MX5Ireland

Engine started misfiring occasionally on my 92 Mk1, changed the spark plugs and found oil on three of the spark plugs on the sparking side of the plug. Still misfiring with new plugs. Do I have major engine problems?

Not an expert but from what I have read this sounds more like a leaking cam gasket seal which is an easy fix but I am sure someone else here will confirm or correct me.

its the first thing I'd check too.

Thanks, I will do that next.

Use genuine Mazad gacket only not spurious ones as they tend to leak even though they physically look the same.There is only about 5e in the difference anyway.Dealers only

Thanks Robert

And don't forget about the liquid gasket on the six spots and torque the bolts up correctly or it will be leaking everywhere !
http://www.miata.net/garage/valvecover/index.html

Small amounts only of sealer at 6 points.I have had two mx5,s in last month both seized from silicone in sump.Done by some other garages somewhere but both identical issues,jumping oil pressure ,and seizure.!! Be Warned.!!

did it clog the oil pickup?

I have seen a lot of debate on the use of sealant on other sites so I didn't use it just the OE seal and have had no problems....

Yolo wrote:I have seen a lot of debate on the use of sealant on other sites so I didn't use it just the OE seal and have had no problems....

Then just wait for the oil leak at the back of the block that will cover your entire engine & bay area

Fergus wrote:

Yolo wrote:I have seen a lot of debate on the use of sealant on other sites so I didn't use it just the OE seal and have had no problems....

Then just wait for the oil leak at the back of the block that will cover your entire engine & bay area

That happened to me. I used a non oem gasket. Lesson learned.

Deivis

Yes both engines with oil pressure issues and when I took sump off loads of silicone floating around but that was after two seperate ggarages sealed the cam cover ALL THE WAY AROUND with silicone,not just the corners.Minimal amount at the 6 spots only if any at all !!

Fergus wrote:

Yolo wrote:I have seen a lot of debate on the use of sealant on other sites so I didn't use it just the OE seal and have had no problems....

Then just wait for the oil leak at the back of the block that will cover your entire engine & bay area

Fergus I am a year down the line and not a drop to be seen, all dry as a bone thank god and long may it last....