The correct spark plug gap for a 2001 Subaru Forester is 0.039 - 0.043 as stated on page 12-2 (under specifications) in the owner's manual. And thanks for the GREAT video, especially the info about platinum spark plugs!
I love how you knocked people who"upgrade" from factory standard components. Reminds me of people who put 91 octane in their tank when they're supposed to have 87.
Thank you for sharing this Robert. I did not know that about Subaru and platinum plugs. I am changing plugs in my wife's Subaru today because of firing issues and it turns out the ones I removed were platinum.
good video Robert...not only should you replace the valve cover gaskets, you should also replace the plug tube seals inside the valve cover...if the wires have any oil on the outside, it is a good idea to just replace all the wires with the gaskets and save future problems...keep up the good work
Thanks for the suggestions. I tried to tell my brother that the car needed more work but he wants to hold off for now. When he is ready I will do it all.
i did my plugs, wires and valve cover gaskets today....as soon as I pulled out the wire, there was oil covering the plug wire.....I had planned on doing the gaskets anyway but I felt better knowing my skip and flashing check engine light most likely was from bad wires....I have 98K on the Baja....not sure if I will tackle the timing belt even though I am a mechanic....I know I can do it but being only my second one, it scares me...its not like doing a brake job or kingpin job....THIS is your ENGINE and timing and running.....anyway, it took me 3 hours to do it slowly and thoroughly and the car fired right up and sounded great....another tip I learned the hard way but not real hard was to tape the socket to the extension so it doesn't get stuck in the tube...DO IT....thanks for posting your video
Your video was very informative. Here the Subaru dealer charges $104.00 per hour. It would be nice to know how much time it takes to do complete a take like this one!
Robert, this is an excellent video ... thank you for sharing! I feel very confident being able to change my plugs on my 2001 2.5L Subaru Outback after watching this video.
That's what someone who owned it before you put in it. The manufacturer recommends copper plugs. There's no way the car came with that type of plug from the manufacturer.
Hey Robert, nice video, just wanted to say thanks, you helped me save some time. Mine is a 2004 EJ251 and has a similar setup. You are kind to construct and post a quality video.
Good info, I have Bosh Double Iridium plugs for my 2001. Wondering if I should rethink it. I installed them in my 2002 Sequoia and it runs pretty good.
Thanks!! Changing plugs and wires today to hopefully fix a chugging issue, although no code has appeared, barely limped the vehicle home. At least I'll have new plugs and wires!
Thank You 😊 Robert DIY. My wife's 2003 Subaru Outback with 143K miles would run rough and the Check engine light flashed when it was raining out. I saw a spark jumping from the coil pack to the engine block at #4 coil. I replaced the coil pack but the issue persisted. So following your video I replaced the plugs & wires with NGK OEM Replacement parts. Car 🚗 runs strong 💪 now. Hoping to see better mileage now. Only ever got about 20 mpg. Only problem I had was during install I dropped a plug. Despite 2 of us look 👀ing extensively we could not find it. So I finally had to run out and buy a 5 plug. I didn't have a torque wrench so I used the guide of finger tighten then 1/2 turn with the wrench. I need to buy a torque wrench for future work. Your video was very helpful in its suggestion to remove the Airbox and Washer Tank to get to the plugs. Otherwise it looked impossible.
Thanks for posting Rob. How did you start the new plugs in the spark plug well, without cross threading? Did you just use the extension with your fingers?
these rarely ever go bad on these cars. Mine have 160k miles on em, and still work fine. I don't see any shaking or rattling. How would I know that they are bad?
I'm currently redoing a lot of the stuff in my '00 Subaru OBW and can definitely say, I'd rather spend $8 on 4 plugs and replace them a few times than buy plugs that are $8+ a piece(if they are meant for your car, they come pre-spaced). I also permanently took out the air intake and made my own with one of the left over tubes and a duct pipe elbow(also had to install an air scoop on the hood after putting a hole in the hood) and it definitely runs better since the OEM air intake is worse than taking the whole thing out and not even putting another one in. Also freed up a crap load of room around my engine for things like spark plugs and the head gasket I need to work on.
on a tune up, should i change out the spark plug wires in my 1998 subaru? I didnt have to in my 2002 honda because i didnt have to.. should i do this on the subaru
The reason for the platinum plugs to be used is the fact the platinum or iridium is a much harder metal than the old copper. The voltage is simply a function of the spark plug gap. As long as you buy the correct heat range you are fine. Subaru uses iridium. If you buy genuine Subaru ones they are pre-gapped.
I believe you are correct. I purchased those plugs at the dealer. Today I decided to check on replacing the plugs on that Jag and read some information a guy wrote about replacing plugs on his Jag. He decided to install normal copper type plugs. A few of the guys were rambling on about the difference of the plug types. I got a few things out of it: 1. The higher dollar, more expensive plugs run better in non-turbo/non-super charged cars. 2. Plugs have a temperature rating that has a good fire range. A plug with the wrong temp range can cause knock (pre-detonation). 3. Running the plugs that has the wrong temperature rating may ignite better at a different temp which may cost you a little in fuel consumption. 4. Your car may run better with copper tip plugs, but they will not last as long as platinum or iridium plugs. So, some car manufactures recommend high dollar plugs just so they last 100,000 miles, even if they cost you a little in performance and fuel economy.
You should have removed that leaf from under the lines at 6:55.... That would have given you an extra 75 horsepower and just think of the weight reduction! haha
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey John, for some reason it was not possible to reply to your message. Yes I start the plugs by hand and did NOT cross thread them.
Wow that engine bay is amazingly clean, I'm jealous
+david84ss desert and no oil leaks.
The correct spark plug gap for a 2001 Subaru Forester is 0.039 - 0.043 as stated on page 12-2 (under specifications) in the owner's manual.
And thanks for the GREAT video, especially the info about platinum spark plugs!
Thanks to my middle son we changed these plugs within the time frame you said :)
Your simple. Straight n to the point!
Thx.
You are welcome
You are welcome. Thanks for watching.
I love how you knocked people who"upgrade" from factory standard components. Reminds me of people who put 91 octane in their tank when they're supposed to have 87.
You're welcome.
Great job, Robert! Watched your video so I knew if I needed to buy any tools or parts before I put the plugs in! Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for sharing this Robert. I did not know that about Subaru and platinum plugs. I am changing plugs in my wife's Subaru today because of firing issues and it turns out the ones I removed were platinum.
slade88green Hope it goes well.
good video Robert...not only should you replace the valve cover gaskets, you should also replace the plug tube seals inside the valve cover...if the wires have any oil on the outside, it is a good idea to just replace all the wires with the gaskets and save future problems...keep up the good work
Thanks for the suggestions. I tried to tell my brother that the car needed more work but he wants to hold off for now. When he is ready I will do it all.
i did my plugs, wires and valve cover gaskets today....as soon as I pulled out the wire, there was oil covering the plug wire.....I had planned on doing the gaskets anyway but I felt better knowing my skip and flashing check engine light most likely was from bad wires....I have 98K on the Baja....not sure if I will tackle the timing belt even though I am a mechanic....I know I can do it but being only my second one, it scares me...its not like doing a brake job or kingpin job....THIS is your ENGINE and timing and running.....anyway, it took me 3 hours to do it slowly and thoroughly and the car fired right up and sounded great....another tip I learned the hard way but not real hard was to tape the socket to the extension so it doesn't get stuck in the tube...DO IT....thanks for posting your video
Good to read. I think you should do the timing belt. If you get stuck, just have it towed to a mechanic.
You are fantastic! Learned a lot of tips and tricks from you to work on my Subaru. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.
+Metalmaester thank you for watching.
Thanks man! I had no idea about copper vs Platinum designed ignition systems!
Thanks for watching.
Your video was very informative. Here the Subaru dealer charges $104.00 per hour. It would be nice to know how much time it takes to do complete a take like this one!
Robert, this is an excellent video ... thank you for sharing! I feel very confident being able to change my plugs on my 2001 2.5L Subaru Outback after watching this video.
***** Good deal. Thanks for watching.
easy to understand, comprehensive and clear.
Thankyou for a great how-to !
+nvmyutube thanks for watching.
My 01 Legacy came with NGK Iridium IX plugs, and that's what I replaced mine with.
Ok
That's what someone who owned it before you put in it. The manufacturer recommends copper plugs. There's no way the car came with that type of plug from the manufacturer.
Hey Robert, nice video, just wanted to say thanks, you helped me save some time. Mine is a 2004 EJ251 and has a similar setup. You are kind to construct and post a quality video.
Thanks for watching.
Good info, I have Bosh Double Iridium plugs for my 2001. Wondering if I should rethink it. I installed them in my 2002 Sequoia and it runs pretty good.
Won't hurt to try them.
Thanks!! Changing plugs and wires today to hopefully fix a chugging issue, although no code has appeared, barely limped the vehicle home. At least I'll have new plugs and wires!
Thanks for watching.
I have almost the identical problem. I have the new NGK wires on order will let you know. Very annoying, no error codes!
Thank You 😊 Robert DIY. My wife's 2003 Subaru Outback with 143K miles would run rough and the Check engine light flashed when it was raining out.
I saw a spark jumping from the coil pack to the engine block at #4 coil. I replaced the coil pack but the issue persisted. So following your video I replaced the plugs & wires with NGK OEM Replacement parts. Car 🚗 runs strong 💪 now. Hoping to see better mileage now. Only ever got about 20 mpg. Only problem I had was during install I dropped a plug. Despite 2 of us look 👀ing extensively we could not find it. So I finally had to run out and buy a 5 plug. I didn't have a torque wrench so I used the guide of finger tighten then 1/2 turn with the wrench.
I need to buy a torque wrench for future work. Your video was very helpful in its suggestion to remove the Airbox and Washer Tank to get to the plugs. Otherwise it looked impossible.
+Dave Cruikshank glad you were able to get them changed.
Nice work.
Just picked up a 2015 outback sport.
Seems pretty easy to service.
Keep the good vids rollin👍
Nice. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for posting Rob. How did you start the new plugs in the spark plug well, without cross threading? Did you just use the extension with your fingers?
I would just put the plug in a plug socket connected to an extension and hand thread it ... MAKE SURE IT THREADS SMOOTHLY WITH NO RESISTANCE.
Thank you for sharing. The video is really well organized. going to take your video as guide video in my garage during the operation
Huide Yin Thank you for watching.
Wow, great quality tutorial! I'm bookmarking it.
Thanks for watching.
Did this fix the midfire cylinder 1? im getting the same code
these rarely ever go bad on these cars. Mine have 160k miles on em, and still work fine. I don't see any shaking or rattling. How would I know that they are bad?
+Y10Q by installing new ones.
Those valve cover gaskets always end up leaking on those Subarus. Good idea to replace them if you notice oil on the spark plugs
Yes, not sure how much of a pain in the butt it will be yet, but maybe they will want it done soon.
It's not too bad. Btw on the drivers side it's usually easier to remove the battery in lieu of the washer fluid reservoir tank
To get the sparks plugs out?
Yeah I've seen people do it that way with success
Thanks for the info.
Thank you. You answered all my questions on this.
Bob Lau Good deal.
I'm currently redoing a lot of the stuff in my '00 Subaru OBW and can definitely say, I'd rather spend $8 on 4 plugs and replace them a few times than buy plugs that are $8+ a piece(if they are meant for your car, they come pre-spaced). I also permanently took out the air intake and made my own with one of the left over tubes and a duct pipe elbow(also had to install an air scoop on the hood after putting a hole in the hood) and it definitely runs better since the OEM air intake is worse than taking the whole thing out and not even putting another one in. Also freed up a crap load of room around my engine for things like spark plugs and the head gasket I need to work on.
How many miles do you have on it?
210,000
Nice, keep it rolling.
Thanks!
Thank you for this informative video. Just about ready to do a tuneup on my wife's 2003 Outback.
Dave Cruikshank Good deal. Hope all goes well.
thank you! totally saved my mom and i from taking it in to get it done!
+Ashley Albright Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.
on a tune up, should i change out the spark plug wires in my 1998 subaru? I didnt have to in my 2002 honda because i didnt have to.. should i do this on the subaru
I usually replace wires with OEM brand every 100,000 miles.
"Suede leather" 😆
lamunecadog Thanks for watching.
Very informative video and easy to follow. Thanks Robert!
Thank you. Very nice job on instructions. Once again thanks.
+Bill Welder you are welcome.
Thanks for the help Robert! very informative.
Timothy Grow Thanks for watching.
Very well presented and informative.
Thanks for watching.
Dry well spoken ,, thanks John
Thanks for watching
Well done video. Thanks Robert.
You are welcome Robert.
So much on how to change the spark plugs!
Thanks for watching.
Thank you, well done job.
Thanks for your video!
Alan McRae Thank you for watching.
NGK BPR6E-11 spark plug gap is .044" gap ... anyone disagree?
Thanks for sharing
plug gap is .041"-.044"
Thanks.
I updated my comments.
Thank you!
You are welcome.
The reason for the platinum plugs to be used is the fact the platinum or iridium is a much harder metal than the old copper. The voltage is simply a function of the spark plug gap. As long as you buy the correct heat range you are fine. Subaru uses iridium. If you buy genuine Subaru ones they are pre-gapped.
Goodman diad Thanks for the info.
4:00, thank me later. All you'll miss is him saying to use the style of plugs that it came with.
Hey, I have a shirt with your name on it. 😳
I believe these Subarus are designed to take NKG spark plugs.
I believe you are correct. I purchased those plugs at the dealer.
Today I decided to check on replacing the plugs on that Jag and read some information a guy wrote about replacing plugs on his Jag. He decided to install normal copper type plugs. A few of the guys were rambling on about the difference of the plug types. I got a few things out of it:
1. The higher dollar, more expensive plugs run better in non-turbo/non-super charged cars.
2. Plugs have a temperature rating that has a good fire range. A plug with the wrong temp range can cause knock (pre-detonation).
3. Running the plugs that has the wrong temperature rating may ignite better at a different temp which may cost you a little in fuel consumption.
4. Your car may run better with copper tip plugs, but they will not last as long as platinum or iridium plugs.
So, some car manufactures recommend high dollar plugs just so they last 100,000 miles, even if they cost you a little in performance and fuel economy.
good luck on that jaguar, those things are a pain to fix
I have 4 things left to fix so far.
1. ABS
2. Cam cover gaskets.
3. Serpentine belt.
4. Roof liner (may not do).
You should have removed that leaf from under the lines at 6:55.... That would have given you an extra 75 horsepower and just think of the weight reduction! haha
+Dennis Leslie LOL, some critter may have been living under that thing.
coppers don't last as long thats all, still long enough.
Jared Tate Thanks for watching and sharing.
thanks
You are welcome.
Remove them from underneath the vehicle much easier
ok
Ok,so this claims the subaru outback has engineered their engines to use a copper top plug...well, "NOT TRUE!"......IT ISNT TRUE INFORMATION!.. 😢😢
Ok, that's for sharing the correct info. 🤷🏾♂️
You are welcome. Thanks for watching.