honda accord question

[73redblaze]

so my BIL has had three Honda accords in the last 3 years, all between 93 and 96. he puts about 100k a year on these cars so they last him more than a year. anyway today he called me and he broke down on the highway. i went and got him and we towed it back to my place. I pulled the plug caps off (they are the ones that go about 5" deep) and they are covered in oil. All 4 holes were half way full of motor oil. I don’t know much about imports or SOHC and all so can anyone help me out here. Could it be a cracked head?

 

[4X4HIGH]

Sounds like a valve cover seal is bad. The plugs go through the middle of the valve cover and there are O-rings in the valve cover in those locations along with the O-ring that goes around the perimeter of the valve cover itself. Have you already made sure that the valve cover bolts aren't loose?

 

[73redblaze]

yea i checked the valve cover bolts, all tight. we only had about 15 min to look at it then we had to go.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Well I would replace the valve cover gasket/seals before doing anything else, that is a common problem with that style of head.

 

[73redblaze]

will do. thanks

 

[diesel4me]

Those plug wires that go deep into the head with a tube often get a hole punched in them,and allow the spark to ground out on the valve cover instead of firing the plug...common problem on Hondas and Toyotas with that style plug wires..the spark punches a pinhole in them and any oil or water that accumulated in the "well" aids in letting the spark jump to ground there instead of at the plug..

 

[1BEATK5]

i have seen the plug wires soak up so much oil that they pop off the plugs, and out of the hole
prob will need a new dizzy. thats the most common no start issue on that vintage honda

 

[73redblaze]

thanks fellas, il get to work.