Engine rough idle. Rocker/Valve cover gasket? Options

[thedrunkfish]

After my last service the mechanic told me i should look at getting the rocker cover gasket replaced as it was leaking a little. After changing my spark plugs recently i noticed some oil leaking onto the spark plugs wich would be a direct result of this leaking.
Also recently the engine has been idling roughly, the car shakes a little but doesnt stall, it's noticeable from inside the car. Also the engine seems to hesitate under acceleration but gets better as the engine warms up.
Could this oil on the spark plugs cause the rough idle or is it something else?

This post has been edited by thedrunkfish: Nov 11, 2007 - 3:52 PM

[thedrunkfish]

Damn now i feel dumb. There is a little story to this one. I decided to check my spark plugs today to see if they had too much oil on them. Plug 1 came out fine but plug 2 weeeeeeeeell, plug 2 had snapped off at the bottom of the white bit of the spark plug, no idea what it's called. From then on it was damn near impossible to remove with my socket set, tried everything. It was obviously loose in there but couldnt get a grip on it. I was firing up the car to drive it to the mechanic and low and behold the pressure spat it out. Replaced spark plug and no longer have a rough idle!

[95CelicaST]

yep, fouled out plugs can do that. You should really look into changing your valve cover gasket though. It's a real simple job and it will replace the spark plug gaskets as well so you won't get oil on them. I think a gasket kit set me back 12 dollars? Took a couple hours for me, but thats because I painted the valve cover at the same time... meaning wait time!

Whole thing can be done under an hour.

[thedrunkfish]

Are there some detailed instructions in the forums? i searched but no joy, can you describe how to do it?