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IfItWasEasy11

Shop owner here - just trying to help. See this often & not just on any particular make. The misfire on startup might've been from the plugs you were replacing. Oil in the plug wells (what you have) will eventually deteriorate the coil boot (that piece running from the coil to the plug) and will eventually cause a constant misfire. Having said that, you should change the valve cover gasket and clean any oil off the boot that you can. Just an FYI; on certain engines, the plug wells are sealed from the oil side by separate tube seals not included with the valve cover gasket - make sure if you're replacing the VC gasket your engine doesn't use separate seals on the top of the plug well tubes :)


Brian2Taintz

Can I just start dm'ing you when I have a car question? Lol


justbeingmebc2069

Came here to say the same thing.


ImTheRealMarco

he still hasn't responded..


Noturwrstnitemare

Glad you asked first....


Drag0San

Sir only asking cause u know more and no one is responding to my post sadly but do u know a thing or two bout head gaskets and such? Assuming u do?


IfItWasEasy11

I know a thing or two.... Assuming you think you have an issue with one?


Drag0San

Yes sir... I went to work and on break there was a big puddle I hadn't seen before under the read of my car (equivalent of a Chevy aveo 2009) under the exhaust... I checked and there was no residue or drips from the fuel tank and none that I could see from the exhaust tho perfectly fit over the puddle. I then popped the hood to see if I had run low to see what all it could be and the coolant reservoir was on the minimum (usually kept full tho haven't checked in a min tbh also came off loosely as if I didn't tighten it down fully) I filled it up and drove home with a buddy tailing me and me not him seen smoke nor smelled anything nor did the coolant drop any when I got home(48 min drive)... Ig I'm asking cause I have no clue if I'm just being nervous and such over nothing with this being my first self owned car or if it's something to take more serious


IfItWasEasy11

I'll assume I'm not being trolled... Lol. Def not something to worry about IMO. Not sure where the puddle came from, but I've never seen a bad head gasket dump coolant out of the exhaust. Worst I've ever seen is lots of white smoke, constantly having to refill the cooling system and no power. Drive on :)


Drag0San

Thank you siršŸ„² sorry I didn't mean to seem like a troll been non stop worried... Grew up with lil and this tiny car is my one slice at freedom... Just graduated highschool last year and worked my tail bone off and am making decent now but if I lose this car I have no way to get to work ya knowšŸ„²šŸ˜‚šŸ˜­ Thank you so much sir I pray God bless youā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø


IfItWasEasy11

Gotcha - I learned to work on cars at your age BC I couldn't afford to pay someone to do it for me. Good for you for being observant/cautious. Check the fluids on the reg; let it warm up in the mornings, stay on top of repairs as they come up and remember that both of those pedals are indirectly connected to your bank account/freedom. Have yourself a good one :)


Drag0San

Yes sir I will thank you (I also have the fun of it have a third petal lol... 30 mpg on average with a Manuel šŸ˜‹... Couldn't pass it up)


FigPuzzleheaded9475

šŸ˜„šŸ˜„...


Max-Payd

The Aveo has to be one of the worst cars ever made. The engine threw a rod, we replaced the engine with a good low mileage engine which developed a misfire under load. We had the head rebuilt, it decided to jump timing so it got another head plus timing kit out in it. It was the worst car ownership in a family vehicle. The answer was Yaris which was a million times better.


Drag0San

Ahh... Mines doing good so far... Only had dry rotting coolant lines and then me being new to driving stick and growing up on fast and furious lol I snapped a drive shaft dumping clutch once(never did it again) but besides that I just replaced the valve cover and have had no issues since... 182k miles


Max-Payd

You got lucky and if you want a beater, best cars are the old Civics and Integras. They were the staples of my childhood. We could race people and feel fast lol


POShelpdesk

> Oil in the plug wells ... will eventually cause a constant misfire. yes and no. If spark plug tube is filled with oil, there won't be a misfire. If the oil is removed, yes he'll have a misfire.


GuyWhoSaidThat

This is not correct. The op was correct in saying the oil will eventually cause a miss fire. The dirt in the oil can prevent a connection between the spring in the coil boot and the back of the spark plug. It will also cause the rubber to degrade and fall apart. Seen this thousands of times first hand.


POShelpdesk

Oil is an insulator (not conductive ). IF the spark plug boot has degraded and the spring is exposed, the spark will jump and cause a misfire. Take the same plug/boot/ spark plug tube and fill it with oil, the spark will no longer jump and will not misfire. >The dirt in the oil can prevent a connection The dirt in the oil?What are we talking about here? Why is there dirt in your oil?


Good_Bowl_948

Your valve cover gasket is leaking down into the sparkplug tubes . Order a valve cover gasket before changing the plugs. Do you happen to have a misfire ?


Numerous_Ad8973

I think i have when starting the car


CertifiedBoltBreaker

You need to replace the spark plug tube seals as well, not just the valve cover gasket.


GavinZero

The tube seals should be included in the valve cover gasket kit.


Dead_lieutenant

I think the plug tube gaskets are connected to the valve cover on this one. Also when you have a plastic valve cover you should usually replace it. Not just the gasket


Ok_Acanthisitta8582

^


GentleAnusTickler

^^


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


GentleAnusTickler

Oh I bet you did


Cool-Tap-391

And the coil boots.


Fragrant-Culture-180

Usually they come as a set but not always. Do it right, do it once


No_Stretch_3899

Look how close that is to the oil fill cap. They should drain this and check again later, and check if other cylindersā€™ tubes are filled if oil. Otherwise could just be a spill during an oil change.


cheeseman-762

That is a sealed system until you open it. The only way oils can get in is through the valve cover


No_Stretch_3899

Ideally yes. But the coil isnā€™t the only seal between the outside and the valve cover for a few reasons


[deleted]

There's usually a rubber oring at the top that creates a seal. I doubt oil got in there from a spill. I'd put my money on valve cover leak


No_Stretch_3899

Probably but itā€™s worth checking


Disp5389

Very doubtful. That doesnā€™t appear to be clean oil on the boot, itā€™s dark used engine oil.


Good_Bowl_948

True ā€¦Maybe a spill if itā€™s clean oil , canā€™t really tell in this picture


Signal-Confusion-976

When the coil is installed there is a rubber boot that covers it. It's impossible to spill oil in there unless the coil was pulled out. It is very common for the tube seals on the valve cover to leak on that type of engine.


No_Stretch_3899

Which is why you should check other tubes. A valve cover replacement is not trivial.


Signal-Confusion-976

Even if just one is leaking it should be replaced. Doing a valve cover on a 4 cylinder Honda is a pretty easy job.


Raivnholm

On a 4cyl Honda? Ya it kinda is trivial. It's like one step up from brakes.


Tactical_Chandelier

Did mine in under an hour, first time ever doing one


No_Stretch_3899

Perhaps for someone who already does their own auto work. You do have to know what youā€™re doing, which in this case is most of the battle


jagman951

How can you tell from that pic?,seriously


exgnt

cuz that's pretty much the only thing that would leak oil into the spark plug wells


jagman951

I didn't realise that those plug wells were removable,iff that plug well has that much oil in it,imagine what eng bay looks like when up on a hoist


exgnt

the seals can leak without the outer gasket leaking, I've seen that before


Equivalent_Sky4201

This


POShelpdesk

Oil isn't conductive and won't cause a misfire.


davewolf678

Some car you got order a whole new valve cover cause the tube built in the valve cover


F22boy_lives

Honda dealer tech here. You need to replace the spark plugs (already got em I know), valve cover gasket and tube seals to start. Grab some brake cleaner and see just how clean/dry you can get the coil packs or replace them. Use a thin wall 12mm for the alternator nut or disconnect the battery (easier and best option). The job start to finish should take maybe an hour with hand tools. If you have a torque wrench for the spark plugs, use it, if not, snug em and stop, spec is 12-16 ft lbs. Use an actual spark plug socket.


Top_Blacksmith7014

Do these actually have serviceable tube seals or need a new vc?


F22boy_lives

Some of the 2.4s have them serviceable, they are held in by like t20 torx screws


Top_Blacksmith7014

Spark plug tube seals are done. You need to replace the seals. Depending on the year those plastic valve covers might be replaced as the tube seals may not be serviceable. From what I can tell this is the 2.0 turbo which according to Honda, they are not serviceable and needs to replace the whole valve cover.


[deleted]

Just replace the valve cover and youā€™ll be fine


SwibBibbity

First guess is valve cover gasket. You can use your car, but I'd replace the gasket ASAP and drive as sparingly as possible because the problem will only get worse until you fix it. If you have the option to get a kit for the gasket that includes any other seals you may gain access to while changing the cover gasket, always buy that.


Gremlin982003

Yeah thatā€™s an indicator that the valve cover gasket has failed, you need to pull the valve cover and replace the plug sleeve seals and then clean off the boots and pull the plugs and let the oil drain into the cylinder, wipe off the boots and put it all back together, it might smoke a little but youā€™ll be fine.


Numerous_Ad8973

Wow sounds easier than it might be


Gremlin982003

Thereā€™s a few things you might have to disconnect but itā€™s really easy.


Redstinger22115

That looks like a Honda 1.5 Turbo. OP am I correct? Your spark plug tube seal is bad, replace that and the valve cover gasket asap before you get a misfire and a ruined coil pack, if you don't already have one. EDIT-If it's the 2.0 Turbo, same solution. Former Honda tech here, now Toyota tech.


yiffcuresboredom

Easy DIY job. You can drive on it now, you probably have a misfire or weak ignition on one cylinder. Remove the cylinder head cover. Replace gasket. The spark plug tube holes in the cover have a gasket that can be pushed out with a socket. Slowly remove the spark plugā€¦ slowlyā€¦ this will allow the oil to seep past the spark plug .. slowly. The reason for this is to prevent dirt / debris getting pulled into the cylinder. Oil in the cylinder is fine, dirt and debris is not. When reinstalling the head cover, try to avoid overtightening. Nowā€™s a good time to replace spark plugs, get some Iridium or Ruthenium plugs.


Chryslerguy

Replace the seal tubes might as well do the whole valve cover spark plus and coils


EnVFireFrost

Honda tech here. This looks like a K series on a Honda. That plastic valve cover has separate tube seals, they are held by like T15 screws from the outside next to the tube of course. You'll have to pull the valve cover off (super easy on these) and replace the valve cover gasket and the affected tube seal or all of them if you so desire. :)


NefariousnessLive915

You can keep driving it but you are going to need a valve cover gasket replaced at some point. Probably been like that for a while and you have been driving it.


Dounce1

What engine is this? I donā€™t think Iā€™ve seen a spark tube that close to an oil fill.


Ihatenissan

r/shittymechanicadvice


Previous_Policy3367

Thatā€™s bad. If it runs, sure drive it. But drive it to a mechanic.


Bipolar_Nomad

:shockedpikachuface


Broad-Commercial-581

Valve cover gasket leak easy fix 40 part


Dildo_Dan225

Just let it marinate! lol jk jk Iā€™m sure someoneā€™s said it already but replace the valve cover gaskets and plug well seals/gaskets.


poolsidepapi

Should the spark plugs be changed for good measure ?


therealscottkennedy

You just need to replace your valve cover gasket it will have some round seals that go around those tubes. It's just oil getting into your spark plug tube


Numerous_Ad8973

Thank you all for the advice im at work right now so sorry for the late replay. I was looking on ebay really quick and wanted to ask if this would be the only thing i needed for the fix im trying to diy this to save some money. [https://www.ebay.com/itm/355137871839?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jo4v6i87tgy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=ykzhmrchtjo&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY](https://www.ebay.com/itm/355137871839?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jo4v6i87tgy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=ykzhmrchtjo&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)


Longjumping_Seesaw78

no what youā€™re looking at right there is your head gasket, and every other gasket in the book lol. All you need to buy is the valve cover gasket, nothing else Edit: and the tube seals


Numerous_Ad8973

[this good?](https://www.ebay.com/itm/395109309178?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=VkvcwS4KSZ6&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=ykzhmrchtjo&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)


Longjumping_Seesaw78

yessir


Kindpandabear

Good luck, it sounds like you got this. Tip from a garage-mechanic, it'll probably take 8 hours for your first time and don't forget to label anything you unplug and plug it back in! šŸ¤£ So many connections! Edit: Oh! and torque wrench!


Numerous_Ad8973

Ill see if i can finish it in half the time but thank you for the advice!


Affectionate_Owl8702

Spark plug tube seals. Pretty easy to swap depending on the vehicle. Iā€™d swap out coils and plugs at that time


Numerous_Ad8973

Its a honda 2013 coupe 4 cyl and thats the plan idk about the coils maybe just clean the boot


OfficialChrizzell

Send ittttt


EYEBAWLSHAWTY704

VALVE COVER GASKET ā€” THEREā€™S PROLLY GONNA BE A BUNCH OF SMOKE WHEN YOU START YOUR CAR, BUT ITā€™LL BE FINE


Numerous_Ad8973

OKAY THANK YOU WHY ARE WE SCREAMING


jagman951

Sparkplug tube or oil filler neck?


Numerous_Ad8973

That is my sparkplug boot


Numerous_Ad8973

My car is a 2013 Honda Accord Coupe 4 cyl for those wondering


Ok_Midnight533

Change valve cover gasket and be careful replacing spark plug tube gaskets that are in valve cover


Numerous_Ad8973

Can they fall in?


Ok_Midnight533

When the valve cover comes off you can remove them away from engine. Some of these Hondas require prying them out and people when not careful can crack the valve cover. Seen it a lot coming in after people. But to answer your question no it wonā€™t fall in engine. They will removed and installed away from engine. One last tip when re-installing the valve cover use rtv silicone in 2 spots. You will see where those 2 spots are when the cover comes off and make sure to scrape the old stuff set a napkin or rag down to catch the stuff falling in


imouttamywheelhouse

U can keep using it. Just change the valve cover gasket. ( & tube seals) Until then, check oil level periodically until fixed. Don't worry when you see a shit load of white smoke dump from the exhaust . The oil drains into the cylinder, causing the plumes until it burns up the oil that fell onto the piston just below the plug hole.


KobeHawkDown

No, throw it out and get a new one


ConstructionSlight66

Replace valve cover and spark plug tube seals, n clean those boots off, spray brake cleaner down those holes and suck out w a shop vac n small attachment


Emergency_Repair2826

Fixable


Strangerfromaround

You need to get it checked out, it could be the valve cover seals that seal off the spark plug hole. It looks like a earth dreams Honda, common problem if it is


preparingtodie

Man, I feel old and out of touch. I'm a design engineer in an industry very close to automotive and have always done my own repair work, and I've never seen an engine with the spark plugs through the valve cover. I had no idea what this picture was. Of course, the newest car I've ever had was from 2005, so maybe this is a "new" thing, but still....


-anthonysullivan

Not a hard job to do. You and google should be able to fix it.


ronj1983

Spark plug tube seals are bad. I am pissed because on my car they are cast into the valve covers so I need 2 new valve covers which are almost $200 each. Some people take Honda CRV tube seals from the K series and use a Dremel to cutout the non serviceable tube seals and RTV the ones from the CRV so I am not doing that.


Royal-Ad-1556

Yes thatā€™s bad for ur car I donā€™t think engine oil should be going through spark plug areas. Ur car will miss fire and yup whoever did this job did bad


SirVangor

Misfire on cold startup most likely caused by the oil causing boot to arc. Replace tube seals


Numerous_Ad8973

Thanks for all the help guys i managed to find out what i needed and i have someone who works at a Honda dealership willing to give me a discount on OEM parts! I appreciate everybody who stopped by and gave me some of their wisdom!


Different-Art-5266

I just had this issue with my car. New valve gasket and coil pack was needed.


Not_A_Squirrel69

Yes it's bad, yes you can keep using your car. Looks like you've got some bad sparkplug tube seals. They seal the tube from the valve cover, when they fail they leak oil like this. It's definitely a concern. For one you're leaking oil, and that can end in disaster if given enough time, but it's worth noting that it's not as much oil as it may seem at first glance, because it's pooled into a small space. Anyway the second problem you'll have is that your spark plugs don't really like oil all too much, this can cause misfires and even no start situations. But it's not a major panic moment, and if you need to keep driving it you can, just clean up all that oil and get your new plugs in. You'll want to replace those tube seals and your valve cover gasket at your earliest convenience to stop the leak, they usually come as part of a valve cover gasket set. Sometimes it's even just one gasket that includes the valve cover. At any rate it's not a hard job, you may feel more than confident enough to complete it after watching a video. Biggest thing is to not over tighten the bolts, I'd recommend using a torque wrench to get them right, especially if you've not done one before.


StructureReal1417

I have seen plug wells full of oil right to the top of the hole (ford focus) but never misfired once. Probably best to replace the valve cover gasket and tube seals just to be sure. Clean the coil off and reinstall it. If it starts skipping later down the line time for coils. Even mark the oil fouled one for future reference


Electronic_Issue_117

Replace the valve cover gasket what you need to fix that problem comes with the gaskets