Spark plug problems

MyWRXbreaks390 · 02-06-2025, 09:11 PM

I am changing the spark plugs on my ej255 (2008 wrx). On the left side they would be more convenient to be on the surface of Mars. They are under the battery/air pump and the piping to the air pump. I have gotten to them and changed the closer one but the last one is in a tiny crevice. I have a jury rigged system with the actual plug socket and extender then a joint with another extender to actually turn it but it will not turn. It is 100 on the plug and I'm lost. Am I doing it wrong, whats the method?

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Charlie-III · 02-06-2025, 11:16 PM

I don't know your year, but other cars I have had to jack up a corner, remove the wheel, then use a holesaw to cut through the inner fender to access a plug.
Don't cut through structure (like a box beam) and use rustproofing paint on the cut edges when done.
Pick carefully and you can get push in plastic plugs to cover the hole. Generic ones can be found at auto parts stores on one of those "parts trees" at the end of the isles. Usually called "floor drain plugs".

MyWRXbreaks390 · 02-07-2025, 08:47 AM

I have no way to cut a hole thru my car. I also do not trust myself to do that in the slightest. Thank you for the idea though.

Gixhost · 02-07-2025, 11:40 AM

I assume you're talking about the rear spark plug on the left hand side of the vehicle from the driver's perspective. I have a GD but I am guessing the GR is just as tight or may have slightly more room. I put the sparkplug socket on a straight extension and then attach that to the spark plug, I then attach a 3/8 ratchet to the extension. After initially breaking the sparkplug loose I take the ratchet off and do the rest by hand.

I don't know if by "joint" you mean a universal joint extension but I wouldn't use that. It may sound silly but make sure you're turning it the right direction. Also if the spark plugs have previously been done before someone may have overtightened them. If you think it's taking too much force...take it to a reputable shop. Not worth the damage you could do IMO. If you do some research you can use the methods you find to attempt to remove it though.

It should not take a lot of force to loosen a sparkplug. There are guides on this forum and on YouTube that are very helpful. Don't drill into or cut up your car.

MyWRXbreaks390 · 02-07-2025, 03:27 PM

The wench and the extender straight up wont fit into the gap that I have.

Gixhost · 02-07-2025, 03:54 PM

I just started looking at what others are doing. I never followed a guide. You're correct. People are using extensions with joints. Last time I did this was a few years ago. I've done it three times since owning my car and never used one.

You can attempt to use some penetrating oil but I'd read up on attempting to remove a possibly seized spark plug first. Again...don't damage the spark plug or you'll have a much bigger problem on your hands.

Elbert Bass · 02-07-2025, 06:54 PM

You need what the pros use - a Snap-On S9721A double joint plug socket. Go through the left wheel well with an extension for the left side and pull the air filter box for the right side. You'll spend more time rotating #4 coil pack to the right position to get it out than pulling all 4 plugs.
That is the only double joint I have found that works. Mac and/or Matco makes one, but the center section is the wrong length and does not work.

I looked it up but I don't think Snap-On sells it anymore. That is good for you, a used one will be much cheaper.

MyWRXbreaks390 · 02-09-2025, 08:13 PM

I got it out with some tomfoolery thank you everyone

Gixhost · 02-09-2025, 09:07 PM

Glad you made it work!

02-06-2025, 09:11 PM	#1
MyWRXbreaks390 Scooby Newbie Member#: 540101 Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Latitude: -48.8767 Longitude: Vehicle: 2008 Impreza Wrx Paint is cooked	Spark plug problems I am changing the spark plugs on my ej255 (2008 wrx). On the left side they would be more convenient to be on the surface of Mars. They are under the battery/air pump and the piping to the air pump. I have gotten to them and changed the closer one but the last one is in a tiny crevice. I have a jury rigged system with the actual plug socket and extender then a joint with another extender to actually turn it but it will not turn. It is 100 on the plug and I'm lost. Am I doing it wrong, whats the method? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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02-06-2025, 11:16 PM	#2
Charlie-III Scooby Guru Member#: 30669 Join Date: Dec 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: USA, North NJ, 07456 Vehicle: 1998 Legacy 2.5GT Silver Sleeper BK, 5MT	I don't know your year, but other cars I have had to jack up a corner, remove the wheel, then use a holesaw to cut through the inner fender to access a plug. Don't cut through structure (like a box beam) and use rustproofing paint on the cut edges when done. Pick carefully and you can get push in plastic plugs to cover the hole. Generic ones can be found at auto parts stores on one of those "parts trees" at the end of the isles. Usually called "floor drain plugs".

02-07-2025, 08:47 AM	#3
MyWRXbreaks390 Scooby Newbie Member#: 540101 Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Latitude: -48.8767 Longitude: Vehicle: 2008 Impreza Wrx Paint is cooked	I have no way to cut a hole thru my car. I also do not trust myself to do that in the slightest. Thank you for the idea though.

02-07-2025, 11:40 AM	#4
Gixhost NASIOC Supporter Member#: 180111 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Lost in the DMV Vehicle: * 2004.114.3 STi Aspen White	I assume you're talking about the rear spark plug on the left hand side of the vehicle from the driver's perspective. I have a GD but I am guessing the GR is just as tight or may have slightly more room. I put the sparkplug socket on a straight extension and then attach that to the spark plug, I then attach a 3/8 ratchet to the extension. After initially breaking the sparkplug loose I take the ratchet off and do the rest by hand. I don't know if by "joint" you mean a universal joint extension but I wouldn't use that. It may sound silly but make sure you're turning it the right direction. Also if the spark plugs have previously been done before someone may have overtightened them. If you think it's taking too much force...take it to a reputable shop. Not worth the damage you could do IMO. If you do some research you can use the methods you find to attempt to remove it though. It should not take a lot of force to loosen a sparkplug. There are guides on this forum and on YouTube that are very helpful. Don't drill into or cut up your car. Last edited by Gixhost; 02-07-2025 at 12:55 PM.

02-07-2025, 03:27 PM	#5
MyWRXbreaks390 Scooby Newbie Member#: 540101 Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Latitude: -48.8767 Longitude: Vehicle: 2008 Impreza Wrx Paint is cooked	The wench and the extender straight up wont fit into the gap that I have.

02-07-2025, 03:54 PM	#6
Gixhost NASIOC Supporter Member#: 180111 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Lost in the DMV Vehicle: * 2004.114.3 STi Aspen White	I just started looking at what others are doing. I never followed a guide. You're correct. People are using extensions with joints. Last time I did this was a few years ago. I've done it three times since owning my car and never used one. You can attempt to use some penetrating oil but I'd read up on attempting to remove a possibly seized spark plug first. Again...don't damage the spark plug or you'll have a much bigger problem on your hands.

02-07-2025, 06:54 PM	#7
Elbert Bass Scooby Specialist Member#: 283429 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Down yonder. Vehicle: 2016 Crosstrek Silver	You need what the pros use - a Snap-On S9721A double joint plug socket. Go through the left wheel well with an extension for the left side and pull the air filter box for the right side. You'll spend more time rotating #4 coil pack to the right position to get it out than pulling all 4 plugs. That is the only double joint I have found that works. Mac and/or Matco makes one, but the center section is the wrong length and does not work. I looked it up but I don't think Snap-On sells it anymore. That is good for you, a used one will be much cheaper.

02-09-2025, 08:13 PM	#8
MyWRXbreaks390 Scooby Newbie Member#: 540101 Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Latitude: -48.8767 Longitude: Vehicle: 2008 Impreza Wrx Paint is cooked	I got it out with some tomfoolery thank you everyone

02-09-2025, 09:07 PM	#9
Gixhost NASIOC Supporter Member#: 180111 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Lost in the DMV Vehicle: * 2004.114.3 STi Aspen White	Glad you made it work!