I recently changed the plugs on my maxima and found that two of the plugs were coated with oil. Even the rubber tube from the coil pack had alot of oil, meaning that some came out. Is it normal for spark plugs to have oil since this never happened on my other car before I'm puzzled. The engine seems to run fine though.

 

It means you need to change the O rings in the valve cover that go with the tubes for the spark plugs

 

Yep, I just had that problem a few months back. I had the orings changed and the valve cover gaskets changed. You probably smell burning oil.

 

How much labor is required to do this? Can I do it myself?

 

this is a serious problem, please fix it right away. and no oil in the spark plugs are not a common occurence.

 

Front valve cover shouldn't be that tough to remove, the rear cover looks like a small project.

 

Please don't listen to this ^^^

This is a very common problem in fourth gens. Just replace the spark plug tube seals and you will be good to go. If you feel comfortable taking your intake plenum off then this job will not be a big deal to you...that is the hardest thing you will have to do.

If you would feel more comfortable doing the job then just putting the valve covers on, I have both front a rear valve covers I am selling. They both have pretty new spark plug tube seals. If you are intersted in getting these then selling your after the job just PM me.

 

it is an easy project, and common problem. The front set will take 1.5 hours, and back will take slightly more, as you have to remove the plenum as noted earlier. In the Haynes manual there is a good guide with pictures. The seals themselves are ~$4-6 a pop, so they are not too expensive. Also, be sure to replace both your valve cover gaskets, and your plenum seal too.

Also, if only two are leaking, and they are both in the same valve cover, only mess with that one. I replaced some, and by using too much force, I busted one of the seals, and now I have to redo part of the job. No big deal though.

Finally, even if they leak (and they are called Spark Plug Tube Seals), they only dump oil around the top of the spark plug and the coil pack. The spark plug seal will keep the oil out of the cylinder itself, and prevent problems. Right now, I am running with a torn seal, and the spark plug tube is filled with oil, still runs great and the cylinder fires.

 

Thanks for all the help. I just ordered the parts today. And another question about gaskets. Are you suppose to first glue the gasket to the cover first and then once that's dry glue that part onto the engine. I've heard conflicting advice on the need of using sealant. Some say you don't need sealant for rubber gaskets and some say you do.

 

i am in the same boat
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....87#post5205587
let me know how the job goes i may replace my rear seals next month

 

OK, I've got a minority opinion here. I just did it on the rear valve cover, and it's a real PITA to get to the bolts and hose clamp in the back. You can do it, but give yourself a lot of time, and buy a lot of Band-Aids. Also brush up on your swear words.

 

i was thinking of replacing the knock sensor while i had the intake off, anythign els i coudl do wiel i was down there