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General >> Problems >> Oil on sparkplugs
(Message started by: Octavian_P on Dec 3rd, 2006, 9:35pm)

Title: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by Octavian_P on Dec 3rd, 2006, 9:35pm
Hello

I have started a new challenge now, today I have tried to take out the spark plugs out on my cossie....surprise the key that I have is to short....this wasn't the problem. When I got out the key it was full of engine oil  :o. I have look down the spark plug hole....and there’s definitely oil in there. This is happening to the left side of the engine...on the right side i couldn't get the spark plug leads out...yet. It is very strange, the car pulls like a train, and doesn't "eat" a gram of oil (well I only did about 2 or 300 km till now with it). But those 3 spark plugs are soaking together with the lead in about 2 cm of oil  :o

What could have gone wrong, maybe the last oil change was spiled over there also ????
:-/

Title: Re: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by Dave on Dec 3rd, 2006, 10:48pm
Er, leaking cam cover gasket?

Title: Re: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by Octavian_P on Dec 3rd, 2006, 10:55pm
That is what i thought in the first place but on the exterior of the cam cover it's nice and dry  ???
If i do manage to get the plug out all the oil will go into the cylinders  :P

Title: Re: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by Spannerdemon on Dec 3rd, 2006, 11:25pm
If oil wasn't put in carefully, then it could well have ended up down the plug hole/s but on three plugs.....I think that would be unusual.

You say the car is running OK.  Take the plug leads off, and dry out the plug hole recesses as well as you can with some kitchen roll, rag or something like that on the end of a thin screwdriver. Then when you've got the worst of it out, remove the plugs and dry the leads and everything else out with a bit of cloth on the end of a screwdriver. Wrap it round so that you can't lose it in the hole!!

All you can do is keep an eye on it. I wonder if the plugs were tightened up properly when last fitted, and the oil MAY have come from the engine and seeped past the seals.........but like you say it's strange.

Keep an eye on it.  ;)

Title: Re: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by howiedintheplace on Dec 4th, 2006, 12:53am
It's just the gaskets.

You have the one that seals round the edge of the cover & another that just seals the 3 plug holes.

Not uncommon.

Plug holes either fill with water or oil depending if some one has a. Got carried away with the pressure washer or b. not tightend the cam cover down correctly.

When farily full causes a slight misfire ;)

Could be loose plugs too as said.

Title: Re: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by Pegasus on Dec 5th, 2006, 10:03pm
Hi,
I've got a very slight leak around all 6 plugs - probably a thimblefull a year from each. When I 1st found it there must have been a tablespoon each - much like yours. My plugs are tightened to specified torque so probably gasket. I'm not too bothered about it as it hasn't worsened in 5 years. Just keep an eye on it.
As advised, get as much out as can. Don't worry too much if some goes down the plug hole (provided there's no bits - shouldn't be) all you'll get is a little smoke from exhaust next time you fire up.

HTH

Paul

Title: Re: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by Pegasus on Dec 5th, 2006, 10:08pm

on 12/05/06 at 22:03:46, Pegasus wrote:
Hi,
. When I 1st found it there must have been a tablespoon each - much like yours.


Why has the site changed "t a b l e s p o o n" to "tablethingy"?  ???

Is it a banned word?   @

Strange  :o

Title: Re: Oil on sparkplugs
Post by Octavian_P on Dec 6th, 2006, 12:34am
Thank you all for the tips, you took a rock of my heart  ;). If i'm healty enough adn recover a bit with the $$$ i hope in the summer will do a big job on it, chains, tensioners, blades, gaskets.... Ford now i'm checking all the auto-shops for a big-long-enough spark plug key.....the anwser in gereral is:

"errrmmm, why do you need it so long....."
i took them to the car...and they say
"wow what a monster of cool big engine"
and they drool at it for 10 minutes and say
"nope we don't have one to match"
>:(


Cheers



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