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

what engine are you talking about? is this the DOHC 99'ish era EJ's...those are fun. people have posted great info on reaching these, exact combinations of gadgets and the quickest access methods. if you could find one of those threads, that would be awesome. i can't recall off the top of my head. all of those side mounted, difficult ones i've had to do were headgasket related so i was able to do them out of the vehicle without much problem.

what engine are you talking about? is this the DOHC 99'ish era EJ's...those are fun. people have posted great info on reaching these, exact combinations of gadgets and the quickest access methods. if you could find one of those threads, that would be awesome. i can't recall off the top of my head. all of those side mounted, difficult ones i've had to do were headgasket related so i was able to do them out of the vehicle without much problem.

 

Mine Is the '99 Forester with a Sohc 2.5.

I'm pretty sure it's a 5/8" spark plug socket. There's only a few standard sizes for spark plugs, like 18mm, 5/8", 13/16" and mmmm maybe 19mm.

 

I bought this long, like 4" spark plug socket from harbor freight on sale for a couple bucks. This is nice because it is deep enough to not get stuck in the spark plug hole. If you use a regular deep well socket or anything, tape your extension to the socket so it doesn't come apart in the spark plug well.

 

Generally the RH (passenger) side is easiest after removing all the intake tubing, the LH (driver) usually you want to pull the washer fluid tank out and optionally the battery.

 

Depending on the config it can be not much clearence to do the work (not sure about 99 forester though).

 

Oh for torque...I think it's about 15 ft*lb(f) or so.

I'm pretty sure it's a 5/8" spark plug socket. There's only a few standard sizes for spark plugs, like 18mm, 5/8", 13/16" and mmmm maybe 19mm.

 

I bought this long, like 4" spark plug socket from harbor freight on sale for a couple bucks. This is nice because it is deep enough to not get stuck in the spark plug hole. If you use a regular deep well socket or anything, tape your extension to the socket so it doesn't come apart in the spark plug well.

 

Generally the RH (passenger) side is easiest after removing all the intake tubing, the LH (driver) usually you want to pull the washer fluid tank out and optionally the battery.

 

Depending on the config it can be not much clearence to do the work (not sure about 99 forester though).

 

Oh for torque...I think it's about 15 ft*lb(f) or so.

 

 

 

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