So I was replacing my spark plugs today... couldnt remember the last time I did that so I felt it was time, and I got a pretty nasty suprise. All were ok, until the last cap I removed to get at the plug: the whole channel that the cap fits into was covered in oil.

Well at first I freaked out thinkin about worn cylinder walls or spent rings or a busted PCV valve. Then I began thinking. Since its only one, its probably not a PCV valve right? My best guess is that its a spark plug seal. I went out and got a valve cover gasket/spark plug seal kit, and I'm gonna put it in tomorrow. Anyone have any experience with this? Does my logic make sense?

A second question: The kit came with thick spark plug seals that go between the cylinder head and the spark plug channel on the valve cover, and smaller diameter spark plug tube seals. However, when taking off the valve cover tonight, only the thicker spark plug seals were present. Where do the tube seals go as they arent on the block now?

 

Just to clarify its a 94 accord lx with the stock f22b2 SOHC engine.

Thanks in advance!

 

Was it the plug on the far right looking into the engine? That would be plug 1 I think.

----------Oil cap.
4 -- 3 --2 --1

Could oil simply have spilled down the valve cover during an oil change and then sit down in the plug hole?

I would replace the plugs and run for a week to see if the oil returns before changing all the gaskets and such.

 

No, I didnt remove them in order... that makes too much sense I guess for my tastes. The one with the oil in the channel is the cylinder marked 3 in your illustration. Thanks though.

 

The plug you replaced the oiled plug with is it covered in oil now too?

 

you logic is correct. the seal is probably gone.

 

I just had this conversation with my Honda tech. this week about the '96. I had the same problem on 3 of the 4 cylinders! The Honda kit I got didn't have any tube seals (didn't know there were any) so I replaced the valve cover and spark channel seals that were in the kit. He told me that it could be either those seals or the tube seals causing the problem. The tube seal installation is a bit more involved requiring the removal of the rocker arm assys. so if the problem comes back, he'll do the tube seals for me.

5 Days, and so far so good. It sure does idle better now.

 

most definately the spark plug seals. Apply a dab about the size of a BB at the sharp corners where the cam journal meets the head when you reinstall the valve cover. Those are prone to leaking if you dont use a tiny dab of sealant.

 

Thanks a ton for all your responses, makes me feel a lot better. Didn't want to shell out a couple hundred bucks right now. Ill go ahead and replace the seals today, and let ya'll know how it holds up. Thanks

 

The smaller seals are like O-rings... They go in the same tube, only down a ways. You have to remove the camshaft bearing caps to get those, it's a pretty good job since you remove the rockers & stuff. You also have to be very careful with tightening torques.

My advice... Hang onto those. Put everything else on, then check for oil leakage after a little while. Most likely it's the big seals at the valve cover, but if it still leaks then you'll have to do the lower ones. As long as you don't wait too long, the VC gasket will still be nice & soft so you can re-use it.