oil on spark plugs??

[monda2]

Hey Peeps

I have had starting issues suddenly appear, the b16a starts but runs very rough and only if i blip the throttle, it will not idle, it stalls as soon as I have no throttle.

I didn't notice too much smoke when it was running, the mini has been off the road due to an incident with some armco last year, I have only driven it a couple of times and only for a few minutes since, however I have had it idling previously for 5-10minutes at a time with no issues.

I have researched and looks like a few causes, just after some confirmation from experts.

I removed the spark plugs and found there was a slight film of oil on the walls of the spark plug 'hole'?? once plugs removed the the tips were covered in oil, some worse than others -no wonder it wasn't running correctly.

possible issues I see are

1 - rocker gasket and rubber spark plug seals shagged

2 - piston rings shagged - hope not

3 - after much research I removed the pcv valve as I have an oil catch can (for motorsport) which the breather pipes are directed too, was this incorrect, should I reinstall the pcv valve?

4 - head gasket but don't think so as this would let water in which doesn't appear to be the problem.

Any help appreciated

Cheers

[AusVTi-R]

valve stem seals?

[amant02]

Oil in spark plug wells - Replace Gasket Seals - $100 bux or so.

Clean the IAC - Idle Air Control Valve.

Chances are the rings are worn, but if she is starting and running you should be fine for now.

Compression Test her, which will tell you alot about questions 2 and 4.'

If there is alot of blow by effect, inspect stem seals. Easy to do at home on a b series.

[monda2]

yea oil was on the thread and tip of plug as in the electrode
going to grab a new cam cover gasket and o rings seals then a compression test is a good idea

Do you guys think the removal of the pcv valve could have something to do with it?

[amant02]

I see PCV as useless weight. Only there to keep tree huggers happy.

[Jasemas]

PCV is good, so pressure doesn't build up in the engine - causing oil seals to spring leaks :P

[monda2]

I still have the black cannister still on the back of the block, with the hose running into a oil catch can (with air filter) for ventilation

[monda2]

out of interest why does (why would ) you want the 'blow off' / oil return back into the intake manifold and combine with the fuel/air- so it can burn away??

why cant this excessive oil return to a catch can instead?

was thinking of installing the pcv valve back inline from the cannister to my catch can

[Jasemas]

Because it's to do with emission regulations
Don't be caught without it

[amant02]

If your gonna re install the PCV, strong recommend to go buy a new one. They are fairly cheap.

[Jasemas]

Honda Aus wanted $64 for the pcv valve and about that much for Hondabond
Get em from USA for 1/4 price :D

[bennjamin]

offtopic - but any links for a good hondabond source ?

[Jasemas]

I got mine from hondapartsdirect.com for about $11
But shipping to Aus is $50
But i got alot of stuff $130 worth
So shipping worked out to just over $70

[amant02]

offtopic - but any links for a good hondabond source ?

JDMyard sells for 19 bux.

[monda2]

ok looks like the head gasket is on its way out, i have reinstated a thread elsewhere regarding engine builders in melbourne, if the head is coming off may aswell have it inspected and look into options regarding modifications.

[Jasemas]

What evidence brings you to that conclusion?

[monda2]

traces of water in the rocker cover and a milky substance under the oil cap, going through coolant and it seems to be running a few degrees warmer than normal, from my understanding that sums up a head gasket? what do others think?

[curtis265]

out of interest why does (why would ) you want the 'blow off' / oil return back into the intake manifold and combine with the fuel/air- so it can burn away??

why cant this excessive oil return to a catch can instead?

was thinking of installing the pcv valve back inline from the cannister to my catch can


Because it's to do with emission regulations
Don't be caught without it

In my opinion, it's better to vent into a catch can and be disposed of correctly, instead of being burnt through the engine and out the atmosphere..

my 2c


Honda Aus wanted $64 for the pcv valve and about that much for Hondabond
Get em from USA for 1/4 price :D

i paid $14 for one at autopro

[monda2]

traces of water in the rocker cover and a milky substance under the oil cap, going through coolant and it seems to be running a few degrees warmer than normal, from my understanding that sums up a head gasket? what do others think?

yep I agree, by the way is anyone on the same page as me regarding the above? I am assuming its worth purchasing a OEM head gasket, with the head off I guess valve stem seals are worth doing? I am on a tight budget, would love to install different cams but not sure if I can stretch that far.

[amant02]

Yes OEM VRS Kit should be a must for you at the moment. I bought mine from JDMyard for $320 i think.

If you could stretch out, I mean your already paying for the most expensive part and they probs gonna charge for OEM replacement.

Option out for these at minimum - SuperTech B Series Super Valve train Combo Wombo (http://www.jhpusa.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=7119)
(you can find it cheaper on other sites)

This way, if you want cams in the future. Just drop em straight in and tune.

My True and Honest Advice - The Days of BWAHHHAAA are numbered now, do cheap full OEM rebuild. Sell her off before she looses too much value. Damn new laws.

[bennjamin]

If you are taking the head off because of a head gasket , there's a chance the head will need skimming / machining too.

You can't do this stuff on a budget - it really has to be done properly and no expense spared. Just get the head off get it checked and go from there.

[monda2]

yes I think that is the way to go, remove the head and see whats what
budget might be the incorrect word, basically want to spend least amount $$$ possible but still have a quality job, happy to keep everything fairly standard if it is a substantial amount cheaper, I know porting and polishing is $$$ so I will stay away from that but maybe increase the compression slightly, cams ?? heard they add up so they can stay if still ok etc

Who do you guys recommend to take the head too - in melbourne - south east, bayside?

Cheers

[tiksie]

yes I think that is the way to go, remove the head and see whats what
budget might be the incorrect word, basically want to spend least amount $$$ possible but still have a quality job, happy to keep everything fairly standard if it is a substantial amount cheaper, I know porting and polishing is $$$ so I will stay away from that but maybe increase the compression slightly, cams ?? heard they add up so they can stay if still ok etc

Who do you guys recommend to take the head too - in melbourne - south east, bayside?

Cheers

Just don't get duped into someone recommending a quick headgasket swap. Chances are you'll need it machined like ben said. If you DO need it machined and you just change the gaskets over, you'll get the same problem again in the near future and then you'll either A) get it done again properly B) Get pissed off and sell it.

Shop around for someone reputable.

You get what you pay for.

[monda2]

yes that is true, always get what you pay for

Ok head gasket not confirmed, i am confused

drained the oil, looked perfect, no signs of coolant, refilled oil, started engine, looks like a light grey/white smoke when cold with water/condensation from exhaust pipe, I also bleed cooling system again.

once engine is at normal temp and electric fan kicks in, the smoke disappears and no water/condensation out of exhaust pipe (assuming its due to been quite hot)

let engine cool down ,a milky residue under oil cap, coolant level in overflow catch tank went down slightly?

has anyone had a leak down test done on their car, would that be worth it?

could coolant be leaking internally somewhere??
cheers

[bennjamin]

try and get the car back to running as standard as possible and start again. IE remove vents / catch cans etc

[monda2]

yea not a bad idea, cheers will try an sniff test too? just need to find one!