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GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket - 80546?
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not sure if the socket size is exactly the same, but see if you can find a swivel socket like this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014ZVSVK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
that's what i used for my previous car (2012 wrx) and that helped a lot with the rear driver's side. it was still a bitch to get to, but having the swivel was definitely useful
I’ve broken a the white ceramic part of the spark plug off in a 5.3 trying to remove it and inspect the cylinders (hadn’t been started in a while). It can be very easy to damage the spark plug if not careful or using a spark plug socket tool. I’d recommend getting a spark plug tool, you’ll probably use it more than you think and they make life MUCH easier if the misfire cylinder is in the back near the firewall/cabin. Here’s a good one for GM 5.3s: GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8"... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZVSVK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Is there a check engine light? If you have a scan tool it would be worth seeing if the code will identify the misfiring cylinder.
An easy way to diagnose the misfire is while the engine is running unplug the coil packs one at a time (trying to disconnect the spark plug wires while running will shock you), and see if the engine begins running differently. If you unplug a coil pack and nothing changes, it’s likely that plug wire or spark plug, and can work towards further diagnosis of that wire or plug.
If you remove the spark plugs, inspect the tip for fouling or heavy carbon (there are spark plug images of what it should be looking like) and ceramic parts for cracks. During installation they only need to be tightened to 11-13 ft lbs of torque, which is not a lot and if overtightened can damage the engine and/or spark plug. Torque wrenches can be had fairly cheap at harbor freight, and while most would say the cheap ones aren’t very accurate, with this sort of thing you just need to be close.
It's pretty much always cheaper to DIY or find an independant shop than pay a dealership, if you're mechanincally inclined. In my experience indpendant shops are a little more than half what a dealership will charge, YMMV.
Based on what /u/Vert_n_Dirt posted, it's basically an oil change, power steering fluid flush, brake fluid flush, engine and cabin air filter change, and spark plug replacement.
I will say changing spark plugs on an impreza is not nearly as easy as other vehicles, I've done it myself, but had to get a specific spark plug socket on a swivel extension.
If you have most of the tools already, I'd say you could do it yourself for about $150 (Oil, oil filter, power steering fluid, brake fluid, air filters, and spark plugs), and 2-4 hours (depending on how familair you are with doing these types of services on a vehicle).
Get NGK spark plugs. They are what the engine is designed for, and they're pre-gapped.
The pros use a tool like this to reach into the wells without worrying about a chain of extensions coming apart. Whether its worth the cost is up to you.
I always use anti-seize. I don't think its as important as it used to be, but its cheap and it gives me peace of mind. Also be sure to put dielectric great on the wires.
If you do it, be prepared to take a lot of stuff out, especially the battery and air intake. Its not an easy job, but it can save you a good amount of money.
I have this same car and have massive experience working on these, I've even swapped the engine myself in mine at 240k miles to keep it moving!
When these start to misfire, it can be a number of things, I would start with plugs, but DO NOT pay $615, you can change plugs yourself! They are like $10/each.
You need an allen wrench that fits the 1 coil screw, unscew the 1 bolt that holds the coil in, you pull the coil out after the screw is out, it might be tight, give it a tug, you put the spark plug wrench on the plug, unscrew it, screw in a new plug, snug it up without overtightening, put the coil back in until it seats fully where the screw goes back in, put the allen screw back in, and you're good to go.
A how-to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0YQLJi7uDA&ab\_channel=RobertDIY
Spark plug tool to use (it has a magnet in it, so it's critical for the back plugs which are deep in a hole in the cylinder head).
You'll need a 3/8" socket wrench as well, and probably an 3/8" extension:
3/8" extension: These, or harbor freight, lowes, has them too:
DO NOT BUY PLUGS on amazon, but them from here:
1) Just a spark plug socket and an 8mm socket wrench 2) Yes that's fine 3) Yes, just snug it up, don't use a bunch of force but make sure you can't loosen them with a slight bump 4) Do not do this ever unless the plugs you buy specify doing this - wet and dry torque values are vastly different and most plugs now have coated threads that do not need anti-seize.
Quick YT search: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdd4LkAiHOs
Was it this bad boy - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZVSVK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
‘10-13 it’s very easy if you’ve got a quality long plug socket. I use this. Make sure you get genuine iridium NGK plugs from an official vendor. Do NOT try to gap them. If you’ve got ‘14+ you’ll need to remove some smog pump plumbing. Go look on t4r.org to find out the parts that will need to be replaced.
I have an amazon gift card. These look good?
GEARWRENCH 80546 5/8-Inch x 6-Inch Swivel Spark Plug Socket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZVSVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VPh8CbWQXEXA9
A & E Hand Tools 4450A E-Z Grip Spark Plug Gap Gauge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YKMCDW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RQh8CbWQM1TVT
Try amazon smile to donate to a charity of your choice automatically at no cost to you!
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Its takes some effort, and patience but it's very much doable. You just need to buy one of these.
This tool will save you a lot of headache on a Subaru spark plug job. Its well worth the money.
This tool makes changing Subaru spark plugs 100x easier. You can order the coolant conditioner and Subaru coolant online. If you plan on doing a lot of work yourself, this funnel can also be a huge time-saver, as it keeps you from having to "burp" the coolant, which always makes me paranoid.
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