About Ron Cris Expertise I welcome all questions about basic automotive repair..Brakes..Front End and Engine rebuilding..I am especially trained in rebuilding Chevrolet v8 Engines.
Experience I have 25 yrs experience a a journeyman mechanic
Automotive - 2002 mercury 8 cyl./oil on spark plugs
Expert: Ron Cris - 3/19/2008
Question Ron, Good afternoon. I saw a decrease in my fuel mileage, so I decided to replace my sparkplugs. The car has 48k miles and runs excellent. I am the second owner. This is the first time the plugs were changed. I removed the coil packs and then each plug from the well. I noticed each plug was covered in oil below the threaded part of the plug however the actual tip of the plug was relatively clean, not at all fouled or gummy. I suspect there is a valve seal leak, but is it possible to be affecting each cylinder? Is there something else I should consider? I went to Ford but they said if it's not burning oil or running poorly there is nothing to check. Obviousley they don't have to pay for my fuel and at $3.70 a gallon I would like to get better than 14-15 miles to the gallon. Any ideas? Thanks Ken
Answer The oil is probably coming from you valecover gasket o-rings.
The Ford dealer should have told you that..Common on alot of cars..
Not a big deal...
For better fuel milage
Try replacing the Oxygen sensor also..every 50,000mi
That is what controls your fuel mixture..
Change out the aor filter.
also add some good quality fuel injector cleaner your next tankfull.
you could have a sticky injector or 2..
Good luck..
RC
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