I was removing the spark plugs in my new 2004 Lancer Ralliart, just to replace all four as part of my tune up since I just purchased the vehicle. I noticed I have oil on my spark plugs. I didn't notice any performance issues while driving, nor do I have any codes. Is this normal? I don't remember having oil on my plugs when I changed them in my Eclipse...

 

was the oil on the bottom where is sparks, or the top that the coil sits on?

 

It was not on the bottom where it sparks, just on the top and a little on the bottom of the rubber peice that sits on top of spark plug. Did a little research, felt more comfortable and absorbed all the oil in the wells, and replaced plugs. Car runs and drives excellent, starts easily. Might look into replacing some gaskets or seals clearly, just not sure which ones?

 

Do valve cover gasket and tube seals first and see if that helps.

 

Raikiri called it. Get a valve cover gasket set. It comes with four rubber rings to go around the spark plug tubes. They get brittle and can let oil seep into those tubes. Change that and it should solve the problem!

 

Don't do like me, and put it off. Now my plug boots are all soggy from the oil bath.

I have a slight misfire, and the mileage has dropped. I guess I've got to replace the coils.

Edit:

Wow, I priced the coils after I posted this! On rockauto, they run from $55 to $70. That times four....

 

that's pretty good...have a look at the price for OEM

 

Search the junkyards! I found one that was in good condition before for like 30-40 before

 

I'm going to try that. Did you get them out of a 2.4 lancer? The applications on the rockauto site are not clear to me. It looks like the 2.0 lancer uses the same ones. I also have to cross check with a 2.4 in another vehicle too. My yard doesn't usually have any lancers,

 

Any 4g69 you should be able to get them out of. I don't remember which cars have that engine.

 

Thanks. I'll see what I can find. Even the 4g69 engines are scarce,although that's probably a good sign.

 

not as scarce as some other engines, but yeah...if you find one for a good price, and have the money...buyit/