DOHC in a 99' leg outback

[prodriver1]

anyone have a DOHC 2.5 in a legacy outback? its a 99' limited and I want to know if there is some way to get the spark plugs out without pulling the engine. I've had outbacks with the stock engine (SOHC 2.5) and could get to the plugs the regular way (socket then extension then ratchet) but this looks really tight (thats what she said) so any advice is appreciated.

[anothernord]

You can get to them on the DOHC. It's not really very hard if you have the right extensions. Take out the battery and washer fluid tank before doing the driver's side though.

[Huffer]

Get the "extra long" spark plug socket from Harbor Freight tools. Job done.

http://www.harborfreight.com/extended-r ... 91705.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/extended-reach-spark-plug-socket-91705.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/12/image_2394-1.jpg

[grayguy]

It's not bad, take out the washer bottle, battery, and air box and you can do it.

[prodriver1]

Get the "extra long" spark plug socket from Harbor Freight tools. Job done.
word. this sounds the best.

[Zedhead]

Remove the 2 motor mount nuts, and jax the engine about 4"

It gives enough clearance to the frame rails to actually work in there.

Also helps to remove the airbox/MAF

[Huffer]

WTH? Jack the engine just to replace sparkplugs?

[phi11]

^it helps, but isn't necessary.

[prodriver1]

It just looks much tighter than any of my other subarus, but I'll give it a go. thanks everyone for your input. :smt023

[lord flashheart]

It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Everyone said I had to rock the motor of my outback. Just remove airbus and battery and had em changed in like 40 minutes.

[1996Battlewagon]

Wait, what? Didn't all 99s have the Phase I? The only SOHC outback was the 96 with the 2.2... am I missing something?

Edit: Are you in the States?

[prodriver1]

Wait, what? Didn't all 99s have the Phase I? The only SOHC outback was the 96 with the 2.2... am I missing something?

Edit: Are you in the States?
2.5 SOHC from 97' on I thought

[1996Battlewagon]

No sir. The SOHC 2.5 (Phase II) didn't exist in the states until 2000.

[prodriver1]

No sir. The SOHC 2.5 (Phase II) didn't exist in the states until 2000.
hmmm... well I'm in the U.S. and I have a SOHC 2.5 rocket in my 98' Legacy GT and its the original engine. I also had 2 outback's 97' and 98' and they also had SOHC 2.5.

[StatGSR]

^ yea no... 2nd gens didn't come with SOHC 2.5s....

[phi11]

^ yea no... 2nd gens didn't come with SOHC 2.5s....
^this!

[1996Battlewagon]

Check the plaque on the driver side strut tower. That will show you the engine code for the ORIGINAL engine that came with the car when it rolled off the assembly line.

[Reason]

How about take a pic of the engine. If this was never swapped it isn't a SOHC 2.5. If it were you wouldn't have made this thread about changing the spark plugs. The SOHC 2.5 are up and on an angle vs the DOHC that is deep in the head and parallel with the pistons.

Anyway I would use a deep socket and a extension. Loosen the spark plug then use 2 or 3 feet of fuel hose. Push it over the plug, it should turn out easy and you can remove far easier. Also use this method to rethread it back in. Attach the hose stick it in (that's what she said) thread it till its snug. Its almost impossible to cross thread this way. And if I remember correctly I don't remember pulling anything out to do the plugs. MAYBE the washer bottle but Its been awhile.

[Reason]

No sir. The SOHC 2.5 (Phase II) didn't exist in the states until 2000.
98-01 Impreza?

[Huffer]

Added link and pic to the extended sparkplug socket. The rubber hose trick or magnetized tool is a good idea too on the DOHC. Not much room, especially if you have bigger hands.

[prodriver1]

How about take a pic of the engine. If this was never swapped it isn't a SOHC 2.5. If it were you wouldn't have made this thread about changing the spark plugs. The SOHC 2.5 are up and on an angle vs the DOHC that is deep in the head and parallel with the pistons.

Anyway I would use a deep socket and a extension. Loosen the spark plug then use 2 or 3 feet of fuel hose. Push it over the plug, it should turn out easy and you can remove far easier. Also use this method to rethread it back in. Attach the hose stick it in (that's what she said) thread it till its snug. Its almost impossible to cross thread this way. And if I remember correctly I don't remember pulling anything out to do the plugs. MAYBE the washer bottle but Its been awhile.
:oops:

[prodriver1]

Added link and pic to the extended sparkplug socket. The rubber hose trick or magnetized tool is a good idea too on the DOHC. Not much room, especially if you have bigger hands.
I have done this b4 with my giant hands but for some reason it seems like there is less space this time :smt017 . the engine that is in it is not the stock one but it IS DOHC.

[ouch1011]

I've worked on several different DOHC Legacies, including 4th gens. All that is necessary is to pull the airbox and the washer bottle. Other than that, it takes the right combo of extensions. The long spark plug socket keeps you from having to use 1 extra extension.