Joshka89

Doing a tune up today. Noticed a bit of oil on #4 spark plug.
Is this bad?
I know that oil can leak due to valve cover gasket leaks. Is this a really bad one or can it go a ways?
If it really needs it, then it will have to wait till next month.

Let me know what you think

B_Swapped93

looks like you're running a bit rich how old are those plugs. the threads look like "glass" maybe that's just your camera tho. i'd wipe it off put it back and see if it does it again.

Joshka89

they're about 15k miles old, i just put in some new ones. I'll see what it looks like tomorrow.
The threads aren't glass they just have some **** all over them.

If it's rich I should adjust timing I guess?

jbpnoman

You need new spark plug seals. They're part of the valve cover gasket kit. It's cheap. Make it happen.

B_Swapped93

well do what jbpnoman said then worry about it running rich(if it actually is). I know they're not really glass just said it looked like it.

Skelley1980

Could be leaky valve cover. Hopefully its not a leaky head gasket, could do it too. More plugs would probably have oil if it were your head gasket. No temporary fix. New gaskets are a must.

jbpnoman

Head gasket would leave oil residue on the bottom of the plug - that oil is on the top of the seal. It's the spark plug tube seal.

S2BumpsticksGSR

Use anti- seize on the new plugs and the threads won't get like those did.

Joshka89

Thanks guys i'll look into the gasket job.

I put anti-seize on the old ones, that's what the light brown crap is.

ElectronBlue00

Most likely culprit as others have said is the spark plug seals.... But I must admit, you have one BA camera.

Joshka89

It's my Galaxy S3 if you can believe that.
I think it just looks so nice because it's one of the few pictures on this website that isn't blurred all to hell.
Pardon me if this is a stupid noob question as I've never done a gasket job before, do I have to remove the spark plugs when removing the valve cover?

S2BumpsticksGSR

No you don't need to pull them. Stuff some paper towels/rags in the holes to keep debris out
Lmao- X 2 on lousy pictures. I always take 2 shots in case 1 is crap-

ElectronBlue00

What Engine do you have in your car? Judging from the picture you took it look's like a D series... but I just want to be sure.

sleepyaccord96

just get a valve cover gasket set... its the tube seals leaking.

jbpnoman

You don't have to, but you should just to make sure there isn't any oil on them, and clean them off if there is.

Joshka89

Thanks guys, it's pissing rain and the garage is full of books and clothes and the vanity that's never going to get refinished.

The engine is indeed a D, it's a D16Y8

S2BumpsticksGSR

Oops, that might have tube seals on bottom And top. I'm so used to B's. In which case, yes, you will need to pull them...

Joshka89

What's the idle supposed to be on the D16Y8 auto?
It seems to usually idle at about 750/800 when warm but sometimes it will drop down to 500 or less if I'm stopped at a light.
This is after the tuneup as well.

sleepyaccord96

750-800 is very natural idle range for most all hondas.

S2BumpsticksGSR

When's the last time the throttle body bore And Both sides of the throttle plate was thoroughly cleaned? Cleaning iacv and t/b usually fixes idle issues. Check air cleaner, too. Low idle is Usually a restriction in the intake tract

Joshka89

Never since I've owned it.
I know what I'll be doing as soon as the lovely NY weather feels like unshittying itself