2002 Nissan Altima fouled spark plug

BGRICH2003

MEMBER
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

Recently I had a problem with one of my catalytic converters it shattered into pieces. So, I replaced it with new headers, that only had one cat, which I have not installed. Soon after I saw white smoke out of the tail pipe. By chance I decided to replace the spark plugs and found one had oil on both sides past the thread. So I want to know what is causing this? Is it the valve cover O-ring, the valve stem seal, the piston ring, or the pcv valve? How can I tell? I am willing to tear this car apart to fix this problem.

Sunday, July 12th, 2009 AT 3:06 PM

3 Replies

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

I seem to remember a recall or something about 02 and 03 altimas.

The cat would start coming apart and somehow caused internal engine damage.

I think it would somehow suck some of the dust from the cat back through the exhaust valves when you shut the engine off.

Anyway, they replaced a lot of engines for free.

Contact a Nissan dealer with you VIN handy and see if your car is applicable.

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Sunday, July 12th, 2009 AT 4:04 PM

BGRICH2003

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Really? I think I voided any warranties I had by working on it myself. Damn dealer I took it to them and they didnt say anything.

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Sunday, July 12th, 2009 AT 4:23 PM

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

I found it, it's the second half of the first paragraph
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm?SearchType=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=03V084000&summary=true

call the customer service number listed in the recall and tell them your story.

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Sunday, July 12th, 2009 AT 4:36 PM