UMT Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Ok, so I was changing the spark plugs on the 99 Subby Outback Sport the other day and when I pulled the spark plug wires, they are all covered with oil! Got the plugs out and the plugs are covered with oil. Spark plug tips are nice and white. Car doesn't seem to use any oil or smoke. Runs like a top. Any ideas? Thanks, UMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine73 Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 It's your spark plug tube seal/gasket. Those shrink with age and then let oil leak down into the tube. If enough oil gets in there, it can cause misfire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UMT Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 It's your spark plug tube seal/gasket. Those shrink with age and then let oil leak down into the tube. If enough oil gets in there, it can cause misfire. Thanks. My seals do kinda look like the old ones! Ha. I'm just wondering where the oil came from? Don't seem to have any leaking valve gaskets or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine73 Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 The oil leaks around those seals and into the spark plug tube. Those seals are supposed to keep the oil behind the valve cover from getting to the spark plug tubes. The spark plug tubes on that engine penetrate the valve cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UMT Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 The oil leaks around those seals and into the spark plug tube. Those seals are supposed to keep the oil behind the valve cover from getting to the spark plug tubes. The spark plug tubes on that engine penetrate the valve cover. Allright! Thanks alot. Will order some new seals today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine73 Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Sounds good! Might want to get the valve cover gasket kit, that includes the bolt hole seals, valve cover gaskets, and I believe those spark plug tube seals. Valve clearance check can be done while the valve covers are off if desired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durania Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Valve-Cover-Gasket-Set-Felpro_15780704-P_107_R|GRPGASKAMS_____ I spec'd it out for a 2000 RS but that part should be the same. Use in store pickup and use coupon codes from here: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UMT Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Valve-Cover-Gasket-Set-Felpro_15780704-P_107_R|GRPGASKAMS_____ I spec'd it out for a 2000 RS but that part should be the same. Use in store pickup and use coupon codes from here: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com Ahhhh, I see now! Thanks a bunch! UMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bheinen74 Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 If you had oil there, there is a good chance the oil has swelled the rubber end of the plug wire, and if it is swelled and deformed, you should replace that too as they will not seat properly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Spark plug bucket seals are best from Subaru otherwise you may need it again. You also need wires as the oil attacks the silicon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durania Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 The Felpro ones I had gotten said Made in Japan, my money is they came from the same plant that the oem ones are made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I wouldn't take that bet, you could loose. There is quite a bit of difference between OE and aftermarket. Spark Plug Bucket seals are on lots of engines, so they will try to make one style fit all. There is a post on another board showing the difference and it is rather dramatic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattocs Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I'm not sure if the OEM are the same as the Felpro, but I've had great luck with Felpro gaskets in several cars and motorcycles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine73 Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Not talking necessarily specifically about these gaskets, but a parts manufacturer might produce one part for the vehicle manufacturer to the vehicle manufacturer's specs (the genuine part), and produce it to different specs for the aftermarket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.