Oil in the spark plug well- is this right?

4azdmunky · 03-30-2003, 04:41 PM

Need some help.

I was performing maintenance on my 97 SC2 this morning when I decided to check the conditions of my plugs. (looking for an excuse to go to bosh plugs) When I loosened the plug and removed the socket i noted that there was an oil line about 1.5 inces up on the socket. Is this right? If i remove the plug wont that oil drain down into the engine causing fouling?
Please excuse my ignorance on this issue, I am new to working on the inside of Saturn engines.

MD_BLUE_SL2 · 03-30-2003, 05:04 PM

THe problem is your valve cover gasket. It needs to be replaced.

I have found success using the OEM Preformed valve cover gasket from SPS, in conjunction with an additional bead of RTV sealant/gasket maker.

You can remove the oil in the wells by using a small turkey baster to siphon the oil out.

MD_BLUE_SL2 · 03-30-2003, 05:06 PM

BTW, NGK spark plugs seem to be the preffered plug among most of us.

4azdmunky · 03-30-2003, 05:08 PM

Thank god!
I was prying that the oil return was not clogged.

NGK's- Thanks I will go that route instead of Bosch.

Thanks for the help

MD_BLUE_SL2 · 03-30-2003, 05:13 PM

No prob...just take your time, and you'll only have to do the repair once!

Make sure you get the mating surfaces squeaky clean!

MD_BLUE_SL2 · 03-30-2003, 05:15 PM

Oh yeah, some poeple may have some other input as to what they use for the repair. Some poeple may object to using the preformed gasket...but as with most things, people tend to endorse what they have had success with, and there's nothing wrong with that.

4azdmunky · 03-30-2003, 05:21 PM

I have no objections to using preformed. Less possability of screwing up. In fact i promised my wife that I would never touch anything under the hood of a modern car after I froze her engine on her Geo Storm when we were in Germany. Damn air conditioner pump.

I am looking at the NGK web site, which plugs are better the V-Power or the Platnum? I cannot find a comparison chart on their site.

MD_BLUE_SL2 · 03-30-2003, 05:34 PM

V-Power.
From reading the various message boards, most of the people who have use platinum plugs have had problems. (there are some people who use them with no peoblems though). It is my understanding/experience that saturns do not work best with platinum, iridium, or other special plugs of the sort. Go with the NGK V-power, and you will be fine.

MD_BLUE_SL2 · 03-30-2003, 05:41 PM

Quote:

If it has platinum plugs in it, take them out and throw them away. Replace with NGK. Platinum plugs DO NOT do well with Saturn ignition systems because Saturns fire plugs "in both directions" not just one like most cars. "Some" people have no problems running platinums, MOST DO find platinums to cause a variety of problems from missfires to rough idles.. I will also add that the ungappable BOSCH +4's are NOT a good idea in ANY Saturn.

This is a quote from wolfman, on another saturn messageboard.

FYI..Wolfman had proven himself to be (in my opinion) the MOST knowledegable/helpful technical resource within the saturn "online community". I take his adivce as the saturn bible, and haven't been led wrong yet! Thanks Wolf..

MD_BLUE_SL2 · 03-30-2003, 05:59 PM

and just for further reinforcement

http://www.saturnspot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8710