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 *** 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.


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When it comes to a Neon, I would find it hard to argue with him

 

[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.


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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.