I have a bad gasket causing oil to leak out of one of my spark plug wires. I'm going to replace the gasket, and figured it's a good idea to replace the spark plug wire since it's been saturated in oil for years. (But I never have misfires). (Is it even necessary to change if it's not misfiring?)

Given my budget, I don't see myself buying actual Honda brand plugs, and will most likely get some aftermarket ones.

I've read that you should avoid replacing spark wires unless absolutely necessary, like it can mess up the firing or something.

Would it be better to replace just the one and leave the other originals? Or should I change all of them?

If I'm not getting misfires, do you think it's even necessary at all to replace? Maybe I should just change the gaskets?

THANKS! ✝️🔧

 

If there is no tearing or signs of deformation on the boots or wire, you want to check that it is functioning properly. Clean the oil out with a solvent like electronics part cleaner.

You want to check the resistance of the wire - if the resistance is out of spec you will be stressing your distributor coil. Service manual for my 89 says 25k ohm, but that is a service limit - a new good wire should be around 8K ohm iirc; I've also read that 10k ohm per foot is something to aim for.

Other thing to check is the contacts. Make sure they snap onto the plug when you push it on, and the other end engages the distributor cap enough to not slip out.

Plug wires are sold in a set - each is a length specific to the cylinder. Verify the resistances of the new wire(s) before installing, especially for any of the parts-store brands or if you find a used one.

A new set of wires should not mess up anything, if they are within spec and routed to the proper cylinders.

 

When you mentioned years... I would look into replacing your spark plugs with some basic NGK ones as yours may be fairly worn, then gap them accordingly.. Also check the wear of your distributor cap and rotor. Replacing the wires is not needed. Just clean them. Buy a valve cover gasket set that comes with the grommets so you don't have that leak again and make sure to use a small dab of sealant in the corners where the head flat surface meets the cam caps.

 

Is it possible that the spark wire boot is what's causing the leak, and not the actual gasket?

 

No, it's just the gasket leaking. Time to replace the valve cover gasket set..