Subaru Outback Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils Replacement with Basic Hand Tools

[@archiedunbar656]

NGK spark plugs feature trivalent plating. This silver or chrome-colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize. Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.

[@o.c.stiggs5377]

As always, an excellent tutorial. I've replaced the spark plugs on our 2012 Impreza and 2010 Forester and, as is typically the case with Subaru boxer engine maintenance, it was a PITA.

[@CarsNToys]

lol..gotta love Subaru!

[@yenrab2281]

Thanks for the video. I have a 2011 Subaru Outback. Do I use a 14MM socket to remove the spark plug?

[@richardb.8467]

Great video, thanks for sharing ! Is it a good idea to put dielectric grease on the coils connectors ? thanks

[@TheRW0575]

a Mechanic gave me an estimate of 2.5 hours to change my spark plugs in my 2000 Outback. lol. Was he going on vacation in between each spark plug?

[@jakethesnake1115]

Great video. How important do folks think it is to replace the spark plug seals? I noticed a good amount of oil when removing the coils and plugs but I’ve got 165k on the car and after watching the video on the valve cover replacement I am concerned about the potential of breaking fasteners. I would like to continue driving the car for a couple more years at least. What are the downsides of not replacing the seals? Decreased fuel efficiency and slowly burning oil?

[@CarsNToys]

Yes, this is something I did a few years back - I'll leave the link for the video below if you want to check it out. I too was afraid of the valve cover fasteners stripping and/or breaking. Fortunately, with the help of PB Blaster and using basic hand tools (don't use power tools), it worked out in the end. The biggest risk regarding leaking spark plug seals in my mind is engine misfire. An engine misfire can hurt the catalytic converter, which is quite expensive. Hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6fOaYOEj6xrmZo

[@ReidAllenWilliamson]

2016 Subaru Outback was much harder to access than video suggested. Was able to replace #4 ignition coil, don't think I could have removed spark plug.

[@bobbydabroom9554]

Great video work... I've watched video's where you can't see anything !

[@dohc281]

2:44 correction. My 2009 Forester XT Limited has coil packs and there were 2010 and earlier models that are coil pack Subaru's. Part number FK0186, 22433AA418, 22433AA480 22433AA540 22433AA640 610-58672 UF-508 Ignition Coil which appears to go back as early as 2004.

[@sc10766]

what size spark plug socket did you use?

[@Fatboy53]

Excellent video thanks

[@Porco_Utah]

I wish if my 2019 Forester dual head over cam, direct injection 2.5L engine spark plug replacement is easy as this older model.

[@arthurevans2029]

Is it unnecessary to put any anti sieze on a brand new coil tip?

[@225pmac]

That was 1000 times easier than on my 2005 XT. On mine there is only a couple of inches of frame clearance and the boot does not just slide on and engage.

[@jofire296]

Good video. However, NGK says not to use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs.

[@airplane247]

We're did the get the coil packs from

[@elcastigadordevenus]

Excelent work.

[@israelgomez3601]

Exelente

[@Ikona731]

Anyone know size of 2015 outback spark plug? 14mm or 16mm?

[@Ikona731]

14mm if anyone is wondering. Just hard to get it in there in such a tight spot. Probably mechanics charge a lot to do this job because the shop removes the engine mounts and uses a car lift to work from under the car.

[@JFizoust]

@@Ikona731 Thanks for the update. Did you also replace coil packs and/or wires when replacing the plugs?

[@Ikona731]

@@JFizoust no I did not, guy at autozone said there would be a computer notification if the wires were bad, so owner chose not to replace. Just did the spark plugs.

[@arthurevans2029]

​@@Ikona731 actually, if they don't have the perfect tools to get in the tight space after removing battery tray and air box, they will likely lift the motor rather than the car.

[@49ers_red_and_gold2]

👍🏿👍🏿

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you

[@deepwaterlife48]

what would cause the valve cover to leak right above the spark plugs at the same exact spot on both sides of the engine at the same time. i just hit 170k miles a couple days ago. spark plugs were last changed at 130k.