I need to replace the spark plug wires on my 1997 Subaru outback/legacy. I've looked it over and it seems like it would be easy. It's just that the engine is built much different than other cars I have seen. From what I have read, I might not be able to simply take out the spark plugs without a jack of some sort. Can I access the spark plugs form the top or is it easier to replace them from underneath the car?
Access from top is better but you must remove battery/washer reservoir driver's side and intake piping on passenger's side to get to the plugs. If you have bad back, access from underneath is fine but I'd have a ramp instead of jack for safety reasons.
SOURCE: Subaru Engine Vibration
I'd suspect a vacuum leak in the inlet manifold, check to see if any vacuum lines might have fallen off. This can cause a lean misfire at idle, but often it's not enough of a leak to make it lean enough to misfire at higher rpm. If a leak is not obvious, check if it is a leak by buying a can of engine start (or even CRC will do) and spray it all around the inlet manifold. If the idle smooths out while you're spraying then then goes rough again, it is a leak. By spraying in specific areas you can narrow down the area of the manifold or gasket that is leaking.
Hope this helps.
SOURCE: Not as easy to change as any of my other cars. Do I have to remove the motor mount?
Not easy without proper plug wrench. If not available then I use a plug socket and 1 " extension. Reach them in first onto the plug, then put ratchet on. When I re install I use a small piece of hose that the plug sets in to start the treads. The hose won't allow you to get enough torque to strip the threads but will start. Good luck and try to have paitience.
SOURCE: after changing the spark plugs on my car the check engine light came on. Why?
.044 should be.
SOURCE: I have a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback AWD. The
when you replaced the plugs , was one of them (cylinder 1 ) dirty and fouled ?
I'm thinking that bad rings in cylinder would give you low compression , and eventualy cause the missfire by fouling up the plug.
There is an inexpensive product that will help with the compression by filling up scratches in the cylinder walls. It is called Restore , and it is one of the only products of its type that I have used , and feel actually works.
Unfortunately , if your rings are broken , or badly worn , nothing in a bottle will fix them.
If your car had a distributor cap and rotor , I would change them too.
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