Please help me!!! I am changing the spark plugs on my '95 Maxima and found something very unusual. For the third spark plug that I changed, the one closest to the oil cap, the whole shaft to the top of the spark plug was completely covered in oil. I dont think this is a good thing. When I put the spark plug socket over the spark plug and pulled it back out, the socket was dripping with oil. Can anyone please tell me why this is???? Thank you for your help.

 

Take a look at the attached diagram of the head and gaskets.



One of the small round gaskets has to be bad. It would be a good idea to replace all of your gaskets.

 

Do you think that it is safe to drive on it?

 

It would be safe for a little bit but I wouldn't continue to drive it for months like that. Keep checking your oil level too.

 

Have you recently switched to synthetic oil? I have heard that on older, high milage engines, that synthetic oil will work it's way through worn out seals quicker than DINO oil can.

Just a thought.
SHUMAX

 

OK, I just talked with my mechanic and he says that it is not a problem. Having the oil cap get so close, some oil probably leaked out and under the valve cover into the spark plug housing. It just appears like a lot of oil, but really isnt that much. He said that I can continue changing the plugs, and if oil does get into the combustion chamber that it will just burn off and the car will be back to normal after being on for a minute or two.

 

Well, I got all of my new Bosch Platinum +4 Plugs in and they work just fine. Startup was quick and seemed smoother than usual. As I expected, clouds of white smoke came out of the exhaust which means some oil got into the combustion chamber and quickly burned away. Now the car is just fine. Tomorrow I will attempt to change the filter.

 

you should use nissan NGK spark plugs.

 

Well, I hope that is what happened because when I changed my plugs, they all were dry as a bone. I wouldn't pass on checking it out further.

 

I want to change my plugs too on my 95 max. Anybody has any idea of what sort of tools i need? also do i have to torque them? or can i just hand tighten them? Also where is the cheapest place to get NGK's? Thank to anybody who replies.

 

Dude, I thought about your issue a little more and I think that what your mechanic told you is wrong. How could oil spill into the spark plug bay when it is sealed with the coil and the plastic valve cover with the Nissan logo on it? I think you should be more concerned about this one.

 

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