I noticed this on a couple plugs when I changed them recently. I'm assuming a lead in the valve cover gasket or something like that, or possibly just some oil that spilled under the cover, as I had a shop change it once when it was cold as hell outside. Internal sides were fine. Anybody know for sure what causes this?

It's an H22A1.

 

i had a civic that did that once..
ended up being a leaking head gasket..

hope thats not it...gl man.

 

Probably the spark plug donuts on the valve cover. I had an older Integra that did that. Replaced those donuts, and the problem went away. The rubber gets hard with age, and eventually starts leaking.

 

Don't think it's the head gasket because it doesn't seem to burn oil at any noticable rate. If it's leaking past the "donuts", where is it coming from originally?

 

from inside the valvecover

 

Do I need to change the valve cover gasket or is this just a fact of life with the H22?

 

Change the valve cover gasket and the spark plug grommets. 99.9% chance that is your problem.



You need # 3 and ( 4 of ) # 4

http://www.slhondaparts.com/br...=true

 

Cool bro, thanks. I've got a timing belt change and valve adjustment coming up when the weather cools off, so I'll add it to the list...

 

valve cover gasket is a liquid gasket right??

 

its a rubber gasket that you gotta grease up to seal right. You wouldent believe how many problems that little fuggin gasket causes. If you take the valvecover off, 90% chance you have to replace it because its ripped/or not seating right.

 

yeah i bet....i gotta fix mine its leakin around the back corner