Is my 16v ABF on its way out?

[skcollob_ho]

Car has been driving well since i took ownership of her, but this morning she starts to run rough on the way to the mother-in-laws. I pull over and pull out the plug leads one at a time while the engine is running, and No.3, when taken out, makes no difference to the running, i.e. doesn't run any rougher. I also notice that the end of the lead is soiled, quite wet in fact.

Does anyone know what this is likely to be please and if its worth fixing?

Cheers,
Michael 

[avengedslayer]

was the lead plugged in all the way? it might have suffered flash over damage? get new leads and plugs

[skcollob_ho]

The lead was definately all the way in, it was the first thing i checked. As for the soiled lead, it was oil all over the end of it.

[avengedslayer]

was there oil all over the plug when you took it out?

[Rmachines]

If there is no oil in the hole,  then its probably just worn out leads,  Its unlikely the engine is failing, at worst case it could be head gasket faiure but you usualy get plenty of signs and warnings before it totally drops the cylinder.  So get your self a new set of plugs, leads a new dizzy cap and rotor arm, im pretty certain that will sort your problem, shouldnt set you back to much either.

[skcollob_ho]

Didn't take the plug out, just took the lead off all four plugs so i could find out which of them wasn't firing. It was then I saw the end of the lead with oil all over it, and inside it all over the contact, thats probably why No.3 isn't firing. But i need to know if its simply a gasket job, or if something more sinister is lurking underneath.

I had to leave her at the mother-in-laws. I wasn't sure if it was okay to driver her back home [about 3 miles], causing more damage.

[skcollob_ho]

If there is no oil in the hole,  then its probably just worn out leads,  Its unlikely the engine is failing, at worst case it could be head gasket faiure but you usualy get plenty of signs and warnings before it totally drops the cylinder.  So get your self a new set of plugs, leads a new dizzy cap and rotor arm, im pretty certain that will sort your problem, shouldnt set you back to much either.

Pretty sure there is oil in the hole, as the end of the lead, although not dripping, was quite wet with oil.

[Rmachines]

The oil may break down the leads but i have never known it to stop it sparking,  the eco tech astra engines always leak and fill with oil but never known that to cause a miss fire.  anyway if there is oil in the hole you need a new rocker cover gasket, no big deal.   

[Paul86S2]

Seems to be a common problem. You need to change the cover gasket which includes a seperate gasket for the spark plug holes. This should stop the spark plug holes filling up with oil.

Try removing the fouled plug, the trapped oil will drain into the cylinder, clean the plug and the lead, and then see if it will run ok.

Paul

[skcollob_ho]

Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated. Just glad that it doesn't appear to be anything major.

How many hours labour should i be looking to fork out for, to change both gaskets?