommended to remove and replace plugs where anti-seize has been used? I replaced them on a Honda K20 ~30k miles ago. Assume it is what it is at this point.

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. Glad to help. Yes, spark plug well seals/rocker cover gaskets usually go around 100k. I'd plan accordingly.

[@chaseclough7521]

Thanks. Can those parts be purchased individually? Having trouble tracking down part#'s separate from the entire coil.

[@MrSubaru1387]

NEW Genuine OEM Subaru Valve Rocker Cover Gasket Kit Impreza SOHC 2005-2011 www.amazon.com/dp/B01E36Z7XG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KRPTAbHNW29B7

[@olivershea3081]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have a 2003 outback with 160k and i'm wondering if you'd recommend replacing the sparkplug wires and coils when you replace the sparkplugs? I don't see you do it here but just curious if its something you want to change at the same time as the sparkplugs? Thank you for your time.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Wires, yes, if they have some age in them. Coil, no. Unless it's having a firing issue, no need to replace it.

[@olivershea3081]

Thank you for the info much appreciated!

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome.

[@marvinwilkins]

Have an intermittent misfire cyl 3 and 4 happens after I've driven it atleast 40 miles or so coil is good plugs and wires replaced plugged in a blue drver and was reading the mass air flow rate... so at idle it was 2.3 grams per sec and at 40 mph 31.35 but not sure if this is contributing to the problem 01 OB 2.5 thanks in advance

[@kyle1717]

did you figure it out?

[@marvinwilkins]

@@kyle1717 Fouled plug

[@kyle1717]

@@marvinwilkins What exactly does that mean? I thought you replaced the plug? So the spark plug was bad from the factory? I just bought some iridium 8.50 or so per spark plug, I figured if I am going to spend the time changing it, I want a better spark plug, that hopefully will produce more power. I want to soup up my Outback. Bit, by bit. I really like the allwheeldrive system.

[@joecoffee968]

Roughly what does a fancy torque wrench like that cost these days?

[@TheTorgone]

What exactly does "EJ253" mean?

[@StateSideSteve]

What year is the car?

[@jpntjp1]

What state do you live in!!! i want you to work on my subaru.. i love your videos you make every thing look so easy..

[@MrSubaru1387]

+jpntjp1 South Carolina

[@jpntjp1]

MrSubaru1387 Damn!!!! Keep up the good work...

[@MrSubaru1387]

+jpntjp1 I'll try! Thanks. 👍

[@lanetterichardson9322]

What year?

[@chasq1]

is this the same steps for the 2.5 turbo motor

[@MrSubaru1387]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqalXqaLnp1kqrs

[@MyRandomCommentsXD]

Hi Mr. Subaru, I just changed my plugs. Had some trouble getting them out so I got a telescoping magnet to grab them. However, when I changed the plugs, I found oil inside of the spark plug cavities. One of the plug holes on the driver side had some gunk built as well, smelt burnt...is this normal? Second question: My car (2007 Impreza 2.5i, 106K kilometers) was making this whistling sound at 1700-1900 RPM. Later I took it to a local shop for an alignment and they discovered an oil leak and saying it's the head gasket. I agree that it is an oil leak because later when I changed my oil I saw the bottom covered in oil. I checked my coolant for exhaust leak, deposits but found nothing. When I changed the oil, no "milkshake" just plain oil. Car never overheated in day-to-day driving. No significant refills of oil or coolant upon checking the levels. Later I changed my PCV valve, the whistling sound went away. Could the oil leak be caused by the PCV valve, or would it be the head gasket? The local shop quoted me $5500 Canadian for the head gasket and timing belt job. I bought this car for $7400 CAD at 70K kilometers, I don't think $5500 is worthwhile. Recommendations?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+MyRandomCommentsXD the oil on the plug signifys a leaking valve cover gasket. Time to replace it. If oil keeps leaking into the spark plug wells it can cause a misfire. The EJ253, the engine in your Impreza, typically develops an external head gasket leak rather than an internal. Basically leaks oil out, like you've seen, rather than combustion mixing with coolant. Keep an eye on temp, coolant, and oil levels. If you get an overheating issue, or the leak gets more sever, I'd recommend replacement. In the mean time, you should be fine to keep driving as is.

[@MyRandomCommentsXD]

Thank you for your response Mr. Subaru!

[@jasonbermudez6802]

My maf sensor looks dirty do u think I should clean it.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes. Spray it out with some MAF cleaner.

[@alfredolarios1974]

Hi do you have video for a 2016 outback 2.5i spark plug replacement?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Have a video on 2013 Crosstrek spark plugs. Be nearly identical.

[@MrSubaru1387]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH3IpWaAZ7B0ipI

[@DanielField2023]

What about the electronics it need to be reprogram ?

[@MrSubaru1387]

What? Program what? For spark plug replacement?

[@juliocamacho9060]

Hi Mr Subaru, I don't know how to remove the second row of seats to gain acces to change the fuel gas pump on 7 pasengers Tribeca B9 2006, I saw a yellow latch on each corner under both seats, any suggestion? I really appreciate!!!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

LH&CTR SEAT 1. Tilt the backrest forward, and move the seat forward. 2. Remove the slide rail cover at the seat rear side, and remove the two bolts. 3. Move the seat to the rear end. 4. Remove the slide rail cover at the seat front side, and remove the two bolts. 5. Remove the seat from vehicle. RH SEAT 1. Tilt the backrest forward, and move the seat forward. 2. Remove the slide rail cover at the seat rear side, and remove the two bolts. 3. Move the seat to the rear end. 4. Remove the slide rail cover at the seat front side, and remove the two bolts. 5. Remove the seat from vehicle. Fuel pump assembly consists of fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel level sensor. 1. Release the fuel pressure. 2. Drain fuel. 3. Remove the second seat. 4. Remove the service hole cover. 5. Disconnect the connector from fuel pump. 6. Disconnect the quick connector, and then disconnect the fuel delivery hose and jet pump hose. 7. Remove the nuts which install fuel pump assembly onto fuel tank. 8. Remove the fuel pump assembly from the fuel tank.

[@juliocamacho9060]

MrSubaru1387 Thank you, very very very much!!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Julio Camacho you're welcome

[@jonathonmiller1174]

I'll holler at ha later on..

[@comrades73]

Lots of work but i think i can do this.. dealers qoute is $400+ ...thanks

[@jackmcgovern654]

is EJ253 in the Subaru Impreza 2004?

[@MrSubaru1387]

It should be a 251 or 253, either way, same procedure.

[@jonthomas7592]

Any particular order to remove and reinstall ?

[@MrSubaru1387]

No.

[@stevebrooks1211]

Why, no anti seize compound?

[@stevebrooks1211]

Never mind, I jumped the gun, thanks!

[@skylerhitz5390]

Aside from the intake being in a different area (so, different intake removal process) will most of this video translate well to the EJ251 model?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yup. Just have spark plug wires rather than individual coils. Should be an NGK: BKR5E-11 torque to 21Nm.

[@skylerhitz5390]

Right on. You're the man!

[@skylerhitz5390]

Hey, do you have a PayPal or something where grateful people can donate moolah from time to time? You're always so helpful and just a good dude. I'd love to throw a few bucks your way.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Skyler Hitz that I do. [e-mail]. I know. Old school account. Haha thanks.

[@skylerhitz5390]

Right on! Hey, at least you're not rocking an AOL account or something, haha...Sending a few bones your way right now!

[@juanleal5444]

I have a 2001 outback and it looks like whoever did the spark plugs last may have used anti seize and over tightened one of the plugs. It’s so far in that I cannot get the socket around the plug to take out. Any recommendations on what I can do to take this one plug out? I was also able to take a pic of it if you’d like to see it.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Juan Leal sure. Email me @[e-mail].

[@juanleal5444]

Does your email actually have @ at the front of it? It’s coming up as invalid so I sent it without the @ in front

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Juan Leal no. It doesn't was just using @ in place of the word at.

[@mang1953]

How much will this service typically cost for a retail customer? I keep getting varying (expected) quotes...

[@MrSubaru1387]

It's 2.2hr to replace spark plugs, so $176 labor + the plugs.

[@kirbyvoss5477]

@@MrSubaru1387 the subaru dealer near me wanted $600 for spark plug R&R. Excluding new plugs bc i had them on me. they were gonna charge 4hrs of labor. but im doing em myself

[@Ellis1127]

A local shop wanted $900 for coil and plug replacement. I can see why.

[@torreVs]

Hi Robert; How often are spark plugs replaced in this engine, by miles or time?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+torre1976 Vs 60k interval for this 2.5 non turbo.

[@MrSubaru1387]

60k miles*

[@torreVs]

From what I see Subaru doesn't differentiate clearly the maintenance schedule between a normal use and a more arduous use. In other manufacturers if you meet one or more of the arduous use conditions, a special servicing will be necessary. * Permanent door to door use. * Urban use (such as taxi, ambulance, average speed below 12 mph, driving school). * Repeated short journeys (less than 6 miles) with a cold engine (following a stop of more than 1 hour). * Prolonged period of use in : countries with a dusty atmosphere, countries with fuels that do not meet the manufacturer's recommendations. * Use, even occasional, of B20 or B30 fuel (Diesel vehicles) or petrol containing more than 3 % methanol. I coment this because 60k miles (96000 km) is a too long interval for changing spark plugs, 45K (75000 km) or 4 years in normal use. Ondo izan,

[@MrSubaru1387]

+torre1976 Vs most platinum plugs are good to 100k miles. 60k miles isn't a long service interval in my book. Subaru recommends around 30k miles for turbo applications.

[@FCFordLord]

torre1976 Vs It depends a lot on the health of the engine as well. I had one with bad rings that could only get 15k miles out of platinum plugs. I switched to copper and still got 15k miles. Basically, it's not a hard set 60k miles. If you burn oil, have a sensor go bad, etc. Expect less.

[@82dupont]

Quick question, I have 2008 2.5 L non aspirated engine, my manual recommends FR5AP-11(NGK). I see you use the SILFR6A (NGK), did I use the wrong one? I have a little knock at low RPM when I release the clutch. Is there a specific Gap that I can use without using the whole range? Like 0.042 on all 4? Thanks

[@MrSubaru1387]

FR5AP-11 should be correct for your 08. This was a 2011. I believe the gap is 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in)

[@chasq1]

did you have to jack up the motor for this ?

[@MrSubaru1387]

No. You don't touch the engine or mounts.

[@l...]

4:50 Use chapters please

[@dominicancheif117]

Is it the same steps for a FB25B engine Legacy?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes.

[@dominicancheif117]

@@MrSubaru1387 That was quick! lol thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@dominicancheif117 welcome. 👍🏻

[@LoneStarGoldProspecting]

Why does torquing them down make me so GD nervous!? 😂

[@nategans5406]

how many miles did you do this at?? did it ever have a spark plug change before this. I own a 2012.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Mileage was 160k. I'd hope so. Don't know, not original owner. Supposed to be replaced at 60k mile intervals.

[@nategans5406]

@@MrSubaru1387 I'm just about to do my first change, went over and I'm at around 67k and the car was starting to idle lower and miss fire here and there. I see you didn't change out the wires and coils, like everyone else do you just say run em till they break or??

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@nategans5406 ignition coils are not a maintenance item. You only replace them when they fail.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@nategans5406 I'd suggest a new PCV, MAF cleaning, throttle body cleaning, and an idle relearn. Should feel brand new afterwards.

[@nategans5406]

@@MrSubaru1387 thats funny, the dealers say replace every 30k lol.

[@JI77469]

No dielectric grease?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Nope.

[@JI77469]

Would you recommend it if I live in a rather humid area with lots of rain and snow (Albany, NY)?

[@MrSubaru1387]

It's at your discretion. I rarely use dielectric. I live in South Carolina. It's like a humid swamp here half the year. Lol

[@WRXSTiROX]

Hey if you make an amazon affiliate account and link the tools for this job, I’d be more than happy to click them so you can get a commission off it!

[@MrSubaru1387]

I have an Amazon storefront. Links are in video description.

[@ariromerog]

I was the 556th like. Sorry about that :)

[@lakerfam]

Would the parts be the same for 05 GT?

[@MrSubaru1387]

No. EJ255 uses different plugs than the EJ253.

[@lakerfam]

Thx for replying.

[@apeal6025]

What's the name of the torque wrench you use?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Steve Torres the 3/8" is a Snap-on ATECH2FR100B.

[@apeal6025]

MrSubaru1387 Thanks man! Migjt have to save up for that. Your videos are awesome and helpful too. Keep up the good work!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Steve Torres you're welcome. Thank you. Glad you enjoy the videos. 👍

[@rconthetrail1018]

Just came back to watch this again lol I got spoiled by my Veloster which was just remove the engine cover but this isn’t really that bad at all.