Introduction
Welcome back to Auto Repair Guys! In this video, we will be discussing an important topic related to spark plugs. If you have noticed oil in your spark plug holes or are experiencing engine misfires, we will explain the causes and provide a solution to fix and prevent this issue.
Understanding the Problem
When you check your spark plugs and find oil in the spark plug wells and on top of the spark plug, it can be concerning. However, it’s important to note that this issue is often caused by a small component and can be easily fixed.
Common Symptoms
Engine misfires can manifest in various ways, and you may receive different error codes related to misfires. Whether you have a four-cylinder or a V6 engine, the issue will be similar. It’s essential to pay attention to any misfire codes or engine lights that may appear.
Identifying the Problem
To diagnose the issue, start by checking the ignition coils. If you find oil on the ignition coils, this is not a good sign. When the ignition coil is contaminated with oil, it may prevent the spark from reaching the spark plug properly. As a result, you may experience intermittent misfires.
Inspecting the Spark Plug Well
Next, it’s crucial to inspect the spark plug well to determine the extent of the oil contamination. It’s important not to remove the spark plugs immediately, as it could lead to oil seeping onto the pistons, which can cause further complications. Instead, use a suction cup or a rag to remove as much oil as possible from the spark plug well.
Removing the Spark Plugs
After cleaning the spark plug well, you can proceed to remove the spark plugs. Keep in mind that there may still be some residual oil present, even after drying the area. Carefully remove the spark plugs and inspect them for oil contamination.
Identifying the Cause
To fix the issue permanently, you will need to remove the valve cover. The valve cover is located on the top of the engine and houses the camshafts and valves. It also contains gaskets that prevent oil from leaking into the spark plug holes.
Removing the Valve Cover
To access the gaskets, you will need to remove the valve cover. This process may vary depending on your specific vehicle, so refer to our channel for a step-by-step guide on valve cover removal and replacement. Once the valve cover is removed, you will be able to see the gaskets.
Examining the Gaskets
Inspect the gaskets for wear and damage. In some cases, you may have individual gaskets for each spark plug hole, while in others, it may be one long gasket. Over time, these gaskets can become brittle and lose their elasticity, causing them to crack or degrade.
Solution: Replacing the Gasket
To fix the issue, you will need to replace the valve cover gasket. It is advisable to replace the entire gasket set to ensure a complete and long-lasting solution. Please refer to the description of this video for a link to where you can purchase a valve cover gasket set.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding oil in the spark plug wells can indicate a faulty valve cover gasket. By replacing the gasket, you can prevent further oil contamination and ensure proper ignition. We hope this video has been helpful in guiding you through this common issue. If you found this information useful, please subscribe to our channel for more informative videos. Thank you for watching, and we’ll see you next time at Auto Repair Guys!
