Wet spark plugs - what's the prob?

[HondaFan81]

Aight guys, on my 90 EX (~250,000 miles) when I replaced the spark plugs (NGK coppers), I noticed the threads on the plugs for cylinders 2 & 3 were both soaked in oil. So in talking with my neighbor he said that if it's a lil bit of oil on the plugs, probably valve seals. If it's alot, then probably piston rings. However, I've been told by friends that the car when just started puffs out a black cloud of smoke, but driving down the road it's fine. My guess it's the valve seals, cuz if it was the piston rings it'd be smoking 24-7 down the road...wouldn't it? It prolly just sends a puff of black smoke on start up cuz from the car sittin in park, the oil slips into the chamber & gets burned out initially, but as the engine warms up...the seals prolly swell up and don't leak as much going down the road.

So that's my hypothesis, what do you all think? Plus, any tips on putting new valve seals, if that is all that's wrong, would be greatly appreciated.

[Kabuki]

Re: Wet spark plugs - what's the prob?

Originally posted by HondaFan81
Aight guys, on my 90 EX (~250,000 miles) when I replaced the spark plugs (NGK coppers), I noticed the threads on the plugs for cylinders 2 & 3 were both soaked in oil. So in talking with my neighbor he said that if it's a lil bit of oil on the plugs, probably valve seals. If it's alot, then probably piston rings. However, I've been told by friends that the car when just started puffs out a black cloud of smoke, but driving down the road it's fine. My guess it's the valve seals, cuz if it was the piston rings it'd be smoking 24-7 down the road...wouldn't it? It prolly just sends a puff of black smoke on start up cuz from the car sittin in park, the oil slips into the chamber & gets burned out initially, but as the engine warms up...the seals prolly swell up and don't leak as much going down the road.

So that's my hypothesis, what do you all think? Plus, any tips on putting new valve seals, if that is all that's wrong, would be greatly appreciated.

What is FAR more common on these engines, is that the spark plug tube seals (12342-PT0-000) will begin leaking. These are the ones that go around the spark plug holes in the valve cover. Another possibility is the cam holder O-rings, which seal between the cylinder head and the camshaft holders.

[HondaFan81]

Yea, what Ricky said about anything's possible with this car having so many miles is right. I think it'll benefit me the most to take the valve cover off and check the condition of all the gaskets, o-rings, etc. Replace what's bad. It's just chillin in the garage for now anyways.

thanks for the info to the both of ya

[HondaFan81]

Man, the engine isn't as peppy as it was before. These wet plugs are definitely NOT helping. It's doggish now, pissing me off. After I'm finished with another lil project on another one of our cars, I'll get to this 90 EX. I'm just gonna take off the valve cover and replace all the o-rings, seals & the valve cover gasket itself I see fit (careful not to get junk in the exposed engine).Clean the oil off the valve cover (it's saturated with it). Then, hit it with new NGK copper plugs (it already has new rotor, dist. cap, & plug wires). Degrease the engine compartment...it's filthy. Finally, tinker with tightening up the clutch pedal and/or bleeding it properly if it wasn't (but Honda mechanics usually do good job). Also, bleed the brakes again....this time at all 4 wheels, not just the front two...make sure I get all air out fo sho. And Maybe I'll be happy then

Sidenote: This car isn't on full insurance (on minimal) cuz it's technically in "storage" for now..we have other cars we can use. I still take it out every now and then for a quick spin...parents get SOOO pissed! hilarious...i know i'm f**ked if I get in a accident though...but I can't stand not driving it for long periods....yes, I'm sad...so shoot me

[HondaFan81]

Any tips/suggestions to the above jobs I will be doing, will be greatly appreciated. It will be followed by a $100 check in the mail for every tip <

eh, well not exaaaactly