I'm trying to help out my friend with his car. It was running like crap, I checked out the spark plugs, and 2 were pretty much covered in oil, the other 2 were somewhat oily. I cleaned them up, he made it home ok. It ran like crap again, he said it wouldn't go over 20 mph, I guessed the spark plugs had fouled. We replaced all 4, and it ran fine, but I know it won't last long.



So where could the oil come from? I'm not too familiar with pistons engines, but I can fix something if I know where to start.



Would it be something like a valve cover gasket (if there is such a thing)?

Does it smoke? Are they cheap ass plugs?



Couldn't be a valve cover, the valve cover keeps oil in the head.

Let me clarify, there is oil on the boot side of the plugs. The lower portion of the boots were covered in oil.

ahh, yea could be a valve cover gasket, check the pcv too, I've had them plug up and oil will boil out the top of the valve cover.

What's the PCV (edit: positive crankcase ventilation, right?), and where abouts would it be located? (like, close to what component, I'm not assuming you know the neon engine layout)

Hopefully it's the pcv, I just found out it's like $3, and apparently easy to change out.

its right on top of the valve cover, with a hose attached and pushed through a rubber grommet.

Sweet, thanks for your help. This guy was talking about buying a different car (he's had several problems), I'd like to save a friend a buck whenever I can.

[quote name='Baldy' date='Aug 30 2005, 10:51 AM']Sweet, thanks for your help. This guy was talking about buying a different car (he's had several problems), I'd like to save a friend a buck whenever I can.


[/quote]



When it comes to a Neon, I would find it hard to argue with him https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/smile.png

[quote name='Baldy' date='Aug 30 2005, 08:10 AM']Let me clarify, there is oil on the boot side of the plugs. The lower portion of the boots were covered in oil.


[/quote]



It's the O rings at the bottom of the tube that holds the spark plug wire. Chronic problem with Neons.



It may not be the reason the plugs are fouling however. Replaced your wires lately? The coils on Neons also like to get real weak over time.

ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS



1. Cycle the ignition key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON within 5 seconds. To cycle the ignition key ON means to turn

it only as far as it takes to get the radio to come on. It does not mean to turn the engine on.



2. Count the number of times the "check engine" lamp on the instrument panel flashes on and off. The

number of flashes represents the code. There is a slight pause between the flashes representing the

first and second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate individual codes. For example, flash-flash-flash

[pause] flash-flash represents the code 32.



A code of "55" represents end of error codes. If this is all you get then no error codes are stored in the computer. This is the normal condition for a neon.

CODE Description of Trouble Code

11 Timing belt skipped 1 tooth or more from initial learned value, Intermittent loss of either camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, No crank reference signal detected during engine cranking

12 Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles

13 No change in MAP from start to run

14 MAP sensor voltage too low

15 No vehicle speed sensor signal

17 Closed loop temp not reached or engine cold too long

21 02s sensor problem (oxygen sensor), upstream or down stream

22 Engine coolant temp sensor out of range

23 Intake air temp sensor out of range

24 Throttle Position sensor out of range

25 Idle air control motor circuits, target idle not reached (+/- 200),vacuum leak found

27 Injector control circuit

31 Evap purge flow monitor failure or evap solenoid circuit

32 EGR system failure

33 A/C clutch relay circuit

34 Speed control Solenoid circuits

35 Rad Fan control relay circuit

37 Torque converter clutch solenoid CKT or park/neutral switch failure

41 Generator field not switching properly

42 Fuel pump relay control ckt, Auto shutdown relay control ckt, No ASD relay output voltage at PCM, Fuel level sending unit volts out of range, Fuel level unit No change over miles

43 Multiple/ single cylinder misfire

44 Battery temp sensor volts out of range

46 Charging system voltage too low

51 Fuel system lean

52 Fuel system rich

53 Internal control failure

54 No Cam signal at PCM

55 End of error messages (If you get this only, no errors were found)

62 PCM failure SRI mile not stored

63 PCM Failure EEPROM write denied

64 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure

65 Power steering switch failure



these codes will help. i had the same problems with my gfs neon...then said **** it and bought a new car.