This usually happens on hot days. It'll crank, but no ignition. Sometimes the S3 light blinks, sometimes it doesn't. If I get 'er started, 6 times out of ten, it squeals.

I looked at the plugs, very oily. This weekend I'm chaning the plugs, oil, and distributer cables (some dry rot there). Are there any gaskets I may need to replace to stop the oil?

I think the oil in the plugs is the culprit for the non start, but the S3 light and squeal make me nervous about the clutch.

Any ideas?

 

If you get a valve cover set, it comes with gaskets for each of the spark plug holes. I'ts pretty easy to replace this set of gaskets. Just make sure to blow out the spark plug holes before removing them so you don't get any debris down in your engine.

While you're doing the work, you might want to go ahead and repalce the distributor cap and rotor.

 

When replacing the valve cover gasket and rings, I would also suggest that you use an "RTV sealant". This sealant bonds, waterproofs, and fills surface irregularities. (Make sure that the mating surfaces are clean - you may want to use a damp cloth with varsol)

You want to do this properly to avoid any oil leaks.....