1997 Honda Accord Oil on Plugs and Light

HONDA ACCORD
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RCPAKA
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  • 1 POST
'97 Honda Accord LX
114,000 mileage

When changing my spark plugs I noticed oil on the plugs. Is that normal?

My check engine light came on (yellow one). Last time I was told to make sure the gas cover was on tight & to make sure to use Chevron gas. I did all that & the light never came back on. It's been over 8 yrs. & it came on again. I made sure to check the gas cover. But after 3 or more trips the light is still on what eles could the problem be?
Mar 28, 2006 at 7:13 PM
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LOSONE
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First of all it doesn't matter what kind of gas you use. Most all products from well used stations do a good job.

There is no second guessing a check engine light. You MUST have a scanner to see what code you have. Auto-Zone will do it free. When you get the code go from there.

At 114K you MUST have a timing belt replacement. It will be a sad day if your belt breaks.
Mar 29, 2006 at 7:43 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
Yellow light, not the check engine light? Is it the service light? The oil on the spark plugs, is it on the tips or is it all around the plug itself. If it is oily plug tips, you are burning oil, but if it is on the plug itself then the seals for engine cylinder under the valve cover are leaking.
Apr 1, 2006 at 4:08 PM

Suggested Repair

Scan the yellow warning light for codes before guessing. Check whether oil is on the plug tips (burning oil) or around the plug body (leaking valve cover tube seals). At 114,000 miles, replace the timing belt before it breaks. Fuel brand is not the issue.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Honda Accord LX owner with 114,000 miles found oil on the spark plugs while changing them and asked if that was normal. A yellow warning light also returned after staying off for years; tightening the gas cap did not clear it. Experts said fuel brand does not matter and that the light must be scanned for codes. They also said oil on the plug tips indicates burning oil, while oil around the plug indicates leaking seals under the valve cover, and that the timing belt should be replaced at this mileage.

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