Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









1998 Kia Sephia engine light on


Search for (search options)
 



nudnic
New User

Mar 21, 2009, 8:04 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1558 views)
1998 Kia Sephia engine light on Sign In

The engine runs rough and the light is on. Sometimes when accelerating the light flashes and I don't have much power. If I give it gas then the light goes off. I know for a fact that there is oil in 1 of the spark plug holes. Is this a costly repair? the car has over 120,000 miles on it. The transmission is manual 5 spd. 1.8 liter engine


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Mar 21, 2009, 10:26 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1556 views)
Re: 1998 Kia Sephia engine light on Sign In

This is a pic of the valve cover gasket. The four circles in the center seal the spark plug tubes from the oil. When these fail, it allows oil into the spark plug cavity and can short out a plug. Remove the spark plugs after soaking up as much oil out of the cavity that you can with rags. Then, remove the valve cover, replace the gasket and the plugs. Some oil is going to get into the cylinder when you remove the plugs, but should burn off in a few minutes once you start the engine. Get as much of the oil out of there before you remove the plug, though. There are many other reasons you could be getting a misfire and causing the check engine light to illuminate. But, since you mentioned the oil, this is the first place I'd start. A misfire can destroy the catalytic converter, so don't let this go. If the plug replacement doesn't correct the misfire, get it diagnosed quickly. You might also consider replacing the plug wires while you are doing this as they will be oil soaked, as well. Oil will deteriorate rubber.
Loren
SW Washington


nudnic
New User

Mar 21, 2009, 1:06 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1554 views)
Re: 1998 Kia Sephia engine light on Sign In

Thanks for the information. The gasket was replaced about 3 years ago and when I but new plugs and wires in last summer I saw the oil. The missfiring didn't start till recently. I'm just trying to fix it up to make it last another year or 2 at most. Since the body is starting to rust below the doors I am going to learn how to bondo this summer.Smile Even with this problem I still get 32 mpg.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Mar 21, 2009, 3:47 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1547 views)
Re: 1998 Kia Sephia engine light on Sign In

You still need to replace that gasket - again! It can short out the plug from last Summer and need that and wire(s) as well now even if done last Summer,

T







 
 
 






Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap