Let’s assume you bought your Subaru used and do not have any previous service records. The car is over five years old with over 100,000kms. You bring it in for an inspection. Although most inspections look at the main components on the vehicle, we, at Swedish Garage, go a little deeper. We like to remove at least one spark plug to verify its condition.
Spark plug replacement is recommended every 100k kilometres according to Subaru service. Even if the customer has had them replaced on a previous service, it is always good to check because as shown in the photo, you might find them covered in oil. The car in our example is a Subaru Crosstrek 2014.
The problem lies on the spark plug tube seals located on the engine valve covers. If this goes unnoticed it could lead to external leaks, or spark plugs getting flooded with oil causing engine misfires, or misfire codes to say the least. Subaru sells the valve cover gaskets and tube seals as a kit.
We like to replace all valve cover bolts at the same time. Valve covers get cleaned thoroughly, new spark plugs get installed (See video), preventing future problems on your Subaru.
