[Cambino]

My ‘00 Celica had an oil leak when I got it, but I didn’t know exactly where it was, nor did I have the time to look. The other day I was installing new Spark plugs, and found out that there is oil in all “tubes”, and a lot in the first one. Is there a way I can fix this that’s not insanely expensive, or should I just get a new engine?

 

[PETER PAN 2009]

Does car have any CELs?

Oil in plugs' wells is a simple problem, caused by leaks at the valve cover's gasket, easy to fix..

Just remove the 4 spark plug's cables, then remove the 11 or so 10 mm bolts on top of the cover. Use a swivel adapter and extensions for your socket wrench to reach behind the engine.

Clean mating surfaces with a plastic knife, put in a new gasket with black high-temp auto-grade silicone RTV at 2 places where the valve cover, head and front timing cover meet. There should be 2 bumps on the gasket to mark these 2 spots. Without RTV there, oil will splash out. You can also run a bead of RTV all around the gasket. Does not hurt.

When tighten the bolts, torque is only 8-10 ft-lbs on the aluminum head. Overtorque you may strip the threads.