I'll start off with saying that I dont always replace the valve cover gasket every time I take it off. Now I know that it should be done more frequently.

I was driving along today and my car just died as I'm coasting so I put it back into gear and the car started but it was running really bad (most likely running on less than 4 cylinders) so I just get it to sputter into my driveway and I turn off the motor. I try to start it again and it runs really rough like before so I turn it off and pop the hood to see whats up.

I pull out the spark plug wires, I see the holes flooded with oil (gasket leaked big time). So I remove the valve cover and the gaskets and dry off all the areas where there is supposed to be a seal. Me and my freind sop up all the oil with paper towels then remove the old plugs and wipe around some more until its all dry. Then I use some automotive sealant and put the gasket back onto the valve cover. Then I put the sealant around the head and put the valve cover back on. We then try to start the car and it turns over but never starts. I needed new plugs anyway so we went and bought new plugs and put them in and tried to start it again. No dice.

Now I'm thinking that the spark plug wires may be ruined from the oil exposure but I dont know. I cant think of anything else that would cause my car to not start. What does everyone think. BTW I'm sorry if this topic has already been covered, but the Search function has been down all day. Thanks

 

bump, please help before I have to shell out 50 bucks for new wires.

 

ur sparkplulgs might of fouled out
get a new set..

edit..
ops i thought he said he changed the wires..
lol

buy a set
install
if it runs keep it
if it doesnt return it


Modified by importdude2000 at 10:11 PM 11/7/2004

 

"I needed new plugs anyway so we went and bought new plugs and put them in and tried to start it again. No dice."

 

True, I could always sell them here if the shops return policy is strict. Now I'm just wondering is a small bit of oil residue going to affect the life of the wires or allow no spark at all. I just ordered the gasket kit from Acura so when that comes I'll do everything at once so I dont mess up the new wires too.

 

if th ecar was running rough like it was only firing on three cylinders then it could be that you've blown the ignitor, if spark was only going to three cylinders then the spark from the fourth wire had to go somewhere as i found out when i didnt isolate the ignition when doing a compression test and blew the ignitor as the spark had no where to go. Check to see if your getting a spark and if not new ignitor is needed or possibly the coil.

 

Thanks, How should I check to see if I have a spark? Would it work to take the plugs out of the head and connect the wires to them then trying to start the motor to see if a spark jumps?

 

anyone?