Older Hondas are notorious for developing oil leaks in the spark plug wells and inside the cylinder. Honda placed the Accord's spark plugs where the plugs have the optimal effect within the combustion chamber. Though this gives you more kick from the engine, in placing them where they did, the engineers created a pair of rubber seals to protect the plug tubes from oil leakage. Unfortunately, these seals have a habit of failing.
The Symptoms
The first sign of trouble will be when you notice oil in the spark plug holes. The oil can pool high enough to cover the spark plug connection boots and the plug wire insulation. It's not only messy but can become a fire hazard.
The Problem
The engineers placed the spark plugs in deep recesses in the top of the valve covers. Unfortunately, this recess is surrounded by the valves, rocker arms and camshaft assemblies that are constantly showered with oil. The rubber seals at the top and bottom of the spark plug tube are subject to intense heat and vibration from the nearby camshaft, valves and rocker arms. This makes them brittle and wears them down flat. Worn seals leak.
Potential Damage
Oil leaking into the spark plug holes can swell, weaken and damage the boots and insulation of the spark plug wires. Oil that leaks inside the cylinders can cause the engine to burn oil. The older the rubber doughnut seals get, the more they seep oil.
The Cure
The only way to fix the problem is to replace all of the upper and lower spark plug tube gaskets. Don't try the easy cure with RTV gasket maker or silicone sealant. These may fill in spaces designed to allow the free flow of oil and you could block its passage where oil needs to flow, damaging your engine or causing excessive wear. The old rubber doughnut gasket needs to be removed and replaced.
The Job
You will have to remove the valve cover and the rocker arm assembly to get at the spark plug tube seals. This is not a job for the faint-hearted shade tree mechanic. There are dozens of bolts, springs and moving parts you can screw up. If you're not comfortable taking apart rocker arms and camshafts, get a mechanic to do it. At least you'll know what's actually causing your problem, and you'll be less likely to get hooked for a more expensive piston ring job that you probably don't need.
Related Posts:
What Are The Causes Of Fouled Spark Plugs On A Honda 400ex
The causes of spark plug fouling are the same for all vehicles.Spark plugs foul when something interferes with or blocks the firing process. This normally occurs when a foreign substance saturates...
What Would Cause Oil To Get On Spark Plugs
Oil on the ceramic portion of the spark plug is from an external source. If the oil is on the electrode only, there is an internal problem. This must be located not only to stop the leak, but to p...
Install Spark Plugs On A 2002 Mercury Cougar
Replacing your spark plugs can increase the performance of your Mercury Cougar.Replacing the spark plugs in your 2002 Mercury Cougar can improve the fuel economy and performance of the car. The sp...
