Spark plug tube seals

[millarg]

OK, so doing a little engine bay check today and pulled the #1 plug wires and found it covered in oil! So looks like I'll be taking the valve covers off very soon. Seems like a fairly simple task - thanks you-tube (have an old 911 so very well acquainted with removing valve covers, Porsche doesn't have the pesky tube seals though - the valve cover gasket takes care of all).

Checked eBay and prices for gasket/seals sets go from $20-80(oem)
Any suggestions on which to use (or which to avoid)

Gonna replace plugs & wires at same time - again suggestions, was planning on using e3 plugs unless reason not to.

Final question, noticed while going through archives that high test fuel is recommended for turbos, what is recommended for NA- been using 87 -only done a couple of hundred miles and averaged 16.3 - had been hoping for more

Thanks in advance, Glen

[tomato_88]

16.3 is low. Something is not right. How many miles? I would use only NGK plugs. I use just the copper ones, but I don't mind changing them every 30k miles. Feel pro makes decent gaskets, OEM from a dealer online too. Did you try Subaru genuineparts.com?

[millarg]

Thanks for your reply. I've replaced the air filter and removed crossbars, have ordered plugs new leads and cover gaskets, hoping to get job done early next week, will do a leak-down test at same time, and finish up with fresh oil and filter. Hopefully I'll see mileage improve - I do live in a very hilly area and most trips are very short

Truck has 69K miles, engine is a little sweaty at head gaskets, prior to removing valve covers I'll power wash and degrease bottom of engine, so I can more easily monitor exactly how weepy they are (is there any merit to re-torqueing head bolts while valve covers are off?

[tomato_88]

Once they start leaking the gasket is already compromised...

[tomato_88]

Its possible it has original plugs in it that are in bad shape.