Help! spark plug symptom engine problem??

[lobster]

I have a 97 camry with 100,000 miles on it, that runs very well. A few weeks ago, I noticed that once the car started with no problem the RPM's immediately decreased and then stalled. NOw it does it more often; especially after I drive around for a while, shut it off for a few minutes and then restart it. If I hit the gas after starting it, it is ok, but if i don't it idles very rough and almost stalls

I changed the spark plugs and wires, and I noticed that one of the plugs had brown (not black) oil where the threads are on the plug (not the electrode). Does anybody know if this is a problem with the piston, rings or anything else? I hope not.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Mike Gerber]

lobster,

The problem with the oil on the spark plug is most likely a problem with the spark plug tubes at the bottom of the cam cover not sealing properly. You can first try just tightening all of the 30 MM nuts that were revealed when you took off the plug wires. They hold down the cam cover and also screw the spark plug tubes down tight. That was the problem on my 94 a few years ago. The tightening torque on my 94 was 27 foot pounds. I'm not sure on the 97 but it should be about the same. I suggest if you are going to do this yourself you use a torque wrench and do it in 1/3 increments; by that I mean 9 foot lbs on the first pass, 18 on the second and then 27 on the final tightening pass. Mine were pretty loose. If that doesn't solve your problem (I'm betting it will) then the cam cover and spark plug tubes will have to come out and the bottom of the tubes where they screw into the head will have to be resealed. I'm not sure what Toyota uses as a sealant here. You would have to ask a dealer. You will also have to install an new cam cover gasket when replacing the cam cover.

Mike

[Brian R.]

With regard to your running problem, see if the computer is outputting any codes. You won't always get a CEL when you have a computer-detected problem.