QuestionQUESTION: '97 Eclipse Spyder, Automatic, Non-Turbo with 114,000 miles...The car is running fine, yesterday did a spark plug change and Surprise!!! Oil in one of the spark plugs, looking at the engine from the front of the car, the second one from left to right, I mean, it was dripping oil on the bottom part, the part with the threads, but the thing is that the car is not giving any signs of losing power or nothing like that...any help here on what can be the possible cause of this?
ANSWER: Jay:It could be nothing more than the valve covers are leaking oil, but just to be on the safe side of things, I would do a compression test, do it on all the cylinders, if you do have a leak it could be an internal leak, like intake gasket, piston ring or a valve problem. Can try thicker weight oil, or oil additives or anti foulers for spark plugs and shield off the oil. The problem is this might just be the start of the problem so I would check things out and see where it leads you. Hope this helps and good luck! Linda
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: OK, here's another question, I am in Maryland right now and by the end of the month I have to drive all the way to California, is it safe to drive with the car like that (with the oil leak in the spark plug), or is not safe at all? If so, is there any kind of problems that can happen half way of the trip?
AnswerJay: Good question which I have no answer to. As long as you say the car is running fine with no problems. Then I would go ahead and just head out. Keep an eye on the oil to see if the car starts to use a lot. But other wise I would just jump in the car, kind of forget what you found, say a prayer and go for it. It might go out there with no problem, other than it might use a bit of oil. But if you keep checking the oil and adding when needed. Enjoy your trip. Linda
