oiled plugs

[aviator]

I know I read something about oil in the plug wells. Could someone point me in the right direction for some information or maybe let me know what can be done. I haven't pulled all the plugs yet, but noticed quite a bit, i think in the #6 hole.

thanks,

rookie sho owner

 

[OSHSHO]

The oil is entering through the O-ring that seals the plug well. To replace them, you will need to remove the intake manifold and the valve covers. The cheapest place to order the set of gaskets is "autozone.com", it will run about $81.00 including shipping. Good-luck!

 

[aviator]

is this something i should do right away? it doesn't seem to burn any oil.

 

[oh_SHO]

The oil will eventually cause a miss-fire and ruin the plug wires. I can tell you that from experience. You can leave it if you don't mind cleaning the oil out of the wells. Just remember to remove the oil before removing the plugs.

 

[aviator]

you mean to remove the oil out of the well before the plug, as to not let it seep down? there isn't really any good way to clean it when the plug is in, is there?

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

first use rags or paper towels. if you *have* to, compressed air. if theres really that much use a siphon. you really dont want it going into your cylinder heads.

 

[rangerj]

Aviator,

The oil in the plug wells should be removed before you extract the plug. You do not want any dirt or crap to flow into the cylinder with the oil.

A Mini-Vac hand vacuum pump works well for sucking out the oil. Otherwise a pump from any household cleaner, Windex for example, also works well. (all kinds of fluid dispensers have these little fingertip pumps)

The solution to the problem is as stated above, and that is to replace the plugwell seals. The Fel Pro kit sold by Auto Zone is the least expensive way to get the gaskets for the plug wells and valve covers.

The six plug well seals alone would cost as much as the whole kit if you went to a Ford dealership parts department! If your new to the SHO you would be very wise to search this forum any time you need a part, whether it is a gasket or brake disks.

If the part has to be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture)part they will tell you, and they will tell you where to get it at the most reasonable price. If it does not have to be OEM, they will tell you where to get it at the best price.

If you own and drive a SHO you won't be a rookie for long! rangerj

PS How ironic, an Aviator getting advice from Oshkosh, WI (Home of the EAA) thumb

 

[aviator]

does the intake have to come off or can i get to the covers with removing it?

just easier to ask sometimes rather than going out and looking at it.

 

[OSHSHO]

Well....I the problem will cause driveability issues if the oil starts to ground out the plug wires. You won't expirence a catastrophic failure of any component due to this, but it also will only get worse. Think Time Between Overhaul mentality in the aviation community.

My advice would be to fix this as soon as you get the free time. I took me about 3-4 hrs altogether. While the intake is off, I cleaned it real well, replaced the manifold gaskets,plugs, and wires.

It may seem a little daunting, but, if you remember to be careful in marking/labeling wires,bolts,nuts etc...it really isn't that bad. I do alot of photography, so I shot some close-ups of the engine compartment prior to dis-assembly...just in case!! (Never had to use them though!)

 

[SHOman247]

aviator where are you at in MI? I am a rookie sho owner but not a rookie to fixing cars. I might be able to help you ou if your in the metro detroit area. I also know a couple of ppl who know sho's well and are in detroit area...let me know where your at.

 

[aviator]

westland, how about you?

 

[SHOman247]

Roseville..but go to school in belleville

 

[OSHSHO]

Yes, the intake must come off. If you get the instructions from SDPatt, these will help immensely.

rangerj: "Welcome to Oshkosh" sweeter words were never heard!

 

[rangerj]

OSHSHO,

If only women had wings! thumb rangerj

 

[shorook90]

I just recently discovered that my plug wells have oil seeped in them. I am going to change the valve cover gasket and the plug well seals but i was wondering if I should bother changing the plugs and wires. Both are only a year old. Last month I checked my plug wells and they had no oil at all in them. Do you think that month would have ruined them or should I be fine. I don't notice much power loss.

 

[OSHSHO]

Shorook90; If your plugs and wires have only a years worth of "normal" use then they should be fine. Just get the oil out of the wells before you remove the plugs to clean/replace them.

If you want to upgrade,this would be a good time to do so, but if it's running well just clean up the wires and drive away! Good luck

 

[aviator]

what kind of upgrade are we talking about?

 

[rangerj]

Aviator,

A WARNING to ALL SHO "rookies". When you put the valve covers back on be very carefull with the hold down bolts. These bolts have a small threaded end that can be broken easily if OVERTORQUED.

The big bolts are $24.80 EACH if you can find them! The small one are about $7.00 each.

You can borrow a torque wrench from AUTO ZONE if you do not have one. USE A TORQUE WRENCH on these bolts and the intake manifold bolts when putting things back together, and torque to specification.

A word to the wise! rangerj