oil on spark plugs??

**monda2** · 21-06-2014 12:05 PM

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** · 22-06-2014 03:23 PM

valve stem seals?

**amant02** · 22-06-2014 03:51 PM

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** · 22-06-2014 07:06 PM

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** · 22-06-2014 09:51 PM

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

**Jasemas** · 23-06-2014 11:23 AM

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

**monda2** · 23-06-2014 05:53 PM

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** · 24-06-2014 06:41 PM

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