So I have a 97 Civic Dx coupe. I’ve noticed a faint smell dunno if I’d say it’s sweet smelling. I also noticed that my coolant levels have dropped occasionally. I pulled my plug wires and noticed the number 2 cylinder had that smell and the wire was brown. I didn’t pull the plug yet, just figured I’d see if this was enough for now to help troubleshoot. Do you then I have a head gasket that’s deteriorating and I should probably change it? I plan I’m doing a motor swap, but I want to have it fully built before I think about that. If I can prolong this motors life I’d like too.

 

Remove the #2 spark plug. The only reasons for coolant on the plug wire end would be a loose spark plug, a cracked head, or a stripped plug or head threads.

 

So you suggest doing a tune up? See if I lose coolant and if the “sweet” smell persists?

 

Do some basic visual inspections. Is the spark plug loose rather than tight? Is the spark plug difficult to remove? Upon removal, is the spark plug damaged? Are the threads stripped?

Once plug is removed, use flashlight to inspect the spark plug hole in the head. Any damage seen? Is the head cracked?