Subaru Question (Oil Leak, or Not)

msk1986911 · 05-10-2009, 12:15 PM

We just picked up a 2004 Forester with 94K miles. Appears to be really well cared for and runs well. I pulled the spark plug wires on the rights side of the engine (passenger side) and found that the shaft was coated with oil. I have not pulled the opposite side. Is this an indication that something is going bad, or, is oil typical because of the engine configuration? I've got no smoke on start-up and no puddles under the car. The coolant does not smell like oil.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Mike

rick-l · 05-10-2009, 04:12 PM

Sounds like a gasket around the plugs on the rocker arm cover.

If you need the factory service manual go to http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/referenceHome.jsp

For $35 you have 72 hours to download as much as you can stand.

msk1986911 · 05-10-2009, 05:43 PM

Rick:

Thanks for the reply. I found a thread on a Subaru forum (sort of like PP but not nearly as cool) that indicated that it is a fairly common issue. The parts are fairly cheap ($50-60) although the R & R looks to be a PITA.

Thanks again.

Mike