I have an 06 WRX, just changed the spark plugs over the last weekend and notice that sometime (happens 3 times in 2 days) my car won't start unless I give it some gas while turning the key. Once it starts it seems to run fine. Want to see if anyone have any idea.
I didn't gap the plugs as they are supposed to be pre-gap NGK: ILFR6B, or at least I thought so. The coil packs seem to seat well. Do you think they will cause this kind of starting problem? As after it starts, it runs fine. And when I got it to start, turn off the engine and start again, it starts right up with no problem.
You always gap your plugs. You never ever ever ever ever go off of the "pre-gap" that it is shipped with. always gap your plugs.
From what I understand Iriduim plug need a special tool to regap as the tip is fragile unlike copper plugs. I got it from the dealership and they said that these plugs don't need to be regap. So, do you think this is really my problem right now as it run just fine after it starts?
What dealership did you get the iridium plugs from? And honestly, I don't care if the manufacturer says they don't need to be gapped. NGK iridiums I had were all different gap settings, and I used a set of needlenose pliers to regap them. As long as you are careful with the electrode tip while messing with them, you wont harm them. But to be honest, I'd take them back and just get the stock platinum tipped ones...I honestly don't see any real benefit other than longevity for using them.
I got the plugs NGK: ILFR6B from Bloomington subaru, and they are listed on the official 06 wrx service manual as stock OEM replacement. Even the old ones I took out are exactly the same. I'd hate to do it again.. I guess I have to As I said it runs perfectly after it starts, could it be something else?
Odds are that is exactly what is causing your cold start problems, improperly gapped sparkplugs. As the engine gets warm, things heat up, and work a little more efficiently. It may run "fine" when it is warm, but you are likely losing power somewhere in the power band due to the improper gap.
I checked the manual and it said the range should be (0.028 - 0.031). Does it sound right? I'll try regapping them this weekend then. Thanks Jason and Dave! you guys are awesome!
Do you know where I can get one? I think it'll be handy to have one around. Thanks for the offer by the way!
Go check Northern Tool, tell them you are looking for something like this? Or just tell them you're looking for a spark plug gap tool, they will know what to find. THis is just the first thing to come up in a search, but if they have this, they'll have the pliers type one sheen has. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396162_200396162 This is a gauge, but it comes with an "electrode adjusting tool" which is probably pretty crappy. You're in luck too, there is a NTE in woodbury
Yeah we do too, we're actually in the next town over from you (cottage grove). If you have issues with doing this yourself, or you're just not sure you're doing it right, I'm sure Jason would be willing to help you out here in our garage. It would have to be on the weekend, though. He's gone in green bay all week.
I'd recommend the pliers type tool that doesn't require contacting the electrode for gapping and something like the one listed above for measuring (although most gapping pliers come with some sort of measuring device built in). Get something like this: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-900313?part=sum-900313 I think I got mine from summit. I've seen them locally at Kath, but not at most chain parts stores.
