1997 SUBARU LEGACY spark plugs

3. Engine Idle Speed
A: MEASUREMENT
1) Before checking idle speed, check the following:
(1) Ensure that air cleaner element is free from
clogging, ignition timing is correct, spark plugs are in
good condition, and that hoses are connected properly.
(2) Ensure that malfunction indicator light (CHECK
ENGINE light) does not illuminate.
2) Warm-up the engine.
G2M0096
3) Connect Subaru Select Monitor or the OBD-II general
scan tool to data link connector.
CAUTION:
When connecting Subaru Select Monitor, turn ignition
switch to OFF.
4) Start the engine and measure engine speed.
NOTE:
Engine speed is indicated on Subaru Select Monitor by
selecting “MODE F04”.
G2M0097
NOTE:

When using the OBD-II general scan tool, carefully read
its operation manual.

When Subaru Select Monitor is not used, attach the
pickup sensor on tachometer (Secondary pickup type) to
#1 cylinder spark plug cord.

This ignition system provides simultaneous ignition for
#1 and #2 plugs. It must be noted that some tachometers
may register twice that of actual engine speed.
5) Check idle speed when unloaded. (With headlights,
heater fan, rear defroster, radiator fan, air conditioning, etc.
OFF)
Idle speed (No load and gears in neutral (MT) or N or
P (AT) position):
700±100 rpm
6) Check idle speed when loaded. (Turn air conditioning
switch to “ON” and operate compressor for at least one
minute before measurement.)
Idle speed [A/C“ON”, no load and gears in neutral
(MT) or N or P (AT) position]:
850±50 rpm
CAUTION:
Never rotate idle adjusting screw. If idle speed is out
of specifications, refer to General On-board Diagnosis
Table under “2-7 On-Board Diagnostics II System”.
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3. Engine Idle Speed

4. Engine Compression
A: MEASUREMENT
1. 2200 cc MODEL
1) After warming-up the engine, turn ignition switch to
OFF.
2) Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3) Remove all the spark plugs.
4) Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors.
5) Fully open throttle valve.
6) Check the starter motor for satisfactory performance
and operation.
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7) Hold the compression gauge tight against the spark
plug hole.
CAUTION:
When using a screw-in type compression gauge, the
screw (put into cylinder head spark plug hole) should
be less than 18 mm (0.71 in) long.
8) Crank the engine by means of the starter motor, and
read the maximum value on the gauge when the pointer is
steady.
9) Perform at least two measurements per cylinder, and
make sure that the values are correct.
Compression (200—300 rpm and fully open throttle):
Standard
1,079—1,275 kPa
(11.0—13.0 kg/cm
2, 156—185 psi)
Limit
883 kPa (9.0 kg/cm
2, 128 psi)
Difference between cylinders
196 kPa (2.0 kg/cm
2, 28 psi)
2. 2500 cc MODEL
CAUTION:
After warming-up, engine becomes very hot. Be care-
ful not to burn yourself during measurement.
1) After warming-up the engine, turn ignition switch to
OFF.
2) Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3) Remove all the spark plugs. [W3E0].>
4) Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors.
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4. Engine Compression

7. Valve Clearance
A: INSPECTION
1. 2200 cc MODEL
CAUTION:
Inspection and adjustment of valve clearance should
be performed while engine is cold.
1) Set the vehicle onto the lift.
2) Disconnect battery ground cable.
3) Remove timing belt cover (RH).
B2M1225A
4) Remove rocker cover.

When inspecting #1 and #3 cylinders;
(1) Disconnect connector from mass air flow sensor.
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(2) Loosen clamp which connects air intake duct to air
intake chamber.
(3) Remove the two clips from air cleaner upper cover.
CAUTION:
Before installing air cleaner upper cover, align hole(s)
with protruding portions of air cleaner lower case, then
secure upper cover.
(4) Disconnect blow-by hose from air intake duct.
B2M1227
(5) Remove air intake duct and air cleaner upper cover
as a unit.
(6) Remove air cleaner element.
(7) Disconnect spark plug cords from spark plugs (#1
and #3 cylinders).
(8) Remove under cover (RH).
(9) Place suitable container under the vehicle.
(10) Disconnect PCV hose from rocker cover (RH).
(11) Remove bolts, then remove rocker cover (RH).
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2-2
7. Valve Clearance

When inspecting #2 and #4 cylinders;
(1) Disconnect battery cables, and then remove bat-
tery and battery carrier.
(2) Disconnect washer motor connectors.
(3) Disconnect rear window glass washer hose from
washer motor, then plug connection with a suitable cap.
(4) Remove the two bolts which holds washer tank,
then secure the tank away from working area.
(5) Disconnect spark plug cords from spark plugs (#2
and #4 cylinders).
(6) Remove under cover (LH).
(7) Place suitable container under the vehicle.
(8) Disconnect PCV hose from rocker cover (LH).
(9) Remove bolts, then remove rocker cover (LH).
B2M1228A
5) Set #1 cylinder piston to top dead center of compres-
sion stroke by rotating crankshaft pulley clockwise.
NOTE:
When arrow mark on camshaft sprocket (RH) comes
exactly to the top, #1 cylinder piston is brought to the top
dead center of compression stroke.
B2M1229A
6) Measure #1 cylinder valve clearance by using thickness
gauge.
CAUTION:

Insert the thickness gauge in as horizontal a direc-
tion as possible with respect to the valve stem end
face.

Measure exhaust valve clearances while lifting-up
the vehicle.
Valve clearance:
Intake: 0.20±0.02 mm (0.0079±0.0008 in)
Exhaust: 0.25±0.02 mm (0.0098±0.0008 in)
7) If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. [07B1].>
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2-2
7. Valve Clearance

B2M1226A
(2) Loosen clamp which connects air intake duct to air
intake chamber.
(3) Remove the two clips from air cleaner upper cover.
CAUTION:
Before installing air cleaner upper cover, align hole(s)
with protruding portions of air cleaner lower case, then
secure upper cover.
(4) Disconnect blow-by hose from air intake duct.
B2M1227
(5) Remove air intake duct and air cleaner upper cover
as a unit.
(6) Remove air cleaner element.
B2M1232A
(7) Remove air cleaner lower case.
(8) Disconnect spark plug cords from spark plugs (#1
and #3 cylinders).
(9) Place suitable container under the vehicle.
(10) Disconnect PCV hose from rocker cover (RH).
(11) Remove bolts, then remove rocker cover (RH).

When inspecting # 2 and #4 cylinders;
(1) Disconnect battery cables, and then remove bat-
tery and battery carrier.
(2) Disconnect washer motor connectors.
(3) Disconnect washer hoses from washer motors,
then plug connections with suitable caps.
(4) Remove washer tank.
(5) Disconnect spark plug cords from spark plugs (#2
and #4 cylinders).
(6) Remove under cover (LH).
(7) Place suitable container under the vehicle.
(8) Disconnect PCV hose from rocker cover (LH).
(9) Remove bolts, then remove rocker cover (LH).
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7. Valve Clearance

TROUBLE
Engine will not start.
Rough idle and engine stall
Low output, hesitation and poor acceleration
Surging
Engine does not return to idle.
Dieseling (Run-on)
After burning in exhaust system
Knocking
Excessive engine oil consumption
Excessive fuel consumption Starter does not turn.
Initial combustion does not occur.
Initial combustion occurs.
Engine stalls after initial combustion.
INTAKE SYSTEM
2111 3Loosened or cracked intake air pipe
3111 3 1Loosened or cracked blow-by hose
31211 2Loosened or cracked vacuum hose
22222Defective intake manifold gasket
22222Defective throttle body gasket
322 2 2Defective PCV valve
222 323Loosened oil filler cap
3312 1Dirty air cleaner element
FUEL LINE
13 322Defective fuel pump and relay
33322Clogged fuel line
222233Lack of or insufficient fuel
BELT
222Defective
222322 22 2Defective timing
FRICTION
3Seizure of crankshaft and connecting rod bearing
3Seized camshaft
3Seized or stuck piston and cylinder
COMPRESSION
333222 23 2Incorrect valve clearance
333223 3 3Loosened spark plugs or defective gasket
333223 3 3Loosened cylinder head bolts or defective gasket
333223 2 2Improper valve seating
333333 3 13Defective valve stem
222223 3 3Worn or broken valve spring
333233 3 12Worn or stuck piston rings, cylinder and piston
222111 12 2Incorrect valve timing
222222Improper engine oil (low viscosity)
76
2-3DIAGNOSTICS
1. Engine Trouble in General

TROUBLE
Engine will not start.
Rough idle and engine stall
Low output, hesitation and poor acceleration
Surging
Engine does not return to idle.
Dieseling (Run-on)
After burning in exhaust system
Knocking
Excessive engine oil consumption
Excessive fuel consumption Starter does not turn.
Initial combustion does not occur.
Initial combustion occurs.
Engine stalls after initial combustion.
INTAKE SYSTEM
2111 3Loosened or cracked intake air pipe
3111 3 1Loosened or cracked blow-by hose
31211 2Loosened or cracked vacuum hose
22222Defective intake manifold gasket
22222Defective throttle body gasket
322 2 2Defective PCV valve
222 323Loosened oil filler cap
3312 1Dirty air cleaner element
FUEL LINE
13 322Defective fuel pump and relay
33322Clogged fuel line
222233Lack of or insufficient fuel
BELT
222Defective
222322 22 2Defective timing
FRICTION
3Seizure of crankshaft and connecting rod bearing
3Seized camshaft
3Seized or stuck piston and cylinder
COMPRESSION
333222 23 2Incorrect valve clearance
333223 3 3Loosened spark plugs or defective gasket
333223 3 3Loosened cylinder head bolts or defective gasket
333223 2 2Improper valve seating
333333 3 13Defective valve stem
222223 3 3Worn or broken valve spring
333233 3 12Worn or stuck piston rings, cylinder and piston
222111 12 2Incorrect valve timing
222222Improper engine oil (low viscosity)
78
2-3bDIAGNOSTICS
1. Engine Trouble in General

3. Spark Plug
A: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CAUTION:
All spark plugs installed on an engine, must be of the
same heat range.
Spark plug:
CHAMPION: RC10YC4
(Alternate)
NGK: BKR6E-11
NIPPONDENSO: K20PR-U11
1) Remove spark plug cords by pulling boot, not cord itself.
2) Remove spark plugs.
3) When installing spark plugs on cylinder head, use spark
plug wrench.
Tightening torque (Spark plug):
20.6±2.9 N⋅m (2.10±0.30 kg-m, 15.19±2.14 ft-lb)
CAUTION:
The above torque should be only applied to new spark
plugs without oil on their threads.
In case their threads are lubricated, the torque should
be reduced by approximately 1/3 of the specified
torque in order to avoid their over-stressing.
4) Connect spark plug cords.
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B: INSPECTION
Check electrodes and inner and outer porcelain of plugs,
noting the type of deposits and the degree of electrode
erosion.
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1) Normal
Brown to grayish-tan deposits and slight electrode wear
indicate correct spark plug heat range.
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6-1SERVICE PROCEDURE
3. Spark Plug