PHOTOS HERE: https://imgur.com/a/YQxIKGd
I was changing my partner’s spark plugs last night and upon removing the coil pack I was surprised to see that spark plugs 3 and 4 had LOTS of oil in it.
Spark Plug well 1: no oil Spark plug well 2: a tiny bit of oil Spark plug well 3: so much oil that it almost covered the entire plug Spark plug well 4: lots of oil, covered about half of the spark plug
She said she was getting rough idles about a month ago, around when the temperatures started dropping. Then last week she got a check engine light. I used an obd2 reader and got a P0300 code for a cylinder misfire, which is how I came to the idea of replacing the spark plugs.
Context:
- 2012 Chevy Cruze
- 180,000km / 111,800 miles
- spark plugs had never been changed in the past
- P0300 code
- pictures of spark plug wells and old spark plugs in the link above
I’m thinking it might be the engine valve cover or engine valve cover gasket that’s leaking into the spark plug wells.
Before I go and buy new parts, does this seem like an accurate assessment? What else could it likely be? And can I just replace the gasket or is it a good idea to replace the valve cover as well? Could I just replace the gasket, see if that fixes it before replacing the valve cover or should I just do them both at the same time.
Thanks so much for any help!!!
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Valve cover gasket is leaking. Usually want to replace the coil aswell if it’s been contaminated with oil.
Valve cover gasket/spark plug tube seals are leaking. This is what’s causing your misfire issues as oil on the coils and plugs is no good. Replace the gasket and spark plugs, clean the coils well and all should be good!
Thanks! That’s reassuring. Is there a special way to clean the coils? I just used some q tips to wipe it down and put dialectic grease in before plugging it back. Should I be more thorough and if so, what would the technique for that be