Sparkplug removal ?

[Nick Lamendola]

Hello,

I have a '99 outback with the 2.5l engine. It takes quite an effort to
remove the spark plugs on this car because there is so little room between
the heads and the fenders. I first have to fish in the scoket, then the
extension, and then the ratchet wrench. After a few partial turns the
ratchet hits the fender. It took me well over and hour to remove 4
sparkplugs. I really need to find a ratchet that is thinner than the Sears
Craftsmen tools I use. My question is what do other folks use? How long does
it take you? I really wonder how they remove them at the dealer. Anyone
know if they use a special tool? Is there a flexible socket extenion I
could use?

Thanks
Nick

 

[BobN]

Nick, you need a u-joint socket extension. I think I use both that and a 1"
extension to make it work.