Spark Plug Oily - SRT Forums

mastdesi · 05-13-2008, 02:51 PM

Today, when I was changing the spark plugs I noticed that one of the spark plugs was oily. It had oil all over it from the bottom. Other 3 were fine. What could this be? Can you show me where to get the parts needed for this and the guide too please?

I found this guide for changing the gasket:
HOW-TO: Install Valve Cover (aka: Cylinder Head Cover)

Can it be done by myself or do I need to take it to a mechanic? Is it hard to open the engine since the mechanics charge hundreds.

1B4dSRT · 05-13-2008, 03:16 PM

i think it could mean that one of ur piston rings or pistons is f'ed up.

moparmansrt4 · 05-13-2008, 03:27 PM

Sounds like a bad seal.. There are rubber rings that seal the valve cover around your spark plugs you probably need new ones. VERY easy to change all you need is a deep 8mm socket, a short extension and the new ring seal. and a 10mm socket to take the coil pack off. My sister could do this one, you will have no problem.

blackbird_R/T · 05-13-2008, 03:31 PM

If there is oil in the spark plug cavity and on the threads that's usually a good sign one of the valve cover gasket seals that goes around the spark plug hole is leaking. You want to get that corrected and also clean that area out. If you leave oil residue down there it makes it easier for carbon tracking problems to develop. If the electrodes and ceramic that's exposed to the combustion chamber is soaked and has burnt on oil I'd be a little more concerned you're leaking oil past a piston ring or valve seal which is getting burnt in the combustion chamber.

You might want to do a compression and leak down test and if that comes back good replace the valve cover gasket for that plug, swap in a new set of plugs (ensuring the head is clean) and check them periodically to see if the problem returns. Also pay attention to the exhaust to see if you're smoking any. It might be easier to spot this if you have someone follow behind you as you first start the car cold, cruise then accelerate briskly, etc. (it can sometimes be easier for the trailing car to spot during night with headlights on).

mastdesi · 05-14-2008, 07:02 PM

i went to the mechanic and he set you need a whole gasket set which is 75$ plus 40$ labour... I am sure only the rubber things (valve cover gasket seals) needs to be replaces and not the whole thing since only 1 spark plus was oily... now i searched on ebay they sell full kits, where can i get just the vavle cover gasket seals. thanks.

joe smalls · 05-14-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mastdesi

i went to the mechanic and he set you need a whole gasket set which is 75$ plus 40$ labour... I am sure only the rubber things (valve cover gasket seals) needs to be replaces and not the whole thing since only 1 spark plus was oily... now i searched on ebay they sell full kits, where can i get just the vavle cover gasket seals. thanks.

your local auto parts store should have a valve cover gasket set. seeing how your in canada i don't know what stores are up there. you could always order online from advance auto parts or autozone

if not try one of the vendors like mopar performance

obtw dont forget RTV for the corners of the valve cover gasket

moparmansrt4 · 05-14-2008, 07:58 PM

Yeah I would never pay a mechanic to do this. It is sooooo easy.

mastdesi · 05-14-2008, 09:30 PM

do i really need rtv for a neon? can you tell me exactly where to put it?

joe smalls · 05-15-2008, 02:10 PM

i put it on all the corners and edges.

four corners

on each side of cam sensor
grey high temp RTV

this is just a suggestion

have my head off right now and i know i will be putting rtv on the valve cover gasket.