My car has been idling rough and having some start up issues, so I went to check the spark plugs. All three of the rear spark plug cylinders were almost completely filled with oil. What could be the problem?

 

You need to replace the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. Fel-pro has a nice kit with everything everything you need besides the plenum (upper intake) gasket. I sugest you get a throttle body gasket as well, so you can pop the TB off rather than disconnect all the hoses and lines.

Do a search for rear valve cover gasket. Also look around for coil or spark plug boots. the hot oil has deteriorated the boots and caused them to leak spark. This is most likely the cause of your rough running.

 

Thank you for the response. So I need get the valve cover gaskets and the spark plug tube seals...and are you saying I will need to get some new spark plug boots as well?

 

http://www.amazon.com/Fel-Pro-VS5049...1997&carId=004

 

Fel-pro has a kit with gaskets, tube seals, and valve cover bolt grommets.
Fel-pro Part # VS50494R



and #MS91253



When I did mine, I bought from NAPA, because after shipping, you wont save much and NAPA is next day delivery.

 

and http://napaautoparts.com/Catalog/Cat...439_0259735654

NAPA# BEL 702439

 

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the links.

 

one Question? My rear valve cover is leaking, and I only need that rear gasket, not the whole set. Is it possible to just get one gasket with the spark plug tube seals?

 

The front is so easy to do, why would you do half a valve cover job? If the rear needs work, how long do you think the front will last?

 

Taking the upper manifold off is alot of work. Once done, the valve covers, spark plug grommets, knock sensor, IACV, and EGR are right there ready for the taking. Do them all if you can.

Your car has gone you well over a decade of solid, fun, reliable service. Give it some love, yo!

DW

 

Why is the plenum gasket set more than the intake manifold set? The manifold set, which looks to me includes the plenum gasket, costs $3 less.

 

Here's a good thread to get you started.

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...im-w-pics.html

 

If you take upper manifold amd rear valve cover off might as well swap in an 00vi. Hahaha. Rock auto has good price and shipping is cheap.

Check the boots they may be cracked. If not cracked make sure they aren't hard.

 

As far as the boots go, which side is the Right side? Side closest to the firewall? I assume that because they are more expensive, which I assume means they are longer.

 

Funny, checked the napa site, searched coil packs, all I going were hydraulic hoses