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spark plug replacement procedure? (was: NEED help quick!)

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Old 01-23-2008, 02:43 PM
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spark plug replacement procedure? (was: NEED help quick!)

im having trouble removing the coil packs on my car.
i removed the 12mm bolt that holds it on and the wiring harness
i read on the write up on club wrx to just pull gently and itll come off.

im afraid to pull hard but the damn thing won't come off

any thoughts?


-Theo
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Old 01-23-2008, 03:50 PM
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Wiggle and shimmy and dont give up.
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Old 01-23-2008, 03:55 PM
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alright,
so i got the coil packs out
and both of the front facing spark plugs changed.
the spark plugs in the back are a PITA!!!!!
any tips on how to get these out?

-Theo
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Old 01-23-2008, 04:02 PM
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there is no real easy way. you need a plug wrench an elbow and patience. You can only get about a quater turn at a time. Realize that it just takes time. It gets easier the more you do it.
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Old 01-23-2008, 05:40 PM
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ok i got it done

i found that it's easier to use a non-swiveling spark plug socket and the 3" extension. that leave just enough room for you to get the ratchet on straight.
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Old 01-23-2008, 08:26 PM
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If you have a Harbor Freight near you, go and pick up an Extended Wrench 5/8" Spark Plug Socket



Here is the link in case the picture doesn't save properly: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91705

This made the Spark plug change very easy - no need to deal with extension sockets and flex-head ratchets. Get this socket and it will make your job much easier.

Last edited by unstble; 01-23-2008 at 08:29 PM.
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Old 01-23-2008, 08:37 PM
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^ That socket looks way to big to try and take out plugs with. What car do you have??
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Old 01-23-2008, 09:13 PM
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'05 WRX - It fits perfectly....Perfect size to get into the socket well and grab the spark plug.

The socket sticks out of the well enough to fit on the ratchet with no problem.

You have to go out and get one of these to try


The strange thing is the reason for buying the tool. It was because I thought this weird engine noise my car has been making might have been caused from a loose spark plug, so I went out and bought new Iridium plugs and then went to Harbor Freight (to pick up a cheap tool) and just happened to see this on the rack.

I am going to go back and buy another one....just in case this one gets lost or borrowed - permanently by a friend, by "mistake"

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Old 01-23-2008, 09:21 PM
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Wow, I may have to hit up my HF for that tool then. I have the extension/swivel thing that took forever changing to Iridium colder plugs.
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Old 01-23-2008, 09:26 PM
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glad u got them out
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Old 01-23-2008, 10:36 PM
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yeah,
i definently didn't like using the swivel and extension i had no feel.

the non swiveling spark plug socket and the 3" short extension worked good for me today.

i am guna pick that tool up one of these days though lol

i love my subie but damn changing the spark plugs are a beootcchh
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Old 01-24-2008, 12:54 AM
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just a note. I think who ever is doing spark plugs on a wrx should get the 3inch extension that locks onto the spark plug socket. that way you dot get the socket stuck on the spark plug. also having a flex head ratchet work wonders also.

here is what I have
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/pc-1...n-bar-set.aspx
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Old 01-24-2008, 04:05 AM
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Originally Posted by theo79
alright,
so i got the coil packs out
and both of the front facing spark plugs changed.
the spark plugs in the back are a PITA!!!!!
any tips on how to get these out?

-Theo
I posted this spark plug replacement procedure a while back. This was the first time changing plugs for me and it was relatively straightforward.

I re-titled your thread and moved it to the Maintenance sub-forum so that other members might find it helpful in the future.
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Old 01-24-2008, 08:23 AM
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With the extended wrench socket you will not need two separate tools - 3inch extension and a spark plug socket.

After getting the window washer resevoir off and the air intake parts out of the way, the actual spark plug changing took ~20 minutes (5 min. per Plug/Coil)
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Old 01-24-2008, 06:06 PM
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oh yeah about the extension falling off thing,

i got the one that locks and then used duct tape to make sure it wouldn't come off inside of there lol
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