Oil leak in spark plugs and acceleration loss

COLIN C.

MEMBER
2012 FORD TRANSIT
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
118,000 MILES

I noticed a sudden onset of engine power and apparent misfiring. Went to check the spark plugs and oil was in all four cylinders. Appears to be some oil around the cover but not too much. It happened very suddenly (engine sputtered and idle became rough), after all that I noticed a large loss in acceleration power.

What do you think is the more likely issue? Valve cover gasket, piston ring or something else? Need to mentally prepare for the repair cost if it's a piston ring.

5 Replies

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey COLIN C,

I would say the most like cause is the valve cover gasket. It is unlikely to be piston ring related.

You will need remove all the oil in the spark plug holes, replace the valve cover gasket and retest. You may aswell change the spark plugs while you are there if not done recently.

It is possible for the oil to damage the ignition coils but after cleaning and replacing the valve cover gasket and plugs if needed I would clear the fault codes and drive it.

Hopefully it will run okay with the oil removed.

Best of luck, I don't think you have that much to worry about.

Regards, Joe

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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 11:53 AM

COLIN C.

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Joe,

So I changed the gasket before you commented but I'm happy you did. After I changed it, same issue just not as severe. Your comment helped me identify that it was a failed ignition coil or coils. Swapped the coils from my Mazda tribute 2008 2.3 for now until I can afford to buy new ones. And drives better than when I bought it! Thanks a lot. Is there anyway I can reset the computer myself?

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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 5:28 PM

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey COLIN C.

You can try disconnecting the battery, leave the battery disconnected for fifteen seconds or more and reconnect. You will need to make sure you have the radio security code if your radio has this before doing the disconnect or you will be locked out of using the radio.

This may clear the codes, if not you can also try driving the vehicle. After a few drive cycles with no fault present the light may also go out by itself. Give it three or four days.

If no luck with these methods you'll need to either borrow or buy a scanner and perform a delete that way.

Guide below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Hope that helps.

Regards, Joe

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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 10:20 AM

COLIN C.

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you!

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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 7:20 PM

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey COLIN C.

No problem, let us know how what worked for you there.

The ignition coils getting damaged by oil is a common problem.

Now you are all leak free you should be all good.

Glad you to her fixed.

Regards, Joe