Hello, new here. I was wondering if anyone can help me out with my problem. I was replacing my spark plugs and noticed that one plug was dripping with oil. I couldn't really see down the well to see how much oil was down there. Anyone know what could cause this? I was told that it was a leaky valve cover gasket. Does anyone know what will happen if I keep driving around like this?
Oil in spark plug well help
- Thread starter euhysh
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I assume it was on top of the plug (outside), and that you are not referring to tip inside which requires removal to see.
Two things could happen over time. The oil could get gummy and just make small mess when changing plugs. The oil could promote carbon on the plug/deterioration of wires causing leakage of spark energy. If bad it could cause noticable ignition problems.
Not a big deal immediately but I would clean it out with a small screwdriver&rag / toothbrush and carb cleaner.
Cleaning will help you identify were the leak is. Valve cover gasket is generally easy to change so hope for that.
Two things could happen over time. The oil could get gummy and just make small mess when changing plugs. The oil could promote carbon on the plug/deterioration of wires causing leakage of spark energy. If bad it could cause noticable ignition problems.
Not a big deal immediately but I would clean it out with a small screwdriver&rag / toothbrush and carb cleaner.
Cleaning will help you identify were the leak is. Valve cover gasket is generally easy to change so hope for that.
On many models when you replace the v/c gasket, there are seals that go around where the spark plug screws into the head. No big deal.
I have a BMW 540 V8 and thy are notorious for valve cover gaskets needing replacement at 80-100K. Th oil will eventually find its way to the spark plug itself and also it might drip on your exhaust manifold/etc and cause a nice burning smell in your cabin if you don't get it fixed.
Do you drive a Saturn S-Series by any chance?
I second cleaning it out with a towel on the end of a tool. Check back with it every few days to see if it comes back and if so, look for signs of the oil source.
-Coug
-Coug
Cool thanks for the tips you guys. So I take it that this is not a seious problem, but something I should take care of real soon.
It's for a 94 Supra TT with some basic upgrades with about 64k miles. Out of the 6 plugs, only 1 is dripping with oil, the one closest to the firewall.
Thanks!
Tomorrow first thing I'll do is soak up the oil with a rag.
It's for a 94 Supra TT with some basic upgrades with about 64k miles. Out of the 6 plugs, only 1 is dripping with oil, the one closest to the firewall.
Thanks!
Tomorrow first thing I'll do is soak up the oil with a rag.
I know a common issue with my Honda B18 is that the spark plug gaskets tend to leak after a few years (5-10 years) and then you notice oil in the spark plug holes. I'm not sure if yours has the same style of gasket, but if so, that's probably the issue.
I'm assuming you mean the threaded end right? If that's the case, that's called oil fowling; which is caused by worn out piston rings and/or valve seals.
ok, so your spark plug is dripping oil? Where specifically, are you seeing oil? Is it on the top part of the spark plug white ceramic body where the spark plug boot meets, or is it at the tip (electrode) of the spark plug?
Sorry if it sounds mean but if you aren't specific about it, we cannot provide accurate analysis or means of help.
Also: a picture worths a thousand words so try that by posting a pic to photobucket to share.
Cheers,
Q.
Sorry if it sounds mean but if you aren't specific about it, we cannot provide accurate analysis or means of help.
Also: a picture worths a thousand words so try that by posting a pic to photobucket to share.
Cheers,
Q.
Leaky cam covers is where your oil is coming from. You may have success by tightening the hold-down bolts(the tend to loosen on Supra engines). If not, new gaskets are in order and rather easy to replace. You will need two new cam cover gaskets as well as a valley gasket. Problem solved.
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