jon38iowa

I agree, and others on this forum are right on when they say: Go with OEM wires/plugs. I've tried it both ways and the Subaru originals are the best.

If it is piston slap, it might get substantially worse over time. At least mine('99 Forester) did, though it would always quiet down some after warm up. I tried it all! But, the only solution was a complete rebuild. My mechanic claimed the car would have gone a lot longer like this, however the noise was giving me a headache.

I have never heard or read that Subaru is prone to sludge (ala Toyata), but like any Engine, if neglected Sludge can occur.

If your in deep snow, you definately want good snow tires. My Forester does great until the snow reaches the door bottoms, than its all over- Had to be pulled out last winter:-\ Though, the road was also littered with taller, true off road vehicles. I am sure it would do better without the all seasons it has, but I like a softer, quieter ride.

Does the same hold true for the Spin On Transmission filter?

I agree with Nathan! This, having seen a few leaky after market Sunroofs.Though really cool, I just would'n't want to risk a leak or its consequences.

Thanks Brat, but I don't think the valve lash will need attention for quite awhile since the engine was rebuilt within the last 10k. At least I am hopeful. Oil change, definately! Pocupine: Thanks for posting the cool photo!

Don't feel alone, I did a simillar thing when I put the wrong bulb in my gear selector- The momentary smoke and yes the only dash lights I had was the radio! I replaced the stearing wheel stalk, no luck, so, I changed what Subaru calls the, "Instrament light rheostat,"($85.00) and poof all was back to normal! It was a pickle in my Forester to get to, as it resides behind the glove box on a sharp metal pillar. Obviously, your model will likely be significantly different in its layout.

Next Change out I will be doing myself. What is involved? Looks like taking off the valve covers and simply replacing the exsisting seels. That is after I once again remove the air intake, washer reservoir, and coolant overflow,

I believe so, at least that what the shop refered to them as- grommets. Nipper: No to all of your listed symptoms, so I guess I will keep an on it. Thanks. John

Thanks, but the grommets were replaced last year. I put a little Sea Foam down the PCV recently, that probably wouldn't make any difference with the plugs.

I changed the spark plugs today on my '99 2.5 SOHC. Was Surprised to find a film of oil on the plug threads, otherwise the things look normal. Is this typical of these engines or there an issue brewing? John PS. The car does not use a measurable amount of oil between its 3k mile changes.

I don't think so, nothing had to be removed for mine. With it, I Yanked it out and discovered it sits in a track like piece of aluminum, moreover, it took a little practice to correctly get the new one in and seated. Wait to the very last step before you put the rubber plugs in their holes.

I replaced this same strip on my Forester. If your's is the same, these holes are not really screw holes, but meant for rubber plugs that come with the seal. It might be easier to find these at a salvage yard.

I was driving my Forester in a construction zone, a semi pelted the windshield with sand. It was toast, and the replacement cost $400.00 at a local glass shop.

Thanks, and you are right! This morning I lost the socket in the plug hole! Thank goodness for my magnet tool. Indeed I will have to remove the items you listed. I ordered: wires, plugs, and a new PCV today. All OEM of course. John

Mine Is the '99 Forester with a Sohc 2.5.

I was going to change the plugs today, however, I discovered they very deep in the heads. I will certainly need a extension rod, but my question is: What size socket wrench do they require and what is the recomended torgue at tightening? Thanks in advance for any pointers! John

Thats a valid question. They loaded ok, though it took an hour. Any pointers on posting attachments, I would very mucjh appreciate.

Here are few pictures of my recent trip to Utah. This State loves their Subaroos! When I was in Salt Lake, I noticed a Subaru at just about every light! A dramatic change from the Midwest, at least from my neck of the woods:)

i would never use NAPA wires on an EJ motor, particularly yours, but i'm not saying that's the problem or that they ALWAYS don't work, that's not my point. but these engines are very sensitive unfortunately, not all subaru engines, but this one is. if you get a "cylinder misfire" code in the future or hesitation i would suspect your wires are to blame, just keep that in your hat for later. Dear Gary: Might I ask you why never Napa. Have you seen first had issues with these? Last year I bought a set of $ 50.00 Napas. So far no problems at all, but maybe I am In For It.

I went against the shops recomendation of " wait and see." Instead, I had the muffler and its cross over piple replaced, as well as the hangers of course. Sometimes preventitive maintenance is really the best!

I got 150k out of Pontiac once, never failed, but I traded it off. My friend took a chance with her Labaron and 170k it failed, engine went to the happy hunting ground. My Forester I change faithfully every 100K!