Spark Plug Removal

#1 02-20-2003, 02:57 PM

How difficult is it to remove the spark plugs from the SVX? My Mechanic says it's an absolute pain. Thanks.

Earthworm · #2 02-20-2003, 03:23 PM

It's not as difficult as it is time consuming.

http://www.ryanmacdonald.com/car/howto/plug/plug.html

Aredubjay · #3 02-20-2003, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by clarkerussell
How difficult is it to remove the spark plugs from the SVX? My Mechanic says it's an absolute pain. Thanks.

He's right. But, it can be done by the average SVXer. Do a search on "Spark Plug Change" and you should run into a couple of "how to's".

WestCoastSVX · #4 02-20-2003, 03:28 PM

The how to on the link Earthworm just provided was invaluable for me changing the plugs on my SVX. It was the first car I'd ever done this to, too!

It can be done, it just takes lots of patience and it is helpful to have an assortment of wrenches, ratchets, and sockets handy to get in the tight spaces.

Aredubjay · #5 02-20-2003, 03:35 PM

Just a note on Ryan's "how to:" I neither jacked up my car nor used the access holes to change my plugs. Perhaps it makes it easier, but, if you take your time you don't need to jack up the car. If you decide to use the access holes, you need to be very careful. The fender is "double walled" and many have lost their stoppers to the access holes in the void between the fender walls. This is not a good thing, since the lack of them will allow water into your engine bay. You'd have to stuff a rag or something in the hole 'til you could get new stoppers.

Aredubjay · #6 02-20-2003, 03:46 PM

Here's my how-to. It's in three different posts on the old Yahoo board. Just click the next post button to get to all three parts.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/archive/ar...?message=33080

WestCoastSVX · #7 02-20-2003, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aredubjay
Just a note on Ryan's "how to:" I neither jacked up my car nor used the access holes to change my plugs. Perhaps it makes it easier, but, if you take your time you don't need to jack up the car. If you decide to use the access holes, you need to be very careful. The fender is "double walled" and many have lost their stoppers to the access holes in the void between the fender walls. This is not a good thing, since the lack of them will allow water into your engine bay. You'd have to stuff a rag or something in the hole 'til you could get new stoppers.

GREAT point, Randy! I hadn't read Ryan's how-to since I did mine over a year ago and had forgotten he mentions the access holes. I also did NOT use these holes (which in turn means you don't have to jack the car up). I just got creative with the hand tools as I mentioned, in my opinion was easier that way anyway.

immortal_suby · #8 02-21-2003, 03:48 PM

Clark, bring it over to my place and I'll show you firsthand how to do them. I'm free this weekend if you already have the parts. My labor rate is 1 beer an hour.

Aredubjay · #9 02-21-2003, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by immortal_suby
My labor rate is 1 beer an hour.

Something tells me this is gonna take a while, and will be followed by a long speech hawking support for the network.

Beav · #10 02-21-2003, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by immortal_suby
My labor rate is 1 beer an hour.

I'm gonna have to sub my work out to you. I can't come close to doing anything that cheap!

Subafreak · #11 02-21-2003, 05:46 PM

I'v looked for these fabled access holes and could not find them anywhere. Are they well hiden are where they an afterthough that wasn't on the early models?

Beav · #12 02-21-2003, 08:42 PM

I really don't understand the big issue here. Once the coils are off it only takes a 3/8" ratchet, a 3" inch extension and a spark plug socket. No jacking up the car, no access plug removal. Stick with the job and no goofing around and you should be done in less than an hour. Mine only took twenty minutes, by hand, no power tools.

kuoh · #13 02-21-2003, 11:20 PM

That's what I keep saying, but some people just keep referring to the DIY procedure that mentions jacking and using the access holes. As long as the engine isn't blazing hot, it's a cinch to change quick.

KuoH

Subafreak · #14 02-22-2003, 12:07 PM

I know there not that hard to change, I'v done it before. I just want to know why I don't have access holes?

Aredubjay · #15 02-22-2003, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Subafreak
I know there not that hard to change, I'v done it before. I just want to know why I don't have access holes?

Because you're probably like me, looking for these "LARGE" , gaping mammoth hole things. the rubber plugs are about the size of a quarter and they're usually covered with muck or gunk from the internal or external surfaces. They're there. You just have to look closely. Look for the closest to the driver's firewall coil, then, run your hand along the fender wall just in front of it. You'll feel the rubber plug.