Oil in plug wells...me too!

[stevetatro]

I figured I'd try the latest computer re-set procedure someone here suggested. I must say, it worked like a charm.

Anyway, while waiting around, I decided to pull a spark plug wire. Turned on a light, looked in, and saw some oil/water filling my plug well! Decided to soak up as much as I could with a paper towel. Figured I'd go ahead and do the other two that were easily accessible, both of which had a little bit of fluid as well. Made a noticeable difference just driving it to work this morning! Can't wait to do the back three.

Now for some questions!

First, I've heard people say you should dump some degreaser in the plug well, agitate it some to loosen up the crud, and suck (or blow) it out. Will this result in the degreaser leaking past the seals and back into the block? Doesn't sound too healthy.

Second, is there an easy fix for the oil in the plug wells? I've heard of people using some RTV to seal these (from oil) but does that still involve removing the valve covers? Sounds as if it does. I figure if I'm going to remove the valve covers I might as well replace the gaskets, right?

Third, is removing the valve covers a tough job? I must admit I'm leery of doing this. I'm sure I'll screw something up.

Finally, is there anyone within a few hour drive of Cincinnati who would like to help me on some projects :^) ? I want to do this crap myself, but I feel much more comfortable when there's someone helping me who's done it before. I would obviously bring beer and there would be fair monetary compensation...just name your hourly rate (and don't say $70/hour like my friendly Ford dealer...who I would never take my SHO to).

Thanks for any input!

 

[luigisho]

Steve, run a search on this procedure. It is probably the most documented problem with these cars. Many of us who aren't that experienced with auto repair have done this fix out of necessity ($$$). It may look difficult but there is a wealth of knowledge on this procedure and sharp people on this board to get you through it. The parts are expensive enough don't waste any more money on labor. I wouldn't worry about anything getting past the plugs if you don't let anything sit in there for too long and clean it out before plug removal. Now get them parts and get to work! wink

 

[naval-avi8or]

The Fix is only 71.99 at your local autozone part # VS5037 no matter what they say it is available just maybee not listed for your year but it is the same for 3.0L/3.2L (I just had them run the part # and get me the seals). As for the labor its not as hard as its made out to be just take your time and if you not familar with the motor lable everything you remove as you go. There are several post and a 60K video that can be purchased/rented which also covers the shimming of the valves and plug well seal R&R. As for the RTV on the well seals several points have been brought up about the RTV not allowing the seal to properly expand as the engine comes up to operating temp.

I would fix the seals as soon as you can, I've procrastinated this for two years, could keep you from paying 100's of dollars in failed wire's plugs and any other item that may be affected by a constant miss (raw fuel being sent through the exhaust system).

As for cincinati you've got the cincy sho club so hpefully some of the cincy shoform guys will offer ther help and knowledge.

 

[naval-avi8or]

I just sent you a parts list and procedure doc. provided to me by our god of the shoforum SDPATT.

 

[stevetatro]

Thanks for the info. I did a brief search of the old threads, and didn't find quite what I was looking for, so I really appreciate the responses!

I'm not aware of any SHO club in the Cincinnati area. There was one a few years back, but it seems to have dissolved into nothing. Don't even know how to get ahold of any of the members any more.

I know there's a bunch of people who read this Forum (and others on the Topica list) who are from the Cleveland area. Maybe I can bribe one of them to help me out :^)

Thanks again.

 

[naval-avi8or]

I thought cinci sho stood for Cincinnati sho.

 

[luigisho]

Steve, what exactly is missing from your search on this topic? If you run a search on this board and refer to the great info. on the shotimes faq it should be a slam dunk. Don't be intimidated. It looks hard but once you get into it it all comes together. Feel free to shoot me an e-mail through the board (I think it's a private message or something) if you need any help.

 

[sdpatt]

naval-avi8or:
I just sent you a parts list and procedure doc. provided to me by our god of the shoforum SDPATT.

I saw that. Thanks.

 

[SnickterP]

Cincy SHO is the place you'd be looking for

 

[2tochoose]

I just noticed the same problem on my 89 if you could send me the parts list and procedure also I would appreciate it thanks

 

[naval-avi8or]

2tochoose:
I just noticed the same problem on my 89 if you could send me the parts list and procedure also I would appreciate it thanks

You got mail. As per request