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Subaru Forester

Report: Worn Out Gaskets Allowed Oil to Seep Into Spark Plugs

Subaru Forester Problem
13 Reports
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Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Engine Affected: 2.5L 4 Cylinder

Average Mileage: 92,750 mi (51,000 mi - 128,000 mi)

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An oil leak can develop from the spark plug tube seals. Excess oil in the spark plug tubes can result in engine misfires and illumination of the Check Engine Light. Our technicians tell us that removing the valve cover and replacing the tube seals and cover gasket is necessary to correct this concern. Oil damaged spark plugs, ignition wires, and ignition coils will also require replacement.

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  • Report #1
    cuh007, 2003 Subaru Forester, 120,000 mi
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     Enthusiast

    Worn out spark plug tube gasket and or valve cover gasket allowed oil to seep into spark plugs, which damages the spark plug wires. Needed to replace the spark plugs, wires, & gaskets.

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  • Report #2
    Visitor, 2003 Subaru Forester, 80,000 mi

    Oil leaked into spark plug tubes. Destroyed coil and wires. Replaced all.

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  • Report #3
    Roachb, 2003 Subaru Forester, 90,000 mi
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     Enthusiast

    Spark plug extension tube gaskets were replaced.

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  • Report #4
    Visitor, 2003 Subaru Forester, 100,000 mi
  • Report #5
    sylvandebra, 2007 Subaru Forester, 51,000 mi
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     Rookie

    Worn valve cover gasket allowed oil to seep into spark plugs, ultimately shorting out the ignition coil (that's when the check engine light went on). Had to replace all--$1000! Pretty unhappy.

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  • Report #6
    Visitor, 2004 Subaru Forester, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 93,000 mi

    Not yet fixed....but during routine replacement of spark plugs found oil getting past tube seals and putting light coat of oil on wires. No oil in plug cylinder or on plug. Replaced spark plugs and cleaned wires. Will keep eye on it for now.

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  • Report #7
    HenryDiaz, 2003 Subaru Forester, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 128,000 mi
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     Rookie

    Burning oil small in passenger compartment. Oil leaking onto manifold from valve cover/spark plug gaskets. Replaced valve cover/spark plug gaskets. # weeks later problem returns. Bringing back for re-evaluation.

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  • Report #8
    Visitor, 2006 Subaru Forester, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, 80,000 mi

    Engine misfire related to oil leak filling spark plug tube, replaced valve cover gaskets

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