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Changing Spark Plugs in the 1998 Subaru Outback

Changing the spark plugs in your Subaru Outback can greatly improve the fuel economy, the drivability and the overall engine performance. The 1998 Outback is based on the Imprezza platform and was offered with the 2.2-liter H4 engine. The spark plugs are arranged in a 2x2 pattern, or two on each side of the engine. Replace the spark plugs at the intervals recommended in the owners manual, unless you experience a spark plug failure or some other problem with them.

Instructions

1

Locate the battery in the engine compartment of your Outback, then disconnect the negative battery cable end (after loosening the clamp bolt of the cable), using a wrench. Isolate the cable end from the battery to avoid accidentally energizing the ignition system while you are working.

2

Pick one spark plug wire located on the top of the engine and follow it down to the spark plug. Grasp the plug wire boot and while twisting it back and forth, pull it off the plug. Do not pull on the wire itself, or you will risk damaging it beyond repair. Lay the wire aside.

3

Place a spark plug socket over the plug and attach a ratchet to it. Rotate the spark plug counterclockwise until it is free of the cylinder head, then remove it from the engine compartment.

4

Remove the new spark plug from the box, and using a feeler gauge, verify that the plug gap is set to between .039 to .043 by sliding the appropriate blade from the feeler gauge between the electrode and the base of the spark plug. If the plug gap is outside the specified range, adjust it by tapping it closed or open, as needed.

5

Install the new spark plug into the hole in the cylinder head and tighten it by turning it clockwise with the spark plug socket and ratchet until it is snug. Turn it 1/4-turn more, then remove the socket and ratchet.

6

Put a small amount of dielectric grease on the inside of the spark plug wire boot. The grease will repel water, ensuring a good connection, and it will allow the boot to come off the plug easier next time you change the plugs.

7

Move to the next cylinder and repeat the process until you have changed all four plugs. Do not remove more than one plug wire at any time during the process, to avoid mixing up the wires and scrabbling the firing order.

8

Install the negative battery cable end on the battery and tighten the clamp bolt on the cable end. Start the engine to verify that the engine runs as intended.

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Labels: 1998, changing, in, outback, plugs, spark, subaru, the