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How worried should I be?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by NOLA ItsNotOva, Feb 8, 2015.

  1. Feb 8, 2015 at 5:41 PM
    #1
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Replaced my plugs and plug wires as I was getting a vibration while at lights, but no CEL was on. Worked perfectly. No more vibrations. However after pulling out the plugs, 4 of them had what looks like burnt oil on them. The #2 plug had a lot of oil on it. How worried should I be about my engine possibly going out? Just replaced vcg's, plug grommets, and pcv valve a couple of weeks ago.

    20150208_173208.jpg
    20150208_173220.jpg
    20150208_173217.jpg
     
  2. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:21 PM
    #2
    VintageFast

    VintageFast Well-Known Member

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    Here we go. Nola... want attention?
    Just run it.
     
  3. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:25 PM
    #3
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva [OP] Well-Known Member

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    No need to be a dick. This is my first vehicle and I want to know whether or not I should be worried about this. If you have nothing helpful to say, then don't post a rthen.
     
  4. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:31 PM
    #4
    68dave

    68dave Well-Known Member

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    Looks like it's just the gasket/Oring. If the electrode of the plug was oil fouled then that would be evidence of internal issues.
     
  5. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:34 PM
    #5
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok thanks. Should that be taken care of as soon as possible or can I let it be for a while?
     
  6. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:43 PM
    #6
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    its a non issue, that oil is not internal so its no big deal, it looks like the valve cover seals around the spark plug holes are leaking, that's all.

    replace your valve cover gaskets and seals and your good to go.

    if the electrode itself was gummed up or was oily then you would have engine issues
     
  7. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:45 PM
    #7
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Replaced those already. Probably from before then they were leaking. Thanks!
     
  8. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:48 PM
    #8
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    you are talking about these correct? http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Felpro-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c4dc15e8a&vxp=mtr

    I only ask because not all valve cover gaskets come with these included

    if so then just go to the car wash and after the engine cools, use the engine degreaser to soak everything down and the pressure hose to blast out all the oil and debris from those plug sockets so it doesn't form a gummy sludge that can fall into the engine when replacing the plugs. gives you a chance to clean up those greasy areas and things under the hood at the same time
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2015
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    #8
  9. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:50 PM
    #9
    Tinmann

    Tinmann Well-Known Member

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    ^^^ Like he said! Drive it like you stole it amigo!
     
  10. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:52 PM
    #10
    Tacoma Dave

    Tacoma Dave Long time lurker

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    Tighten valve cover bolts and check the plugs to see if it is still happening. If so replace the valve cover gasket.
     
  11. Feb 8, 2015 at 6:53 PM
    #11
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva [OP] Well-Known Member

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    #11
  12. Feb 9, 2015 at 7:34 AM
    #12
    VintageFast

    VintageFast Well-Known Member

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    Not trying to be a dick Nola. But if you develop a misfire after you wash the engine, pull the plug wires and soak up all the water in the spark plug cavities. Don't pull the plugs though until you get the water out.
     
  13. Feb 9, 2015 at 7:42 AM
    #13
    medic2230

    medic2230 @Koditten Pirate Radio member #002

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    Isn't that only a problem with the 2.7?
     
  14. Feb 9, 2015 at 8:49 AM
    #14
    EdFlecko

    EdFlecko Well-Known Member

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    "How worried should you be"?

    Another option you might consider would be to get a "used oil analysis" for a little insight into *perhaps* the condition of your engine.

    Many people use a company called Blackstone Labs - http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ - "Our standard analysis costs $25.00". Blackstone's standard analysis will tell you what you need to know about the condition of your engine and how it's wearing. The standard analysis costs $25.00 and includes the following: Spectral Exam: Establishes the levels of wear metals, silicon, and additives present in the oil. Also checks for coolant. Viscosity: Determines the grade of oil. Insolubles: Quantifies the percentage of solids present in the oil.

    Another company that does the oil analysis is: https://wearcheck.com/ - "wearcheck.com does a better job than Blackstone as they include a free TAN report. They have merged with Lubrigard." , "Does Wear Check do single analyses for consumers? They do. I've used them many times. However, you do pay extra for TBN/TAN, but it's still cheaper than what it would have cost you at Blackstone." - http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...gonew/1/requesting_an_Oil_analysis_kit#UNREAD

    What's Your Engine Oil Telling You? - http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/whats-your-engine-oil-telling-you.html

    :)

    Ed
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2015
  15. Feb 9, 2015 at 1:34 PM
    #15
    VintageFast

    VintageFast Well-Known Member

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    It happened to me for the first time last summer and I bought the truck new. I guess the coil boots crack over time and let water seep in.
     
  16. Feb 9, 2015 at 5:19 PM
    #16
    VintageFast

    VintageFast Well-Known Member

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    Nola... I sent you a PM. But, I'm going to publicly apologize to you for me being an asshole.

    We're all in this together and we should all work together. I apologize.

    Now I have to scrub potatoes and cook dinner...
     
  17. Feb 9, 2015 at 6:13 PM
    #17
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I saw a video about Blackstone by a guy that shows you how to do car repairs. Seemed pretty interesting. I might try that one day. I wouldn't expect too much as the guy who owned it before me hardly did anything besides oil changes and tires. Even then, those weren't done at the appropriate times.
     
  18. Feb 9, 2015 at 6:14 PM
    #18
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you. Its all good man. Not really angry as I'm a chill person, but I will call someone out on what they're doing.
     
  19. Feb 9, 2015 at 6:57 PM
    #19
    Tinmann

    Tinmann Well-Known Member

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    Yo-Da-Man! :bowdown:
     
  20. Mar 12, 2015 at 1:33 AM
    #20
    98tacoma929

    98tacoma929 Well-Known Member

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    A little oil is "normal" i guess you could put it. When you start seeing more oil, smelling gas, or seeing grey shavings on the electrode... be worried. I'd say you're good for now, check again in another 2k-5k miles or so. It might mean you have to buy new plugs, but they're $18 for NGK and it gives you a little re- assurance. Goodluck buddy!
     

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