The last time [last time ever] I washed down the engine, number four [the one at the back of the engine] spark plug was covered in oil, below the coil pack but outside the engine. I figured then that it's the valve cover gasket. Is this a common dillema? I gues I'll have to replace the gasket soon as it makes for fun times when trying to get the socket over the end of the plug with all that oil filling the valley on that cylinder. It took me quite some time just to extract that plug becuse of all the oil so next time I do it I'll replace the plugs too. They all looked fine but I'd really like to try the Bosch +4 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />ones everyone seems to have. Are they really that much better?

See steps 9, 10, and 11 in this thread...

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...mp;amp;sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

If you let it go you may get misfire, which will destroy the cat convertor.

IMHO Bosch +4's don't provide any gains other than "feel good". I run OEM resistor plugs. They work fine.

I actually put them in mine once and I had problems with them. I put the regular plugs back in and have used them ever since.

Stock plugs are good for about 30k miles, the +4 I know from personel experience will last longer than 60k miles. I do not believe there is any performance gains for the +4 plugs.

My valve cover gasket leaks oil all over spark plug 4 too. Recently I replaced the gasket and gooped tons of gasket sealer all over. Hopefull it won't leak this time. It is a common problem with these engines.

As for plugs, I have never had good luck with ANY high-end plugs in my sportage. I have tried bosch platinum, +4, and others and had problems like Axey.

Now days I usually use Denso plugs that have the copper contacts (I think?) and I replace them more often. Runs smooth as a baby's butt... Hey I figure use ***** plugs in a ***** engine

I've used Autolite and NGK V-power. Both seemed to work fine...changed @ 30,000 miles, of course.....I believe the V-power were OEM for the 2002......

As a matter of fact I just had to change my plugs, wires and coil packs last week or the week before. I noticed that the #4 area was free of oil for the first time ever. The lst time I changed the plugs I bought a new valve cover gasket and I made sure to follow the directions and tighten the bolts in the pattern specafied and I even went as far as to tighten them with my torque wrench to the specified ft/lbs. I guess it worked. I didn't use any gasket sealer at all.

So what is the correct pattern and torque.

I am putting on a new gasket this week and want to get it right!

Thanks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Graham

See step 11 here...

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...mp;amp;sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

Thx, hopefully no more oil in plug 4 in a few days.

Graham