shaking and lacking engine power?

1999 TOYOTA COROLLA
150,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ENARD26
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
my car started shaking and lacking engine power when I was driving and the check engine light was blinkin on and off so I stopped to check under the hood and noticed that onr of my spark plug wires somehow popped of the spar plug and I noticed oil on the bottom of it,I checked the others and they were fine with no oil so I reconnected the spark plug and started my car and I actually saw the wire pop off! What is going on?
Dec 2, 2009 at 6:52 AM
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SQM
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a leaky spark plug tube seal. It is part of the valve cover gasket. The leaky seal will get oil on the plug and that can make the wire come off.

This will require you to remove the valve cover and replace the tube seals and the gasket.

Here is a helpful guide of valve cover gasket replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-valve-cover-gasket

It is also recommended to change the plug that is covered with oil and possibly the plug wire.

Look at the diagram below for reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Sep 22, 2021 at 7:13 PM
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