Oil on spark plug electrode and boots
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Oil on spark plug electrode and boots
I have a 1994 civic DX SOHC 1.5 and it recently started running very rough and had slow acceleration. (fairly new engine installed a 2 yrs ago) I was driving a few days ago and it completely shut off and wouldn't start. Upon inspection the distributor ?rotator? had busted so i replaced that. and it started up but still ran the same. I checked the spark plugs and they were all oily and the wire boots were wet at the bottom. I didn't notice much in the spark plug cylinder wall though. But i checked the timing, replaced the plugs and the head gasket seals and spark plug gasket seals because they were from the engine when it was purchased.
My question is after reading some forums there is a "lower spark plug seal?" where is that and could that need to be replaced?? I am not too familiar with this area so please be patient in explaining. also I plan to do a compression test but i assume the engine is in good shape as its not very old, plus all the cylinders seemed to have oil BTW it seemed #1 had ALOT and #3 was second if that matters. 4 and 2 were wet but the boots weren't as soaked.
ALSO i ran the car for a while and it seemed that the new spark plugs weren't wet yet but its still running rough. and i feel theres more to it than what i did.
BTW no smoke or smell in exhaust. and car seems to have a slight vacuume leak as it idles slightly erratically until warm but had done that for over a year
Thanks
My question is after reading some forums there is a "lower spark plug seal?" where is that and could that need to be replaced?? I am not too familiar with this area so please be patient in explaining. also I plan to do a compression test but i assume the engine is in good shape as its not very old, plus all the cylinders seemed to have oil BTW it seemed #1 had ALOT and #3 was second if that matters. 4 and 2 were wet but the boots weren't as soaked.
ALSO i ran the car for a while and it seemed that the new spark plugs weren't wet yet but its still running rough. and i feel theres more to it than what i did.
BTW no smoke or smell in exhaust. and car seems to have a slight vacuume leak as it idles slightly erratically until warm but had done that for over a year
Thanks
Last edited by druhess; Aug 18, 2009 at 11:11 AM. Reason: added info
I'm made of meat!
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Richmond, VA
You don't need to rebuild anything. You need a $25 valve cover gasket set from Advance or PepGirls.
The nuts on top of your valve cover need to come off, you need to rubber mallot your valve cover loose, clean both surfaces and replace the gaskets applying RTV on all corners and curves in the gasket, gently and evenly hand-tighten your valve cover gently back on the head. No more leaks. It takes an hour and no machining.
Next, you need to replace your cap, rotor, and plug wires. Don't argue with me. They're done. Replace your air filter, PCV valve and fuel filter if you want to make it a complete tune-up. Pat yourself on the back for not spending $400 at Joe's Garage.
The nuts on top of your valve cover need to come off, you need to rubber mallot your valve cover loose, clean both surfaces and replace the gaskets applying RTV on all corners and curves in the gasket, gently and evenly hand-tighten your valve cover gently back on the head. No more leaks. It takes an hour and no machining.
Next, you need to replace your cap, rotor, and plug wires. Don't argue with me. They're done. Replace your air filter, PCV valve and fuel filter if you want to make it a complete tune-up. Pat yourself on the back for not spending $400 at Joe's Garage.