ThosL

I had a used tranny put in over 100K miles ago; with a little slippage I tried Lucas treatment with success.

The garage said they could try the helicoil or other fix with the head in the car--it doesn't need to be removed for that does it? If they were pulling the head then replacing it would make sense but that is very involved and expensive. Is there anyway to weld or epoxy a plug into the head as a last measure? With over 300K miles I doubt it is going to need another plug replacement.

Thanks for the thorough advice; but I'm no good with that level of detail and careful step by step installation, etc.. Definitely the spark plug will not thread. The reason I wanted to get this done, but stupidly did it under adverse conditions, was the misfire diagnosis on driver's side, both cyl.s. I called an excellent shop in Norwalk, and will copy out recommendations for them to look at on Monday. They will try the helicoil option.

Yes, I went back out to where it was parked and tried to thread it--no dice on that--stripped. I called the local Subaru expert and they said helicoil is an option by an expert who knows how to drill it and do the job. No excuse--I was working on it outside in a park area with high wind velocity temps in the 20s and lost my concentration. Part of the problem is crappy spark plug socket from Walmart. Once you get it in it is hard to get it back up. Needlenose pliers? I don't have many tools and they are substandard. Is there a way to drive it on 3 cyls. without the terrible noise??

Engine ej22--96.

Ok, so there is no sleeve the spark plugs sit in? I looked on the internet for a diagram or picture, couldn't get what I was looking for. Thanks for the clarification.

I was trying to pull out my driver's side spark plugs to check them out. So I put in the spark plug socket wrench, turns and turns and it is one of the lower quality ones that are a pain to get out. I tried to pull it out with pliers, no luck. So then I started the car up and somehow the cylinder sleeve blew out, I could not find it anywhere but could see the hole. What is the process for replacing these?

OK, thanks for the warnings. There are probably very few decent vehicles with minor and fixable issues.

I've concluded that my '99 Subaru is not worth sinking engine work into, with blown head gaskets, over 300K miles, etc.. No way getting around the approximate $1000 replacing the engine, or doing the head gaskets with unknown other potential engine issues, now I'm getting water vapor coming out the exhaust. I looked through the Bargain News listings: http://www.bargainnews.com/userserv_adwatch_view.cfm?awe_id=10112328C1849&freq=weekly Anything here promising? How about this one? I'll check CL. 1999 SUBARU LEGACY white, 180,000 mi, Air, CD, 5 Spd Std, Alloy Wheels, Air Bags, 4 Cyl, AWD, Manuel transmission.Had it since 2012, 3rd owner, just had the timing belt, water pump & radiator done (I have the paperwork). Starter done 2014, ignition replaced 2013. Did oil changes faithfully. All highway mileage, it was an awesome car. No lights on dash, check engine light does come on & off sometimes. On 01/16/16, car kept shutting off. Every time I got it to start & drove it, it just keeps shutting off. It also makes a weird noise. I just put in $1,200 this past summer. I don't want to put anymore money into it. We aren't sure what's wrong with it. Tow is recommended. It does have new speakers that are about 4 years old, a TV, HIDs and tinted windows. Clean body, no rust or dents. A/C and heat work GREAT. SERIOUS inquires only. Any reasonable offer will be considered. NEED it gone ASAP

There are many ways to fight back legally. Hope you get some justice.

It sounds outrageous, maybe they are looking to pick up slack in their budget as their overhead must be large. How busy did they seem? Always get second or third opinions, check with the local Napa or other auto parts place to see who they recommend, they may recommend several places. Plus I would get it in writing, take some pictures and post on this or other Subaru blog sites to get feedback. Check their online feedback and reviews; you could also check with the state AG to see if they have complaints in their records. Do your DD.

I contacted corporate and they overrode the denial by the guys at the local Advance store. These spark plug wires don't last, next time I will probably order the OE NGK wires online.

I was looking around for a set of spark plug wires, didn't know whether to go the NGK route ordered online for about $40 or back to Advance Auto where I have gotten sets before. Then I thought the ones I got at Advance said guaranteed on the slip which I had kept. The guy wanted to see the set I bought, so I pulled those out as well as any spares I had in the car. He said they don't sell those though I had the receipt and remember they were the same ones. Should I go to corporate on this with all the records, and they will speak with "Ross" at the store? How much proof do they need?

I've had mine like that for a year or two, no real performance issues. When I had the front wheel bearings done, I asked them to do the CV joints but they didn't though I had bought two for installation so just returned them.

Is the Walmart brand the best deal, or could you do better pricewise with Advance auto and Auto zone product with their online discounts?

Congratulations! Have you given it a name yet?

There are usually lots of economical solutions; don't panic, get second and third opinions, check around for a hungrier shop will to work for less that may let you provide the parts. Recently I got a crazy estimate upwards of $2000 for front end work. I got the job done for under $350 all told.

From what I have heard, many of these vehicle warranties are full of hurdles to get them honored: https://www.lewrockwell.com/2016/02/jerry-reynolds/can-auto-maintenance-records-win-court/

Yes, extremely hard to get off unless you have the power tools, I couldn't remove it recently. Torch, stepping up the rachet to 1/2 inch, etc., breaker bar rental? Good luck!

My older sister changes the oil at 3 months or under, she drives like grandma, less than 20 miles on any given day, many days she doesn't run the car. At $50 a pop, the oil change places are overkill unless the oil needs changing. Only change what needs to be changed; of course there are sales people always trying to promote religious rules about all the cars, making people fearful that if they don't do something like clockwork, dire consequences will result.

I have had people at the auto parts store brow beat me into trying to get me to buy the expensive stuff in a EJ22?? My car has bigger problems and I doubt a scientific analysis would reveal any risk to engines in most all cases of the usual store antifreeze.

Excellent feedback. Thanks.

I was curious how this may happen; during the on and off cold snaps in the NY area the ride gets rough like the struts or something are less functional. During regular weather the ride is OK. Also what should we know about the extra stress Subarus go through during cold weather and how to handle it?? Thanks.

I have had a number of Subarus with blown head gaskets and managed to deal with the problem. At this point I have one that I think has a blown hg, so I pulled out the thermostat and it runs great now. I would try to get an accurate diagnosis, there are false positives.

One reason I don't like power window, automatic trannies, if there is a choice. More problems and expense if you have failure.