Yesterday (when servicing my 2002 Magna TJ Sports) I went to change my sparks plugs (both banks) and discovered that the spark plug tubes were badly soaked with oil. I had never encountered this issue before and postponed replacing the spark plugs until I got my head around what was causing this problem.

Some Googling and YouTubing later I established that the rocker cover gasket and spark plug seals must be cactus. I have ordered 2 sets from Mits-Fix to complete the job hopefully next week, when the gaskets arrive.

I then watched another Youtube video on the issue to discover there may be more causes then mentioned above. :ninja:

The video is in reference to a Honda, so I'm not sure if it applies to my 6G74. Does my 6G74 have more seals at the bottom of the tubes that I need to replace like in the video? (video below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYU8qtPzQOY&feature=em-share_video_user

Any advice from the mechanically minded would be appreciated. :learn:

There's quite a few threads on this and if you plan to DIY then I highly suggest doing some research.

To answer though, no there are just to top seals.
Things to keep in mind:
The bolts need to be torqued correctly at 3.5nm. Too little and they will leak, too much and the valve cover will warp and leak as well.
The valve covers need to be "reshaped". Basically the gasket goes between 2 layers of the valve cover and you need to get these to fit tight enough over the gasket such that when you turn it over the gasket does not fall out.

I did it DIY and though some parts were fiddly it was not difficult.
I did the front cover first one day and learned the "tricks" and then did the rear another day

Thanks for the advice Spetz, but if Googling, YouTubing and posting questions on the forum don't count as research, what does? I also read my workshop manual :cool:

I will see if I can locate some of those threads.

I'm happy there are only the top seals in the 6G74. The bottom ones (for the Honda) in the video look like a pain...

Another tip which you probably know already from your research, but don't use any gasket sealant or adhesive. The rubber seals, both rocker cover and plug tube, are all you need.

Another tip which you probably know already from your research, but don't use any gasket sealant or adhesive. The rubber seals, both rocker cover and plug tube, are all you need.

Funny you mention that about my research. I was just reading "MadMagna" having a rant about not using sealant in 3rd gens in one of the other threads (Spetz was talking about) on this topic. :learn:

Apparently silicon burning can destroy your O2 sensor and Catalytic Converter, which is bad. :naughty:

I had a dealership do mine and they leaked straight after so i dont see why people dont have a go and do their own if they have the time, tools and inclination.

Pretty disappointing when the pros cant get it right first time.

I had a dealership do mine and they leaked straight after so i dont see why people dont have a go and do their own if they have the time, tools and inclination.

Pretty disappointing when the pros cant get it right first time.

I totally agree.

I always attempt my own mechanical work if I think it is within my capabilities (and I have the tools). For one I get satisfaction from completing the work and as an added bonus it has saved me heaps of money over the years. "A dollar saved is a dollar earned".

Pretty disappointing when the pros cant get it right first time.

+1

That and the money you save in labour and buying the parts from whatever source is the cheapest, are BIG pluses for DIY.
(But of course, you can get your hands dirty and you may tend to raise a sweat, which are a big no-no for some. lol)

I had a "mechanic" strip the engine in my Pajero and rebuild it. The original problem was still there, so I took it to a friend and he stripped it down - after 5 km total distance. The first "mechanic" put new seals throughout, including the rocker cover gaskets and the spark plug tube seals. Two of the six plug tubes had oil in them - after 5 km! Reason - he laid a heavy bead of silicon EVERYWHERE, including on the rocker cover gasket face. It was so thick that the spark plug tube seals weren't touching the cover properly. This was after FIVE Kilometers! Needless to say, I was not happy (still not). If you want a recommendation for who not to use in Cooma, PM me.

Moral of the story (apart from not using this "Mechanic") - if you are going to use silicone as an adjunct to the original gaskets, use only a very thin smear. Personlally, I wouldn't use anything - Mitsubishi designbed teh gaskets originally with no extra stuff - use the original design concept.

Mitsu specifies specific sealants by brand and part number to use in different reassembly jobs on the engine. If none are mentioned in the manual, don't use any.

erad and MadMax, good advice thanks :learn:

Hi to all, I have a TF 2.4 cyl with the same problem, I guess it's a similar process as on the v6,, does anyone now where I can get a workshop manual for my magna???

The 4 cylinder Magna is not well represented in any manual, the engine seems to be a bit of an orphan - not popular at all with the buying public.

However, I'd suggest:
Using the "normal" manual (ie v6) for things not engine related.
Look up what other Mitsu models had the 2.4L engine, IIRC the CH Lancer came out with the same engine, it might be worthwhile tracking down the engine details for that.
To confuse matters, there is a 2.4L 4B12 engine which is totally different (younger Lancer, with MIVEC), you want info on the 4G64 engine.

Anyhow, the spark plug seals and rocker cover gasket are easy to do on the 4 cylinder.

Hi to all, I have a TF 2.4 cyl with the same problem, I guess it's a similar process as on the v6,, does anyone now where I can get a workshop manual for my magna???
The Ellery manual for the Magna/Verada 1991-2005, code EP.M093, does include coverage of the E/F 4 cylinder engine (though it only lists it for the TE).

I did mine 3weeks ago gaskets were hard as rock,rear bank was a little tricky to do as its my first time doing this job
I also change all spark plugs x3 lazer in rear and normalx3 in front, from that time till now i have no leaks.

Thanks for the info guys....