Oil around the spark plugs!

colo164 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:02 PM

Well after putting the 500 miles on my car after my rebuild, I figured it was time to do some maintenance. I am currently working on it just waiting for it to cool down but I am going to change the oil and filter, as well as re-torque the heads.

When I pulled the spark plug wires off, I noticed a couple plugs were actually loose, which means they were not properly seated with the crush washers, but there was also oil surrounding five out six plugs. I'm getting ready to pull it all apart, anything I should look out for?

**ke3ee** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:10 PM

I just fixed mine for this issue. I replaced the rubber spark plug well seals under the valve covers. jason and IAP both have them. I also used some hard tack gasket glue to hold them in place once stretched into place. robb

colo164 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 05:45 PM

Thanks a lot, should be the problem. Any advice on where to pry a valve cover from? When they installed them on the car they used a really sticky silicone based glue or something like that around the gaskets. Now I can't get the valve covers to budge.

The one thing I know for sure, I'm doing all my own work from here out, even if it takes longer.

**ke3ee** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 06:31 PM

After all bolts are loose just a tap with a rubber mallet should do the job, if you need to pry use a small screwdriver on a corner with light taps from the mallet. I would order new gaskets, there's really no need for RTV or the like on the valve covers...the front of course is cake the rear you will need to remove intake and dont forget to put ground strap back on rear cover (I learned the hard way). I just did this job yesterday and total time was approx. 2 hours from start to finish for both valve cover gaskets,throttle body gasket . to do all 6 plug seals, both valve cover gaskets and the throttle body gasket, cost should be about $75 in parts. Make sure you have good tools for the 5.5 and 7mm or 8mm allen hex heads on the valve covers and intake runners, they can round out easily. I would suggest ball ends and from a good supplier such as craftsman, mac or matco.

**elite38868** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 09:49 AM

What is the condition of the rubber boots on the spark plug wells? RTV should NEVER be used on the valve covers. If anything, you might use some gasket sealant on one side of the valve cover gaskets. If you use thicker gaskets than stock or rtv, I could definitely see why oil would get up in there.

colo164 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 02:05 PM

Well all the gaskets were new and oem replacement or oem i dont remember. I think the reason they leaked is because of the excesseve amount of silicone used, it was 1/8th inch thick in spots. Plus I think the lack of torque on the valve covers could have done it. I stopped by Centerline and got all new gaskets and I will install them this time, probably tomorrow night.

**elite38868** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colo164

Well all the gaskets were new and oem replacement or oem i dont remember. I think the reason they leaked is because of the excesseve amount of silicone used, it was 1/8th inch thick in spots. Plus I think the lack of torque on the valve covers could have done it. I stopped by Centerline and got all new gaskets and I will install them this time, probably tomorrow night.

mistersooty · #8 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 08:44 AM

I'm in the middle of replacing these boots as well due to oil seepage. Is the consensus no RTV around the top of the seals and the valve cover gaskets? Also what is the tourque values on the valve covers? I don't want to be doing this job again anytime soon

**ke3ee** · #9 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 09:07 AM

I just use a little hard tack gasket glue to hold both the seals and valve cover gaskets in place during installation. as far as torque..with new gaskets, just snug them up maybe 10 ft lbs you dont want to over compress the gaskets. I also use some anti-sieze on the intake runner hex heads and of course new gaskets on those and the throttle body. make sure all grounds are back in place also. (i learned the hard way).