1989 Toyota Corolla: Oil on Spark plugs, car won't start?

MissKriss · 13 May 2011, 11:39 am

My car is old but it only has 89k miles. Every once in a while the check engine light will come on and my car sputters and cuts out while I'm driving, although it doesn't die when it does this. The engine is getting fuel and cranking over but it still won't start? We pulled the cap and rotor (no moisture inside cap), but then we pulled the spark plugs and they have oil on them....any ideas please? Also I just had a tune up less than a year ago and replaced the alternator, battery, cap and rotor, spark plugs and wires, and air/fuel filters. Thank you!

I forgot to add that we pulled the spark plugs to check for a spark and there wasn't one...so?

Toddacanda · 13 May 2011, 11:54 am

something is wrong in the connection of an electrical system component that is not charging up the battery. A loose connection somewhere maybe.

John S · 13 May 2011, 12:09 pm

It's most likely the valve stem seals. When a car is this old, the rubber around the valves to the cylinders begins to crack from age. These valve seals keep oil from getting into the cylinders, but when they are cracked the oil gets in covering the cylinder and spark plugs. The oil could be interfering with the spark on your spark plugs which keeps your car from starting. To fix this requires removal of the engine head and replacement of the valve stem seals which isn't too big of a job but it will cost more than the value of the car.

The Flaming Raven · 13 May 2011, 12:24 pm

Well contrary to popular belief Toyota's DON'T last forever, or even as long as most cars. You need a valve job done since oil is leaking past the seals and fouling the plugs. It will cost between $1,500 to $2,000 to have it done. My GM car has over 345,000 miles and has NEVER had a major repair........

1989 Toyota Corolla: Oil on Spark plugs, car won't start?

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