[2.5x_sleeper]

I have it bookmarked for future reference. I have a set of plugs ready to go, but with only 27K miles on my '03 X, I think I'll wait a bit longer. :smile:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

The spark plug tightening torque for my '03 X is 15.2 ft-lb. The instructions say this is for a new, dry (no lubrication) spark plug. If lubricated, the torque is to be reduced by 1/3, which makes the torque 10.2 ft-lbs.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Here's my source, Subaru Technical Information, which is for '03-'04 N/A engine. :smile:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

BTW, what's wrong with anti-seize???

Absolutely nothing wrong with using anti-seize compound, especially when putting a steel spark plugs into aluminum heads. The anti-seize compound will prevent seizing, which could damage the threads on the softer aluminum heads. This used to be a major problem on older VW bugs. I had to have helicoils installed on the heads after seized spark plugs pulled out the aluminum threads. :frown:

Of course if you use anti-seize compound, you need to reduce the specified torque by 1/3. :smile:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

two quick questions. I have a 98, and have been getting a blinking CEL, and it's been running rough. Pulled the numbers and it says cylinder 3 is misfiring. Swapped out wires already, but that didn't fix it, so now going to try to change the plugs, which I have never done before. So how do I know which one is the third cylinder? And also, if I am using just a regular old socket wrench, how do I know how much torque I've put on the plug?

I see this is your first post, so welcome to the forum! :biggrin:

If not the sparkplug, it may be the coil pack. As to your question on where cylinder #3 is. Take a look here. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

The coil pack is where I'm going to go next if this plug swap doesn't solve the problem. Thanks for the diagram. Just want to know so when I pull them out I take an extra careful look at the plug from cylinder 3.

I've read that you can check the coil pack by misting it when it's dark. If you see arching (sparks), it's bad. :wink:

As to tightening the spark plugs, it's best to use a torque wrench & anti-seize compound to prevent the steel sparkplugs from seizing to the aluminum heads. :smile:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

thanks for all the great info, guess I should go out and by some anti seize before I try this

I get the little squeeze pouch that they sell at the auto parts counter. Keep in mind, a small amount is all you need... a very small amount. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

The factory service manual says to reduce the torque by 1/3 if an anti-seize is used. I posted the pages of the service manual here. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Huh, well I have been antiseizing all my NGK plugs for years...ruh roh. I always drop the torque though.

Hmmm... have you seen any spark plugs that weren't bright coated (plated)?

Looking at the pictures on the NGK tech bulletin, they show pictures of seized plugs, but strangely enough, they look like plugs that have been coated with anti-seize for installation.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

NGK says the Iridium IX, BKR5EIX-11, 5464 is a performance upgrade for our '03 X. We installed it a couple years ago & the engine operation has been perfect, even with the additional stress of a turbo kit. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Oil on the spark plugs usually means the spark plug tube seal(s) have failed. The valve cover gasket kit comes with the spark plug tube seals. Oil on the spark plugs can also give you misfires. :frown:

Not sure about that wire. The only one that comes to mind is the chassis to engine ground wire, which is a single black wire? There's also the wires that connect to the pump on the windshield washer tank?

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

I'm pretty sure your right about the gaskets leaking. The stealership wanted me to bring it in to do the gaskets but I dont have the 2 grand that they wanted to charge so that's going to have to wait.

I'm leaving for a cross country road trip with my girlfriend tomorrow and I would really like to figure out what this mystery wire goes to. The wire seems to go right to the driver side dash. The lights all work, the ground cable is already connected, the windshield wipers and wiper fluid works and the ac and heat work... If anyone can figure this out it's the Subaru geniuses on this forum.

I missed it on your previous picture, but I'm going to say that's not factory wiring. My guess is that it went to that bracket that looks added on, perhaps a hood pin (switch) for your alarm system. Yours looks broken, since they normally look like the one in the picture below.

As to the oil leak. Not a good thing, but if you don't have any misfires, you could put off the repairs for awhile. :icon_eek:
Hmmm... valve cover gaskets don't cost $2K to replace, so are you talking about head gaskets? I'm going to say oil in your spark plug tube is a different issue than leaking head gaskets.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Always happy to help & have a safe road trip!

As to the valve cover gaskets. You don't need to remove the engine to replace them. Take a look at this thread. http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull...eplacement-necessary-parts-96806/#post1053016 :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Most members would recommend staying with what comes on the Forester from the factory, NGK spark plugs. :wink:

Go here to find your NGK spark plug. If you're not sure what to select, go with the OEM part, which is marked.

The spark plug wire set is also there. No need to go fancy on the wires.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

I have an 03 X NA. Engine was rebuilt at 89K so new plugs then. I bought it a few months ago at 144k. Running well but MPGs are about 22 - not good in my book. I would love it at 25mpg and sleep with it a 30mpg!

If you're still running the original front O2 sensor, it might be time for a new one.

The '03 comes stock with Denso O2 sensors. You can go with an aftermarket Denso, but make sure you get the direct fit. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

This thread is for spark plugs, so this discussion is getting off subject. :icon_eek:

Take a look at this thread: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f66/o2-sensor-replaced-pics-inside-24496/#post281318 This is for an '02, but it should get you started. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

The Subaru recommended maintenance schedule for the '09 says to replace every 30K miles, so you got your monies worth out of those spark plugs! :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]