Oil in one of my spark plug cavitys...
08-19-2005, 12:14 PM
#1
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Oil in one of my spark plug cavitys...
I was changing my spark plugs when I noticed that the ignition coil in the rear bank, driver side, had some greasy spots around it. Well, to my surprise, there was oil in the spark plug cavity(1/4 full I would guess judging from how much oil was on the socket and the plug). Did anyone else experience this happening to them? I am guessing that there is some sort of seal under the valve cover in the area of the spark plug? Thanks in advance.
08-19-2005, 07:34 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by zmax26
Yup, valve cover gasket. You'll need new wires and plugs also.
Man, this sucks. Now I have to reomve the intake plenum again!
New wires? You mean I actaully need to buy a new ignition coil?
09-05-2005, 04:11 PM
#6
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Just discovered I have the same issue. This doesn't seem right. It must be caused by excessive pressure in the rear valve cover which is forcing the oil past the gasket in the cover. Did you ever figure out what was happening?
09-05-2005, 08:10 PM
#8
I had the same problem when I changed my plugs. I cleaned as much of the oil out that I could and it seemed like the plug wire sealed the tip of the plug pretty good so no oil was on the tip when I pulled it out. Since it was to late for me to get new gaskets I put everything back and it seems fine except that it idles a little funny.
09-06-2005, 11:44 AM
#10
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could oil in one of the cavities cause the car not to start? one of my friends changed his spark plugs and found oil in one of the cavities and his car doesn't want to start at random times, could this be the problem? he can crank it and you can hear it trying to turn over but nothing will happen, ocassionally it'll start up but abruptly die if he doesn't hold the rpm's up
any ideas?
any ideas?
09-06-2005, 11:56 AM
#11
As already stated the problem is a faulty spark plug tube seal in the valve cover. The only way to fix it is to pull the valve cover and replace the seal. There are 3 seals, one for each plug, plus the main gasket for the valve cover. I imagine that if the problem is left uncorrected, you will eventually destroy the coil (expensive to replace) and plug.
09-06-2005, 03:46 PM
#12
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Originally Posted by okay
could oil in one of the cavities cause the car not to start? one of my friends changed his spark plugs and found oil in one of the cavities and his car doesn't want to start at random times, could this be the problem?
ive seen it happen. not on a maxima, but the concept still applies
09-06-2005, 04:41 PM
#14
Originally Posted by paralyse
NJmodi: I've been driving mine with leaking tube seals for >30k miles, the coils are fine.
That's good to know... since I have no idea when mine started leaking.. The last time I took the coils out was at 60k... now I'm at 120k and was doing the plugs again and thats when I noticed the oil on one of the coils... I've replaced the seal (last week)... so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
09-06-2005, 06:11 PM
#16
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It isn't hard to replace the valve cover gasket, but it is a PITA to actually get to the valve cover in the first place. My strong recommendation is that anyone doing a spark plug replacement on a 5.5 gen have a rear valve cover and replacement gasket available at that time. The individual cylinder seals do not appear to be servicable.
09-06-2005, 07:29 PM
#17
Originally Posted by ABS
It isn't hard to replace the valve cover gasket, but it is a PITA to actually get to the valve cover in the first place.
I agree completely... the valve cover gasket and tube seals are easy... its pulling all the stuff above it off that makes the task tedious.
Originally Posted by ABS
My strong recommendation is that anyone doing a spark plug replacement on a 5.5 gen have a rear valve cover and replacement gasket available at that time. The individual cylinder seals do not appear to be servicable.
09-07-2005, 03:29 PM
#21
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Originally Posted by ABS
It isn't hard to replace the valve cover gasket, but it is a PITA to actually get to the valve cover in the first place. My strong recommendation is that anyone doing a spark plug replacement on a 5.5 gen have a rear valve cover and replacement gasket available at that time. The individual cylinder seals do not appear to be servicable.
Really? I called the dealer a couple of weeks ago and he was able to give me a price for the parts I thought were available. Can someone confirm whether we have to buy an entire valve cover or separate parts are available? I guess I'll have to call another dealer to see what they say if no one else knows.
09-07-2005, 03:54 PM
#23
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Yes, I just confirmed with David B. that the entire unit needs to be replaced - the individual seals/rings are not available for the 3.5 on their own. Of note, the 2004 parts should fit the 2002 and 2003 engines without any problems but are much cheaper AND the valve cover comes with a new PCV valve included!
09-07-2005, 05:59 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by ABS
Yes, I just confirmed with David B. that the entire unit needs to be replaced - the individual seals/rings are not available for the 3.5 on their own. Of note, the 2004 parts should fit the 2002 and 2003 engines without any problems but are much cheaper AND the valve cover comes with a new PCV valve included!
Interesting. Thanks for that info.
09-07-2005, 06:16 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by ABS
Yes, I just confirmed with David B. that the entire unit needs to be replaced - the individual seals/rings are not available for the 3.5 on their own. Of note, the 2004 parts should fit the 2002 and 2003 engines without any problems but are much cheaper AND the valve cover comes with a new PCV valve included!
09-07-2005, 08:05 PM
#29
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I don't have the part number available but I should be getting my shipment tomorrow. I will try to post part numbers tomorrow night. If IIRC the cost for each valve cover was about $35-40 for the 2004 parts but more like $100 each for the 2002 parts. David also confirmed for me that the 2002 valve cover gasket will fit the 2004 valve cover . . .
09-08-2005, 02:56 PM
#31
Originally Posted by BewstAdd1ct
anyone who is willing to send me one
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