What does a fouled spark plug mean?
For optimum performance, your spark plugs should be clean with no damage to the electrodes. If your spark plugs become dirty or fouled, it can affect how your engine runs. A fouled spark plug is a plug that has become covered with a substance like oil, fuel or carbon or one that is blistered from running too hot.
What happens if you have a bad valve cover gasket?
Engine is low on oil As oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, it leaves the oil pan. When this happens frequently, it can cause the Engine Oil Light to appear on your dashboard. If the engine oil is low, it will reduce its ability to properly lubricate internal engine components.
How can I tell if my oil change valve cover is bad?
During most oil changes, the technician will inspect the valve cover to see if there is any leaking oil coming from the valve cover gasket. The quickest indication of this problem is when the valve cover/cylinder head is very dirty. Oil collects dirt and debris under the hood and will appear to be “caked” on the valve cover or cylinder head.
What is the valve cover gasket made out of?
Most valve cover gaskets are made from plastic or cork and are used as a seal between the cylinder head and the valve cover itself. Although the valve cover gasket is well protected from the top and bottom, it is very delicate and prone to damage from the sides.
Can a leaking spark plug cause a valve cover to leak?
In some cases, a leaking valve cover gasket or O-ring may result in oil getting into the spark plug well. This issue is often discovered during the spark plug replacement. O-rings that seal spark plug wells are usually included in the valve cover gasket kit.
What happens when a valve cover is worn out?
When a valve cover gasket is pinched, worn out or cracked, compressed oil from underneath the valve cover will find a way to escape. When this happens while the engine is running, the excess oil will drip on the cylinder head, fuel intake or in some cases, the exhaust pipes.
Can a spark plug leak cause a misfire?
Sometimes when oil leaks from a valve cover gasket it leaks all the way down to the spark plug galley and eventually seeps inside the spark plug tubes. As a result, This will cause a misfire or reduce engine performance.
Why are my spark plugs trying to tell me something?
A split or chipped spark plug insulator is a sign of pre-detonation, also called “spark knock.” Check for engine overheating or ignition timing problems, a faulty EGR valve or excessive compression caused by a clogged combustion chamber.