Oil on my Brand New Spark Plugs

[Gsuwhiskers]

Okay, I've got another post on the forum about my 2001 EZGO ST350 Workhorse not firing up, but still turning over. I have found that I have oil on my spark plugs. Any ideas why?

I've been told to adjust the valve lash to 0.004, I just got a feeler gauge so I'm going to do that, but a friend of mine has me worried I might have a problem with the rings or seals in the motor.

[Gearhead1956]

Well that's about right. Generally oil on plugs is bad rings.

If I read this correctly, engine is turning over but not starting? could also be valve seals or guides.

I would run the valves and do a compression test. Then you will know.

[Gsuwhiskers]

You read it right sir. I have been told to do a compression test and am working on getting the tool to do it. By run the valves, what do you mean?

[Rooster59]

He means adjust all the valves.

[Gsuwhiskers]

I'm going to try and adjust them tonight. If I do end up having to do an engine rebuild, what all would I need to purchase parts wise? What kind of difficulty level are we talking about, and how long do you think it would take?

I've done some engine work on an old Honda SX250 Three-wheeler, but never messed with small engines outside of that (or large ones for that matter).

[Gearhead1956]

I use to answer that question with its not a big deal, and have gotten myself into a mess trying to guide someone thru the process.

I do forget that some have very little mechanical ability, not to put anyone down.

If you follow the EZGO book step by step you would be fine! But all the tools you would need to buy would make it NOT cost effective!

Its not difficult, but there are some things that a person with engine experience would notice as issues that someone that had never been inside an engine would not see. YouTube is great, but again the don't go into the things to look out for.

So the answer would be that it depends on your mechanical experience.