Thread: Oil in spark plug hole

Iv got a SR20 that has leaking oil in the spark plug holes. Today when I was driving it popped the spark plug wire off. Iv put a new valve cover and gasket on it awhile ago. Is their anything else I should be looking for? or just a new again gasket maybe Iv also thought maybe some kind of sealant might help.

Make sure you put the valve cover on correctly and there isn't any space in between. Besides that, they do sell a sealant at auto parts stores that you can use that will help.

If moderators can please delete the extra post please. My computer froze and then posted up extra ones by accident. Sorry about that.

Did you replace just the valve cover gasket that goes around the edge of the cover or did you get a kit? The valve cover gasket kit includes gaskets/rings for each of the spark plug holes. That should take care of the issue.

ha ha I just had this problem, but the previous owner totally forgot all 4 rings - you can purchase just the o ring set for like $10 or so but it has to be from the nissan dealership.
Tightening is crucial- take off the vc, clear any debris and use paper towel to wipe up the gunk in the cyl, spark plug, plug wires, and tack it back up again, tightening in proper order and to proper specs (or do what I do, tighten until you have to put effort in, tighten all of them like that, then tighten them another 1/2 turn and you're golden.

If you buy the Fel-Pro gasket kit (and maybe others) the rings around the plugs come attached together as a single gasket piece. Much easier to make sure they are lined up correctly. I believe there is a correct sequence for tightening the cover bolts. And, don't over torque them.

I've had battles with valve cover leaks in the plug valleys in the past even with new gaskets. Now I always add a little bit of grey RTV to the spark plug hole gasket rings and spin them around in their seat to evenly disperse the sealant. It also helps keep them in place while you put the cover back on. If they are all attached in one strip I cut them apart so I can do this.

Since I started doing this I've had no more wet plug valleys.

Ive been there. Make sure if you replace the gasket again, replace the inner (spark plug well) gasket too. It should be four circular rings daisy-chained together. You may want to get new spark plugs and/or spark plug wires for the one that had oil in it.

Do what ben did. It works.