spark plug disaster

[Deano96GS]

Well, i bought my mx, and i decided to change the plugs b/c they were black, anyways<P>Pulling off the last plug ( the one closest to the firewall, to the right, when looking at the car from the front, sorry i dont know what number it is, ) anwyays, i pull it out, its all oily, and greasey!!!! ACK!!1 what does this mean, this is obviously not normal, can someone help me out?<P>also, the first spark plug wire we pulled out, we cracked the plastic rod thing that goes into the block, can i just buy one of those? or do i have to buy a whole set of wires!?? <P>HELP HELP HELP<BR>thanks<P><BR><P>------------------<BR>Deano, 1996 Black GS

[~robin]

I'll just preface this reply with the fact I know sod all but as I'm here...<BR>This is what I know:<P>HT leads, one or more of mine went, dealer diagnosed it,(that's how much I know); and I brought a new set, *but* I could have just brought one lead. So yes you can buy one lead, well in the UK anyway.<P>Oil! That's cheered me up.. it's not just mine then! This *is* common?? Some leaky gasket,(which I don't intend to pay out big bucks to have fixed); See:<BR> <A HREF="http://www.bradbury.cwc.net/probemx/p_p3.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.bradbury.cwc.net/probemx/p_p3.htm</A> <P>HTH

[Deano96GS]

AYE so this oil on the plug is a problem? mm big labour costs?<BR>

[Bri94GS]

I had oil on 3 plugs on my GS, and the other 3 had a glazy look to them. I upgraded to Bosch+4 Platinum plugs and magnecor wires...not much of a HP gain, but the car seems to run a lot better and smoother idle. The oil thing worried me too, but I see other people had the same problem<P>------------------<BR>~'94 GS

[Deano96GS]

New wires hey? How much did they cost you, the oem ones are 180 canadian!!<BR>

[Ramdao]

oil in the spark plug? please be more especific!, it could be two things,if is on the threads, it could be the head valve cover that does not seal well, if the plug tip shows a kind of black oily gunk, get worry! it could be either oil leaking throug the valve stem seal, or or the piston oil control ring is worn, does it smoke?

[Ogimoj]

If the oil is on the top of the plug (before you remove the plug) and on the wire/boot, then it's a leaky valve cover gasket - seems to be really common with these engines. Dealer-only item, but cheap (US$20ish). Not real dificult to replace, but you'll NEED a tourque wrench for putting the valve cover back on. Definately follow the instructions in the shop manual for the bolt tightening pattern, and do them in several steps. If I remember correctly, the tourque spec is 45-78 in-lbf. (verify that first) That's a lot less than you might realize