Q: I replaced 2 spark plugs in cylinder 5 to fix a misfire.

asked by on October 21, 2016

Had a code scan not to long ago cylinder 5&6 had misfire so I did the spark plugs for it car started up but it did have oil in cylinder 5&6 now my car won't start up don't know if replacing the value cover gasket would make it start up again

My car has 265000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Valve Cover Gasket Replacement $116.41 - $1190.97 Get a Quote
Spark Plugs Replacement $113.11 - $716.47 Get a Quote
Ignition Coil Replacement $132.12 - $587.62 Get a Quote

Leaking valve covers on this engine allow oil down into the spark plug recesses as you note. Besides shorting the plug, the oil degrades the boot portion of the coil which plugs onto the spark plug, creating other opportunities for a short and misfire.

By all means, replace the leaking valve cover gasket and, given your mileage, replace all the plugs and coils if the boots show any sign of oil contamination. Replacing only 1 or 2 plugs/coils doesn’t always cure misfire problems especially once oil is introduced. I would recommend having your valve cover gasket serviced by a professional mobile mechanic, like one from YourMechanic to start with. A certified professional from YourMechanic can replace the valve cover gasket, and can also perform spark plug and ignition coil replacement services if necessary.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I disable the rear power windows?
Disabling the rear power windows is a key safety feature. It locks the rear power windows so that they cannot be opened by rear-seat passengers. This can help keep small children safe. The rear power windows will be automatically disabled...
Trouble starting car
Engine stalls are often caused by a malfunctioning sensor if not lack of fueling or ignition system maintenance. A trained technician will take them all into consideration. Worn spark plugs may cause a stall on their last leg and prove...
Overheating car
Hi. This is a serious issue and should be repaired before driving the vehicle. Make sure that the car has enough coolant. first, you should never have to add coolant, so if it is low, then there is a leak...
A/C problem - 2007 Honda Civic
Hello. It is possible to damage the compressor by introducing liquid refrigerant. The compressor is designed to compress vapor or gas, not liquids which indeed are not compressible. If your system is not working right now, a possibility is you...
I cannot find the neutral safety switch. Where is it?
The neutral safety switch on this transmission is called a transmission range sensor. The sensor is located on the right front of the transmission looking from the front of the vehicle. The connector should have an 8 pin connector on...
Back wheels bow out at bottom
Front or rear wheels can bow out for a number of reasons. In alignment terms, we call this negative camber. Camber is the angle of the wheels when looking straight at them from the front or rear. When the tops...
Tried to jump start my car
You should first have the battery and the cables checked to make sure they are good. Once this is done then check to see if there is power to the large terminal at the starter. Then check for power to...
2001 bmw 325xi P0174 and P0171 code,just had a tune up and one coil replaced car is stalling down,vibration and idle down when pre
The two codes that you have provided suggest these possibilities, at minimum, which possibilities may exist alone or in combination: an air leak after the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, such as a torn intake boot, or bad intake manifold...
I have a 2008 Chevy Cobalt and will be replacing both CV Axle Shafts. Do I have to get an alignment after?
In short no you do not as long as the lower ball joint is taken loose and not the strut bolts. If you loosen the strut bolts then you will need an alignment.

Related articles

How Are High-Performance Ignition Systems Different from Standard Ones?
Once Once upon a time, there was only one type of ignition system. It used a distributor, points, a coil, and was subject to significant wear and tear. Then came the electronic ignition, which replaced the points with an electronic...
What Does It Mean When an Engine "Knocks"?
If your engine is making a knocking noise it means there's a problem. The wrong fuel octane, carbon buildup, and bad spark plugs can cause knocking.
How Long Does a Top Dead Center (TDC) Sensor Last?
The The top dead center (TDC) sensor is the point from which the firing order is determined and the ignition system measurements are taken. The measurements are normally defined as before top dead center and after top dead center. The...