Hi everyone,

I’m a new member who has registered to try and help a friend. She has an Impreza Wagon which has blown out a spark plug and needs a helicoil fitted. She has had a quote for a grand saying that the engine needs to come out. Is this correct or is it only necessary to remove the head? Also does anyone know of a good mechanic in the St. Albans Hertfordshire area?

Many thanks in advance for any feedback

Sorry to hear about your friends problem, unfortunately the engine will probably have to come out to do such a job because of the flat four layout, the heads are really close to the chassis legs, there is really only just enough room to change the spark plugs never mind fitting a helicoil, a decent garage with experience of the subaru engine should be able to remove the engine in a couple of hours and I'm sorry but I don't know of any garages down your way who could possibly do this 

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. The couple of garages that I've spoken to said the same thing thing. Hopefully we can find a garage that are able to look at it.