changing spark plugs

[thomashanno]

I was talking to my new subaru mechanic the other day, and I told him
that while I knew very little about working on cars, I have a friend
who does all sorts of work on his Saturn. I told him we were going to
change my spark plugs, and he suggested that I don't do it on my own
because they're hard to change on my particular engine (I have a 1997
Subaru Outback 2.5L). I think he said they were hard to reach because
of their location.

He's changing my timing belt, accessory belts, and putting in a new
water pump next week. Should I just let him change the plugs then?

Can someone ballpark me on how much just the installation of the plugs
would cost?

Or should I just ignore what he said and do it when I visit my friend
in two weeks?

Thanks for the help.

 

[y_p_w]

I was talking to my new subaru mechanic the other day, and I told him
that while I knew very little about working on cars, I have a friend
who does all sorts of work on his Saturn. I told him we were going to
change my spark plugs, and he suggested that I don't do it on my own
because they're hard to change on my particular engine (I have a 1997
Subaru Outback 2.5L). I think he said they were hard to reach because
of their location.

You've got a horizontally opposed 4 cylinder engine. Two of
the plugs point to the left, and the other two point to the
right. There's a good deal of stuff that is likely in the way
and probably needs to be removed to access the plugs. It's
probably not as bad as some V6 engines I've heard of. Those
are either jammed against the firewall or can only be reached
easily from underneath using a hydraulic lift.

An inline engine is a breeze. I could replaced my '89 Integra
plugs in less than 5 minutes. My '95 Integra GS-R took longer
because there was plug wire cover with 5 hex bolts.

He's changing my timing belt, accessory belts, and putting in a new
water pump next week. Should I just let him change the plugs then?

By all means yes.

Can someone ballpark me on how much just the installation of the plugs
would cost?

I heard it's typically at least a half hour job. It might be
less if several of the components are already removed for the
timing belt change.

Or should I just ignore what he said and do it when I visit my friend
in two weeks?

Depends on what kind of Saturn experience he has. If he's
only changed plugs on the Saturn inline 4s, then he's going
to be a little bit out of his element.

 

[Bugalugs]

I was talking to my new subaru mechanic the other day, and I told him
that while I knew very little about working on cars, I have a friend
who does all sorts of work on his Saturn. I told him we were going to
change my spark plugs, and he suggested that I don't do it on my own
because they're hard to change on my particular engine (I have a 1997
Subaru Outback 2.5L). I think he said they were hard to reach because
of their location.

He's changing my timing belt, accessory belts, and putting in a new
water pump next week. Should I just let him change the plugs then?

While he's got all the front off get him to do the plugs as well. The
additional cost would worth it compared to your time and the new swear
words you would invent, or string together, when you tackle that job
yourself for the first time.

 

[Jim Stewart]

While he's got all the front off get him to do the plugs as well. The
additional cost would worth it compared to your time and the new swear
words you would invent, or string together, when you tackle that job
yourself for the first time.

Changing the plugs isn't that hard if
you have a toolbox full of socket
extensions, flex couplings, u-joints
and plug sockets.

Otherwise, best to let the mechanic do
it.

 

[BobN]

Jim's right. If you have exactly the right combination of socket extensions
and u-joint extensions, you could do all 4 plugs in about 45 minutes. I
didn't, and it took me over 3 hours. Two chassis members come within about
2.5 inches of the valve covers, which is what makes it very hard to access
the plugs.

 

[hundog]

i have a impreza 1.8, and the plugs appear to be angled upward as
opposed to being horizontal. i should be able to change mine fairly
easy right?

 

[dnoyeB]

I was talking to my new subaru mechanic the other day, and I told him
that while I knew very little about working on cars, I have a friend
who does all sorts of work on his Saturn. I told him we were going to
change my spark plugs, and he suggested that I don't do it on my own
because they're hard to change on my particular engine (I have a 1997
Subaru Outback 2.5L). I think he said they were hard to reach because
of their location.

He's changing my timing belt, accessory belts, and putting in a new
water pump next week. Should I just let him change the plugs then?

Can someone ballpark me on how much just the installation of the plugs
would cost?

Or should I just ignore what he said and do it when I visit my friend
in two weeks?

Thanks for the help.

If this guy is your regular mechanic, let him do it. You should do
things that you get paid to do and leave this work to the professional.
Not like you cant get it done. But there are so many reasons to let
the mechanic do it. Spend some time with friends and family and keep
the economy going.

--
Thank you,



"Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor
man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard." Ecclesiastes 9:16

 

[KLS]

I was talking to my new subaru mechanic the other day, and [stuff cut]

He's changing my timing belt, accessory belts, and putting in a new
water pump next week. Should I just let him change the plugs then?

[more deletia]
If this guy is your regular mechanic, let him do it. You should do
things that you get paid to do and leave this work to the professional.
Not like you cant get it done. But there are so many reasons to let
the mechanic do it. Spend some time with friends and family and keep
the economy going.

Haven't I agreed with you before on this very same issue? Great
minds!