So, from a previous post, I've figured out that one of my spark plug tube gaskets is leaking which results in oil seeping into one of my rear spark plug tubes.

Now, I don't lose any oil between changes and there is no performance problem (i.e., power and acceleration are fine, no CEL's). I checked my compression a while ago and I had even pressures all around that were within specs.

So, here's the question. If I were to replace the leaking plug tube gasket, I'd have to remove the upper intake manifold, which means I'd be obliged to change that gasket too as well as spend the time and energy doing it or pay a mechanic.

If I'm not losing any significant oil or performance, should I even worry about it? Are there any long-term effects that could really bite me in the a$$ later down the line?

Thanks for any help.

Price wise, if you do it yourself, if fairly cheap.

I would do it if i were you. It can always get worse. If more oil gets in there, youll probably have to winde up changing the Coil as well. Plus oil dripping into the combustion chamber isnt all that good for anything.

My buddies tube seal gasket actaully fell down the tube and oil filled the spark plug tube. The car ran fine but smoked alot on start up. When I went to change the plugs one day, the middle rear tube was filled with oil. What a mess.

I ran mine like that for a while, but I agree with Matty. Getting it done sooner is probably better. I finally had mine fixed when I had my leaking valve cover gaskets replaced.

is there a write up for this procedure? also i don't know if it's the same but when i changed my plugs the threaded part of the plugs had some oil on it . is this what's happening to you? btw everywhere else is dry.

As long as the oil is not on the electrode side of the plug you should be ok. You just need to change the gasket for the spark plug tubes.

I can't remember if there is a write up or not. If your gasket in the front is leaking it should be a straight forward job. Just take off the valve cover to get to them. Replace the 3 gaskets for the spark plug tubes as well as the valve cover gasket. If you need to get to one of the ones in the back, the procedure will be more involved as the intake plenum needs to be taken off to get to them.

A Hayne's manual would be good to have around. They are around $14 bucks or so.

I would also reccomend getting it fixed. I thought I had the same problem with mine when I saw oil in the number one hole then realised it was clean oil that had leaked down when I serviced the car. Off topic sorry 1996blackmax where can you get haynes manuals I cannot find anything on maximas down here in australia. Can you get them online? I am dying for one.

I would try Ebay. That is actually where I bought mine from. Chilton's makes one as well.




I just met a guy from down there this weekend. He came for my friends wedding .

I have a Haynes Manual and I'm sure I can do the job myself. The problem plug tube is in the rear so I will have to take the intake manifold off. I've never done that before but I'm sure I can do it.

The only thing that worries me is that the Haynes manual lists the EGR tube as being difficult to disconnect. If Haynes says it's difficult then that worries me because I've gone through their steps for other things that were tough but that they made to seem easy.

There is no write-up for the plug tube gaskets in Haynes, just for removing the manifold. Anyone have any guidance?

I guess you guys make sense about getting it done now and not gambling for it to get worse.