Oil from ?

I pulled one of my plug wires off on my 92 Honda Accord. I noticed a lot of
oil on one of them, actually dripping. Where could the oil be coming from?
Bad Head Gasket?

 

Could very well be. It could also be that the valve cover is loose, allowing
a bit of seepage.

Brian

 

The rubber grommet that seals the spark plug tube in the valve cover. It's
leaking. Need to replace them and the main valve cover gasket at the same
time. Don't use aftermarket if you can help it.

Easy fix. Not serious. Probably an hour's labor plus parts.

 

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Your head gasket is about 6" BELOW your spark plug's lowest point. The
valve cover that surrounds your plugs is full of oil vapor. There's 4
(or is it 8 ?) seals that are supposed to keep your plug holes from
filling with oil. They need to be replaced, so get a 'KIT' that includes
the valve cover gasket and all those extra seals.

'Curly'

 

Awesome...Thanks a bunch!

 

Any compelling reason to fix it at all? Will a little oil around the plugs
hurt anything? I'm asking because my '90 Civic has the same problem and I'm
too lazy to fix it ;-).

WW

 

The oil will degrade the integrity of the rubber spark plug boot. You will
eventually need to replace the spark plug wire. Moreover, if enough oil
leaks into the spark plug tube it could cause the spark plug to misfire.
This could lead to rough running and low power problems. In addition,
uncombusted fuel will wash the rings potentially causing excess cylinder
wear and oil burning. The unburned fuel and oil will get into the catalytic
converter and shorten its life.

A little maintenance goes a long way. The reasons I've stated sound fairly
compelling to me.

I'm sorry, I can't help you with that. Perhaps the idea of keeping more
money in your bank account instead of giving it to your mechanic will
provide the necessary motivation.

Eric

 

you need upper and lower tube seals, the uppers alone won't fix it.
the rocker arm asssembly has to come off to get to the lowers. expect
3.5 hour to get it done.
Chip