I don’t know if anyone else commented, but a chunk of 3/8 fuel line works great for getting the new plugs in without worrying about cross threading. Just stick the plug in one end and you have a variable joint. Always start by turning anti-clockwise until the threads engage and then start clockwise. Thanks for the video, I’ve been dreading this tune-up.
Good video. Did mine in an hour. Absolute help is a magnetic 14mm spark plug socket purchased at OReilly. Paid $8 and worth $80!!!! Used that, a 2” extension, and a 3/8 Drive. On back plugs, also used a universal to get final threads and old plugs out and to get the new plugs started. Never needed the 1/2 to 3/8 adapter as old plugs not that tight. Back plugs also had to use large screwdriver to push 2” off of socket and then used magnetic pick up to pull socket out after plugs tightened. Easier than my Tacoma! 2016 Crosstrek.
Great video. Thanks. When reinstalling the plugs, cut a stiff rubber hose to the correct length, push the hose over the end of the plug, and insert and screw the plug in as far as possible. This will insure that you do not cross thread the plug. You know by feel that you have screwed the plug in a few threads and then just pull the hose off. Then tighten with a ratchet. Recommend that you torque if possible.
You know things are getting serious when the Mechanic starts cursing the engineers lol!. Thanks for the video brother! I have the same car. Hopefully I won't have to spill as much blood as you did.
Good video! One suggestion just lather the tip of the plug threads with anti-seize lube. As you screw it into the hole it'll spread up through all the threads it comes in contact with.
Thanks, guy! Just bought a used XV and felt misfires and got a misfire code so I just watched your vid before going to work on mine. Parts guy sold me those same plugs and said they were OEM, but I thought NGK was OEM on the Japanese cars. Anyhoo. One visit to harbor freight and in I go!
Finished up, and it was a success. Didn’t lose as much blood as you did, thankfully. CEL is off and engine is running smooth as silk. Used a little cheater bar to break the 10mm bolts loose. Magnet grabber was a must. Oh, but I lost a 3/8 extension in the process! Must be lodged between engine and a shield. Again, thanks for showing us the way!
I happen to find a nest right on top of engine block. It's Sept and squirrels must be prepping for the winter. The 4th cylinder (back driver side) spark plug was difficult to access it.
Those Autolites look good. We used the blued #63 on Dodge Mitsubishi Colts decades ago with better results than NGK. Had problems with NGK over the years, especially the AMerican V groove which ran hotter than their HR number. NGK Ir tip are now a better constructed plug all around and usually 100K service life. It is unknown why Subaru is pulling them at 60K other than inspection, and new plugs must go back in after all that work; it may be that SoA is just throwing the dealers a big service bone! Cheers! Sandy
Try doing a 1997 Toyota Camry v6. The rear 3 plugs are extremely difficult to do without pulling the intake. Took me a couple of hours and luckily I read on forums that you don't HAVE to remove the intake otherwise I probably would've. Lastly, if your vehicle states "use platinum DUAL electrode spark plugs" heed the warning. I used high end NGK Iradium's, but were single point. Car would not start. Had to replace um, spending $80.00 on NGK Laser Platinum Dual electrode plugs. Started immediately.
thanks for the video! i'm about half way to needing to do the plugs on my '16 crosstrek and I have been looking all over for a video. The earlier crosstreks (pre-2015) had issues with burning oil due to defective rings. I think maybe that contributed to the heavy buildup and wear on your plugs. boxer motors are also notorious for carbon buildup, which explains why they want you to do them so often. did the plugs you bought come pre-gapped or did you have to set the gap yourself?
Despite other comments, you don't have to use anti seize on spark plug threads, and the companies that manufacture spark plugs recommend against it. The threads on modern spark plugs are plated with a metal that resists corrosion and seizing. This practice of using anti seize is a holdover from the old days before modern manufacturing techniques were in place. That being said, it will probably not hurt to use just a little dab near the end and allow it to spread as you screw the plug in. Just be sure not to get any on the electrodes and adjust your torque setting down a bit when you tighten the plugs.
Good video. I'm just hit 55k and not looking forward to this job. I'm thinking of unbolting the 2 engine mounts and pitch mount and jack the engine up a couple inches.
very good video. can you make a video on how to clean/replace idle control valve. my rpm goes down when im on stop light with AC turned on, and it feels like the engine is gonna turn off. thank you so much!
My 2014 Crosstrek has 88k miles and my plugs are like new still. Left them in, but did replace serpentine belt (though it still looked great). Thanks for this video.
@@stuntcardriver Must be Subaru Corporate throwing the servicing dealers a bone. Or to keep the plugs from seizing on cars that go less than 10K a year. My wife goes about 25K miles a year and I dont plan on changing the plugs until i get a misfire MIL.
Normal cheap plug.... Those are the ngk laser iridiums. Oem, and best ones you can put in this vehicle. Autolites are terrible. The one you pulled out is just used
Stuncardriver - How did the autolite plugs end up working out over the long run? I am about to do the plugs on my wife's crosstrek and I might just go with the autolites. Is your gas mileage long term average just as good as before with the NGK? Thanks a lot, great video.
If you have a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, you cannot use cheap spark plugs for that engine. Hybrid engine setups tend to use higher compression and runs on a very lean air fuel ratio for maximum fuel efficiency which is more difficult to ignite under it's circumstances. For example, in a lean mixture there are less fuel molecules (major point said). the spark needs to ignite more molecules to start the chain reaction of combustion so there are fewer molecules for the spark 2 physically touch, or ignite. So now if you have a weaker spark plug with a less concentrated Spark (usually less powerful), it will be more difficult 2 heat up the air around the electric Spark into plasma which covers a greater area and ignite those molecules. In conclusion a stronger concentrated Spark heats more air and creates more and plasma over a given area area which is stronger and in turn ignites those air fuel molecules at a more rapid rate ensuring an efficient ignition. so you must get the best NGK spark plugs that are about $13.99 at AutoZone or the Denso which are about 18.99 dollars. Any other cheaper spark plug will extremely diminish the efficiency of the engine possibly even causing misfire and definitely affecting your MPG. At the end of the day, hybrid or not, better plugs will help. Now its still best to get spark plugs that are manufacturer recommended. Unless you are doing some custom modifications that alter the air/fuel ratio and maybe compression too, and assign spark plugs to compensate for those changes along with the heat that is produced as well.
Fine wire iridium are spec'd to reduce misfire counts with the small coil packs used on many dohc engine. I would not as you suggested, used a non fine wire "Standard" inconel plug with a modern engine with COP. The Iridium have been a godsend to reduce misfire.
Due to the lack of money you wanted to spend on the spark plugs. I’m assuming you pump the cheapest fuel in your area that would explain the carbon on the spark plugs you took out
Heh heh heh.. he called the ngk plugs junk and then opted for autolite plugs.. then he slathers anti-seize all over the threads when all you need is the last outer threads coated.. also those nkg plugs you pulled didn't look all that bad.. heh heh heh
Agree on the NGK. But no anti-seize, as per NGK or Denso websites. The plugs are already coated with a special coating or material to prevent seizing and anti-seize acts like a lubricant and you can easily over torque the plugs by up to 20%.
Really? Autolites? If you're really that cash strapped I understand, but if not, buy the damn OEM plugs for the car. You only change them every 3 to 5 years. Is it really worth it to save $30 or $40 for something changed so rarely? The car is almost entirely engineered around that plug.
I change the plugs on my 2003 subaru impreza using high performance plugs years ago. My engine started misfiring and the dealership told me its not worth it to buy the more expensive plugs because they often provide too much resistance somehow resulting imperfect burning of the gas. Just what I was told anyhow.
There is no difference in performace between generic copper spark plugs and iridium besides longevity. All that spark plugs are is a conductor, and copper is a damn good one. However, in a vehicle with spark plugs that are difficult to change, definitely use iridium so you don't have to do them often, but in others that are super easy, just use copper and change them every 30k.
Autolites are the best plug for many applications over OEM- I use ONLY Autolites on my BMW motorcycles as well as my Subie- For whatever reason, my engine(s) run smoother over NGK or Bosch plugs.
@@stuntcardriver no. I'm also not able to find 14mm 6pt spark plug sockets I used 9/16 , them a 12pt. I gave up for today. I'm going to order a spark tool from Amazon and hope they send me the right size. Any recommendations for a specific tool to make it easier?
these are 1 step beyond double platinum..laser iridium..ive used many autolites over the years with no troubles..rock auto sells ngks for 10 bucks..loved the vid..think i heard the ef word one time..gonna attempt tjis job soon ..gonna start on pass. side for practice..TX.
NO. the NGK are advanced Ruthenium-iridium fingernail tip for low misfire count at start up and off lambda miixtures - hence the big price. Not carbon. A proper tuned and running engine should have little to no carbon buildup and NONE on the plugs.
Sandy Shoremann YES, Iridium IS Platinum, comes from the same elements..!!!!! And every perfectly tuned (although only via computer) engine has carbon build up, on valves, residue on plugs, intake manifolds, EGRs,etc etc and at I’d ke it’s supposed to run at 14.7:1 at idle 600-1000rpm, so when you’re doing tests gasoline engines at 2k-2500rpm on a modern era car should run CO: 0-5 HC: 4-12 lambda/02: 0.009 - 1.004 on your standard gas analyser reading...! HCs are Oil based so how can you not have no carbon residue...? It’s burn rate of higher temps reduce build on plugs but pre-injection of air and fuel leaves intakes with oil films or excess residue. Secondly, Toyota were one of the first to use platinum plugs in the 1990 Previa’s, followed quickly by Cadillacs North Star V8 that promoted the 100k mile plug service life (although you’re lucky to get 20-25k) from them as BERU, BOSCH, NGK ND we’re all making them in the late 80s but fitting to standard production vehicles weren’t as common. I don’t want to teach you how to suck eggs, but hey... Easter is just around the corner my friend.
@@Incountry Iridium is Platinum. Mendeleev needs to know this NOW :) Ir & Pt have differing properties and differing Atomic numbers. Yes, they may be noble metals of the Pt group - if that is what you were getting at. Plugs? The correct heat range selection should burn off any carbon on the insulator and electrode. But back to the video, that little tang hanging off the GROUND wire is a Ruthenium point, not a piece of glassified earth metal formed of oil residue. Now, I don't like hard boiled eggs! And I Enjoy Spring, but I celebrate Easter separate from the old Eostre and her hares and hen eggs. But thanks for the offer of Brunch, Cheers! -Sandy
Rodents will chew up your wires, manufacturers have been using soy based looms, at least this is what the lawsuits state. I want Subarus AWD mated to a 6 speed but do NOT want a boxer. Subaru, move to turbocharged inline 4s already!!!!
I want, I want ! Silly boy, then buy a different brand car. I would guess Subaru is staying with the boxer. I tend to agree that the 2 liter is lacking some top end juice on the FB version compared to the EJ with Subaru's version of VTEC called ALVS. The North -South arrangement is the good and proper drivetrain layout. My Subaru Justy back in the 90's had a transverse inline 3 and that was good engine for a 6K dollar 1700lb car NEW.
I don’t know if anyone else commented, but a chunk of 3/8 fuel line works great for getting the new plugs in without worrying about cross threading. Just stick the plug in one end and you have a variable joint. Always start by turning anti-clockwise until the threads engage and then start clockwise. Thanks for the video, I’ve been dreading this tune-up.
Thanks for the video.... We have a 2013 and this helped a lot.
Good video. Did mine in an hour. Absolute help is a magnetic 14mm spark plug socket purchased at OReilly. Paid $8 and worth $80!!!! Used that, a 2” extension, and a 3/8 Drive. On back plugs, also used a universal to get final threads and old plugs out and to get the new plugs started. Never needed the 1/2 to 3/8 adapter as old plugs not that tight. Back plugs also had to use large screwdriver to push 2” off of socket and then used magnetic pick up to pull socket out after plugs tightened. Easier than my Tacoma! 2016 Crosstrek.
Great video. Thanks. When reinstalling the plugs, cut a stiff rubber hose to the correct length, push the hose over the end of the plug, and insert and screw the plug in as far as possible. This will insure that you do not cross thread the plug. You know by feel that you have screwed the plug in a few threads and then just pull the hose off. Then tighten with a ratchet. Recommend that you torque if possible.
thanks for the vid- from TX
You know things are getting serious when the Mechanic starts cursing the engineers lol!. Thanks for the video brother! I have the same car. Hopefully I won't have to spill as much blood as you did.
Good video! One suggestion just lather the tip of the plug threads with anti-seize lube. As you screw it into the hole it'll spread up through all the threads it comes in contact with.
Thanks, guy! Just bought a used XV and felt misfires and got a misfire code so I just watched your vid before going to work on mine. Parts guy sold me those same plugs and said they were OEM, but I thought NGK was OEM on the Japanese cars. Anyhoo. One visit to harbor freight and in I go!
Finished up, and it was a success. Didn’t lose as much blood as you did, thankfully. CEL is off and engine is running smooth as silk. Used a little cheater bar to break the 10mm bolts loose. Magnet grabber was a must. Oh, but I lost a 3/8 extension in the process! Must be lodged between engine and a shield. Again, thanks for showing us the way!
Always put antiseize on the threads to help when you change them next time too
I happen to find a nest right on top of engine block. It's Sept and squirrels must be prepping for the winter. The 4th cylinder (back driver side) spark plug was difficult to access it.
super video
Those Autolites look good. We used the blued #63 on Dodge Mitsubishi Colts decades ago with better results than NGK. Had problems with NGK over the years, especially the AMerican V groove which ran hotter than their HR number. NGK Ir tip are now a better constructed plug all around and usually 100K service life. It is unknown why Subaru is pulling them at 60K other than inspection, and new plugs must go back in after all that work; it may be that SoA is just throwing the dealers a big service bone! Cheers! Sandy
It looks like you done it first time.
Right torque for spark plugs is important
Try doing a 1997 Toyota Camry v6. The rear 3 plugs are extremely difficult to do without pulling the intake. Took me a couple of hours and luckily I read on forums that you don't HAVE to remove the intake otherwise I probably would've.
Lastly, if your vehicle states "use platinum DUAL electrode spark plugs" heed the warning. I used high end NGK Iradium's, but were single point. Car would not start. Had to replace um, spending $80.00 on NGK Laser Platinum Dual electrode plugs. Started immediately.
thanks for the video! i'm about half way to needing to do the plugs on my '16 crosstrek and I have been looking all over for a video.
The earlier crosstreks (pre-2015) had issues with burning oil due to defective rings. I think maybe that contributed to the heavy buildup and wear on your plugs. boxer motors are also notorious for carbon buildup, which explains why they want you to do them so often.
did the plugs you bought come pre-gapped or did you have to set the gap yourself?
They were pre-gapped but I double checked before I put them in.
Despite other comments, you don't have to use anti seize on spark plug threads, and the companies that manufacture spark plugs recommend against it. The threads on modern spark plugs are plated with a metal that resists corrosion and seizing. This practice of using anti seize is a holdover from the old days before modern manufacturing techniques were in place. That being said, it will probably not hurt to use just a little dab near the end and allow it to spread as you screw the plug in. Just be sure not to get any on the electrodes and adjust your torque setting down a bit when you tighten the plugs.
You are absolutely correct.
What a pain in the arse... makes you wish you had an inline-4 cylinder engine again...
Always check tubes for oil leaking down into them it is common issue in subarus
Good video. I'm just hit 55k and not looking forward to this job. I'm thinking of unbolting the 2 engine mounts and pitch mount and jack the engine up a couple inches.
It's not too bad, could be worse. At least they don't have their own tool like Ford does for broken sparkplugs in the 5.4L engines.
very good video. can you make a video on how to clean/replace idle control valve. my rpm goes down when im on stop light with AC turned on, and it feels like the engine is gonna turn off. thank you so much!
My 2014 Crosstrek has 88k miles and my plugs are like new still. Left them in, but did replace serpentine belt (though it still looked great). Thanks for this video.
I am not sure why Subaru calls for the plugs to be changed at that interval. Most new cars can go 100,000 miles.
@@stuntcardriver Must be Subaru Corporate throwing the servicing dealers a bone. Or to keep the plugs from seizing on cars that go less than 10K a year. My wife goes about 25K miles a year and I dont plan on changing the plugs until i get a misfire MIL.
Normal cheap plug....
Those are the ngk laser iridiums. Oem, and best ones you can put in this vehicle. Autolites are terrible. The one you pulled out is just used
Stuncardriver - How did the autolite plugs end up working out over the long run? I am about to do the plugs on my wife's crosstrek and I might just go with the autolites. Is your gas mileage long term average just as good as before with the NGK? Thanks a lot, great video.
The autolites seemed fine, no issues. Gas mileage stayed the same. The best mileage was 30 mpg. During the winter months it would go down to 27 mpg.
@@stuntcardriver Thank you for your prompt response.
You can do it without taking the battery out. How? It is so tight with the battery out so I can't see how you would do it with the battery in.
If you have a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, you cannot use cheap spark plugs for that engine. Hybrid engine setups tend to use higher compression and runs on a very lean air fuel ratio for maximum fuel efficiency which is more difficult to ignite under it's circumstances. For example, in a lean mixture there are less fuel molecules (major point said). the spark needs to ignite more molecules to start the chain reaction of combustion so there are fewer molecules for the spark 2 physically touch, or ignite. So now if you have a weaker spark plug with a less concentrated Spark (usually less powerful), it will be more difficult 2 heat up the air around the electric Spark into plasma which covers a greater area and ignite those molecules. In conclusion a stronger concentrated Spark heats more air and creates more and plasma over a given area area which is stronger and in turn ignites those air fuel molecules at a more rapid rate ensuring an efficient ignition. so you must get the best NGK spark plugs that are about $13.99 at AutoZone or the Denso which are about 18.99 dollars. Any other cheaper spark plug will extremely diminish the efficiency of the engine possibly even causing misfire and definitely affecting your MPG. At the end of the day, hybrid or not, better plugs will help. Now its still best to get spark plugs that are manufacturer recommended. Unless you are doing some custom modifications that alter the air/fuel ratio and maybe compression too, and assign spark plugs to compensate for those changes along with the heat that is produced as well.
Fine wire iridium are spec'd to reduce misfire counts with the small coil packs used on many dohc engine. I would not as you suggested, used a non fine wire "Standard" inconel plug with a modern engine with COP. The Iridium have been a godsend to reduce misfire.
Due to the lack of money you wanted to spend on the spark plugs. I’m assuming you pump the cheapest fuel in your area that would explain the carbon on the spark plugs you took out
as a tech never use those plug on this car. ngk or denso so u dont get misfire codes. in my life working on cars these have a very short life.
Oh good, another thing to look forward to on my 2016. Makes me long for the days of my Pontiac Vibe - I could change those plugs in 10 minutes flat.
Do not over use anti seize i think he used too much can give a misfire. Also use anti seize on the bolts for the coil
did you buy subaru from harbor fright.
This would be the exact same set up as the 15' impreza, correct?
The Waters Above yes. Same FB20 engine
Heh heh heh.. he called the ngk plugs junk and then opted for autolite plugs.. then he slathers anti-seize all over the threads when all you need is the last outer threads coated.. also those nkg plugs you pulled didn't look all that bad.. heh heh heh
dont put anything on your thread
you savage
but yeah always ngk every day,
Agree on the NGK. But no anti-seize, as per NGK or Denso websites. The plugs are already coated with a special coating or material to prevent seizing and anti-seize acts like a lubricant and you can easily over torque the plugs by up to 20%.
Really? Autolites? If you're really that cash strapped I understand, but if not, buy the damn OEM plugs for the car. You only change them every 3 to 5 years. Is it really worth it to save $30 or $40 for something changed so rarely? The car is almost entirely engineered around that plug.
I have never had a great experience with NGK plugs.
I change the plugs on my 2003 subaru impreza using high performance plugs years ago. My engine started misfiring and the dealership told me its not worth it to buy the more expensive plugs because they often provide too much resistance somehow resulting imperfect burning of the gas. Just what I was told anyhow.
There is no difference in performace between generic copper spark plugs and iridium besides longevity. All that spark plugs are is a conductor, and copper is a damn good one. However, in a vehicle with spark plugs that are difficult to change, definitely use iridium so you don't have to do them often, but in others that are super easy, just use copper and change them every 30k.
Also a set of 4 proper OEM plugs costs about $35 online.
Autolites are the best plug for many applications over OEM- I use ONLY Autolites on my BMW motorcycles as well as my Subie- For whatever reason, my engine(s) run smoother over NGK or Bosch plugs.
Got the battery out, the coil off, but the old spark plug. Is not coming out
You can't get it loose?
@@stuntcardriver no. I'm also not able to find 14mm 6pt spark plug sockets
I used 9/16 , them a 12pt. I gave up for today. I'm going to order a spark tool from Amazon and hope they send me the right size. Any recommendations for a specific tool to make it easier?
Subaru's are also known for oil leaks.
How come they cost that much i can get ngk double platinum for like 5.50 a pop
The autolites are only 2-3 bucks a piece
Good question. I'm not sure.
these are 1 step beyond double platinum..laser iridium..ive used many autolites over the years with no troubles..rock auto sells ngks for 10 bucks..loved the vid..think i heard the ef word one time..gonna attempt tjis job soon ..gonna start on pass. side for practice..TX.
subaru wants you to take it to the dealer so they can make maney.
Cheaper plugs are not the best. NGK will be my choice on my Crosstrek's.
Motor size?
2.0L
there's better guidance out there for changing the plugs, sorry
OEM
350fire
Hk
They’re Platinum tipped...
It’s gasoline so expect carbon it’s the whole point of IC engines..
NO. the NGK are advanced Ruthenium-iridium fingernail tip for low misfire count at start up and off lambda miixtures - hence the big price.
Not carbon. A proper tuned and running engine should have little to no carbon buildup and NONE on the plugs.
Sandy Shoremann
YES, Iridium IS Platinum, comes from the same elements..!!!!! And every perfectly tuned (although only via computer) engine has carbon build up, on valves, residue on plugs, intake manifolds, EGRs,etc etc and at I’d ke it’s supposed to run at 14.7:1 at idle 600-1000rpm, so when you’re doing tests gasoline engines at 2k-2500rpm on a modern era car should run CO: 0-5 HC: 4-12 lambda/02: 0.009 - 1.004 on your standard gas analyser reading...!
HCs are Oil based so how can you not have no carbon residue...? It’s burn rate of higher temps reduce build on plugs but pre-injection of air and fuel leaves intakes with oil films or excess residue.
Secondly, Toyota were one of the first to use platinum plugs in the 1990 Previa’s, followed quickly by Cadillacs North Star V8 that promoted the 100k mile plug service life (although you’re lucky to get 20-25k) from them as BERU, BOSCH, NGK ND we’re all making them in the late 80s but fitting to standard production vehicles weren’t as common.
I don’t want to teach you how to suck eggs, but hey... Easter is just around the corner my friend.
@@Incountry Iridium is Platinum. Mendeleev needs to know this NOW :) Ir & Pt have differing properties and differing Atomic numbers. Yes, they may be noble metals of the Pt group - if that is what you were getting at. Plugs? The correct heat range selection should burn off any carbon on the insulator and electrode. But back to the video, that little tang hanging off the GROUND wire is a Ruthenium point, not a piece of glassified earth metal formed of oil residue. Now, I don't like hard boiled eggs! And I Enjoy Spring, but I celebrate Easter separate from the old Eostre and her hares and hen eggs. But thanks for the offer of Brunch, Cheers! -Sandy
Sandy Shoremann
Now we’re cooking...!!!
Rodents will chew up your wires, manufacturers have been using soy based looms, at least this is what the lawsuits state. I want Subarus AWD mated to a 6 speed but do NOT want a boxer. Subaru, move to turbocharged inline 4s already!!!!
A turbo would be a good start.
I want, I want ! Silly boy, then buy a different brand car. I would guess Subaru is staying with the boxer. I tend to agree that the 2 liter is lacking some top end juice on the FB version compared to the EJ with Subaru's version of VTEC called ALVS. The North -South arrangement is the good and proper drivetrain layout. My Subaru Justy back in the 90's had a transverse inline 3 and that was good engine for a 6K dollar 1700lb car NEW.
looks life a harbor fright spark plug made in china autolite spark plugs are the best made in usa not china junk japanese wont buy american parts.