Ok, so I was changing the spark plugs on the 99 Subby Outback Sport the other day and when I pulled the spark plug wires, they are all covered with oil! Got the plugs out and the plugs are covered with oil. Spark plug tips are nice and white. Car doesn't seem to use any oil or smoke. Runs like a top.

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

UMT

It's your spark plug tube seal/gasket. Those shrink with age and then let oil leak down into the tube. If enough oil gets in there, it can cause misfire.

It's your spark plug tube seal/gasket. Those shrink with age and then let oil leak down into the tube. If enough oil gets in there, it can cause misfire.

 

Thanks. My seals do kinda look like the old ones! Ha. I'm just wondering where the oil came from? Don't seem to have any leaking valve gaskets or anything.

The oil leaks around those seals and into the spark plug tube. Those seals are supposed to keep the oil behind the valve cover from getting to the spark plug tubes. The spark plug tubes on that engine penetrate the valve cover.

The oil leaks around those seals and into the spark plug tube. Those seals are supposed to keep the oil behind the valve cover from getting to the spark plug tubes. The spark plug tubes on that engine penetrate the valve cover.

 

Allright! Thanks alot. Will order some new seals today!

Sounds good! Might want to get the valve cover gasket kit, that includes the bolt hole seals, valve cover gaskets, and I believe those spark plug tube seals. Valve clearance check can be done while the valve covers are off if desired.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Valve-Cover-Gasket-Set-Felpro_15780704-P_107_R|GRPGASKAMS_____

 

I spec'd it out for a 2000 RS but that part should be the same.

Use in store pickup and use coupon codes from here: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Valve-Cover-Gasket-Set-Felpro_15780704-P_107_R|GRPGASKAMS_____

 

I spec'd it out for a 2000 RS but that part should be the same.

Use in store pickup and use coupon codes from here: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

 

 

Ahhhh, I see now!

 

Thanks a bunch!

UMT

If you had oil there, there is a good chance the oil has swelled the rubber end of the plug wire, and if it is swelled and deformed, you should replace that too as they will not seat properly

Spark plug bucket seals are best from Subaru otherwise you may need it again.

 

You also need wires as the oil attacks the silicon.

The Felpro ones I had gotten said Made in Japan, my money is they came from the same plant that the oem ones are made.

I wouldn't take that bet, you could loose. There is quite a bit of difference between OE and aftermarket. Spark Plug Bucket seals are on lots of engines, so they will try to make one style fit all.

 

There is a post on another board showing the difference and it is rather dramatic.

I'm not sure if the OEM are the same as the Felpro, but I've had great luck with Felpro gaskets in several cars and motorcycles.

Not talking necessarily specifically about these gaskets, but a parts manufacturer might produce one part for the vehicle manufacturer to the vehicle manufacturer's specs (the genuine part), and produce it to different specs for the aftermarket.