2004 Subaru Forester: Can you safely install spark plugs without a torque wrench....just by using the "hand Tighten" directions on the package (1/2 to 2/3 turn)?.....Is the forester an iron or aluminum head?

Remove spark plug wire with a spark plug cable remover tool. Blow out debris around spark plug. Remove spark plug with spark plug socket, extension and ratchet.

Use a gap gauge to set the proper gap on the new spark plug. Screw it in loosely by hand. Then tighten to the published torque spec using a torque wrench. Apply a dab of dielectric grease to the tip of the spark plug cable and reinstall the cable. If you don't have those tools, don't try it.

B: INSTALLATION
1) Install the crankshaft pulley.
2) Install the pulley bolt.
To lock the crankshaft, use ST.
ST 499977400 CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
WRENCH
(1) Clean the crankshaft pulley thread using an
air gun.
(2) Apply engine oil to the crankshaft pulley bolt
seat and thread.
(3) Tighten the bolts temporarily with tightening
torque of 44 N·m (4.5 kgf-m, 33 ft-lb).
(4) Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolts.
Tightening torque:
127 N·m (13 kgf-m, 94.0 ft-lb)

From FSM:

B: INSTALLATION
1) Install the crankshaft pulley.
2) Install the pulley bolt.
To lock the crankshaft, use ST.
ST 499977400 CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
WRENCH
(1) Clean the crankshaft pulley thread using an
air gun.
(2) Apply engine oil to the crankshaft pulley bolt
seat and thread.
(3) Tighten the bolts temporarily with tightening
torque of 44 N·m (4.5 kgf-m, 33 ft-lb).
(4) Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolts.
Tightening torque:
127 N·m (13 kgf-m, 94.0 ft-lb)

Hello, first, you must remove the air cleaner housing Move the tube from the air cleaner and the intake on top of the engine by loosening the hose clamps at each end. It is still attached to a hose underneath but can be put out of the way

Remove the top of the air cleaner and the filter.

Remove the two 12mm bolts at each side of the bottom.

The side of the bottom is rubber gasket to the inside fender - just rotate slightly each way to loosen and pull off and put off to the side - there is still a wire attached.

Now pull off the spark plug caps on the side of the engine. This is a boxer engine which means the plugs are in a horizontal position on the sides. It is good to have a pair of spark plug pliers to do this as they are really difficult to remove. (spark plug pliers form a circle on the end when closed and are nice to grasp the caps with). Now you will need a 3/8 drive socket wrench, a 2" extension and a 5/8 deep socket Connect the extension and socket and feed it into the spark plug hole and over the spark plug. It is really deep inside. Now attach the wrench and remove the spark plug making sure you keep the tools level so as not to torque the plug side ways. Once the plug is real loose, unattached the wrench and hand loosen the plug with the extension because the wrench won't fit to remove the extension and socket attached. Remove the extension and socket and then spark plug. Put in the new plug reversing the steps.

Thanks

Replace one at a time. Don't remove all the wires at once or the firing order will be messed up.
Make sure spark plug area is clean so no debris will fall inside the cylinder.
Remove plug wire by pulling it off by the boot and not the wire itself.
Then with extension(s) spark plug socket and socket wrench, turn them counter-clockwise until they are out, put new plug in and tighten clockwise. It may be easiest to start them by using your hand instead of the socket wrench itself. Make sure they start going in fairly easily. If they feel tight right away, the threads may not be seating right and they can get cross-threaded.
Tighten completely, don't over tighten but not loose, just snug. Then push boot from plug wire back on and move to the next one.

Engine off
Remove one spark plug wire / using correct size spark plug wrench with / rubber boot designed for spark plugs (deep well socket with rubber boot) remove (1) spark plug / gap new replacement spark plug to specs / install replacement spark plug by hand into head of engine /finger tight /using spark plug socket and rachet finish tighting spark plug / tighten just beyond snug being careful to not over tighten and breaking spark plug ..if in doubt about the proper tighting consult motor manual for torque specs. use torque specs in conjunction with appropiate torque wrench . Re-install removed spark plug wire ...proceed to remaining spark plugs doing one at a time until completed.

Subaru Forester Spark plug removal: First, you must remove the air cleaner housing Move the tube from the air cleaner and the intake on top of the engine by loosening the hose clamps at each end. It is still attached to a hose underneath but can be put out of the way

Remove the top of the air cleaner and the filter.

Remove the two 12mm bolts at each side of the bottom.

The side of the bottom is rubber gasketed to the inside fender - just rotate slightly each way to loosen and pull off and put off to the side - there is still a wire attached.

Now pull off the spark plug caps on the side of the engine. This is a boxer engine which means the plugs are in a horizontal position on the sides. It is good to have a pair of spark plug pliers to do this as they are really difficult to remove. (spark plug pliers form a circle on the end when closed and are nice to grasp the caps with). Now you will need a 3/8 drive socket wrench, a 2" extension and a 5/8 deep socket Connect the extension and socket and feed it into the spark plug hole and over the spark plug. It is really deep inside. Now attach the wrench and remove the spark plug making sure you keep the tools level so as not to torque the plug side ways. Once the plug is real loose, unattach the wrench and hand loosen the plug with the extension because the wrench won't fit to remove the extension and socket attached. Remove the extension and socket and then spark plug. Put in the new plug reversing the steps.

hand tighten and then turn 1/4 turn with wrench or until snug

Not easy without proper plug wrench. If not available then I use a plug socket and 1 " extension. Reach them in first onto the plug, then put ratchet on. When I re install I use a small piece of hose that the plug sets in to start the treads. The hose won't allow you to get enough torque to strip the threads but will start. Good luck and try to have paitience.

This procedure is for the SOHC only.

E: INSTALLATION
1. CYLINDER HEAD

1. Install cylinder head and gaskets on cylinder block. CAUTION: Use new cylinder head gaskets.
2. Tighten cylinder head bolts.

1. Apply a coat of engine oil to washers and bolt threads.
2. Tighten all bolts to 29 Nm (3.0 kg-m, 22 ft. lbs.) in alphabetical sequence. Then tighten all bolts to 69 Nm (7.0 kg-m, 51 ft. lbs.) in alphabetical sequence.
3. Back off all bolts by 180° first; back them off by 180° again.
4. Tighten bolts (a) and (b) to 34 Nm (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft. lbs.) .
5. Tighten bolts (c), (d), (e) and (f) to 15 Nm (1.5 kg-m, 11 ft. lbs.) .
6. Tighten all bolts by 80 to 90° in alphabetical sequence. CAUTION: Do not tighten bolts more than 90°.

1. Further tighten all bolts by 80 to 90° in alphabetical sequence shown in figure provided. CAUTION: Ensure that the total "re-tightening angle" [in the former two steps], do not exceed 180°.