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Small amount of oil in spark plug well

3K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  Jim O. 
#1 ·
I'm changing my spark plugs due to a misfire, and noticed a some oil in the spark plugs well. The ignition coil itself looks alright, but was loose when I went to pull it. My first thought is that the spark plug was loose and allowed a bit of blowby. Any thoughts?
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Discussion starter · #4 · (Edited)
When you removed the spark plug, was it loose or not?
Yeah, I'd say it was more loose than the other ones. It was still threaded in there (I think), but it didn't require as much torque (if any) to break it free. Also, I'm not sure if this is just me being stupid, but when I was trying to screw the plug in, it wasn't going all that easily. I tightened it down by hand, but when i went in with the torque wrench it felt like it wasn't giving much resistance at all. After I took it out again it looked like it didn't thread in all the way. Might've just been gunk in the threads, but idk. I went in a second time just hand tightening and it got deeper with a normal amount of resistance, but I let off before it was tight because I got scared that the threads might be damaged. I didn't try a third time because it got dark out while I was investigating what might've caused the oil or whatever that is to get in there in the first place.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I would investigate whether your valve cover gasket is leaking.
Where should I start with that? I don't suppose a leak down test would narrow things down at all, since that would indicate a bad head gasket or piston rings. I haven't really noticed any oil consumption, although I'll admit I haven't been as diligent with checking in the past few months. Any typical places for leaks or failures I should check?
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Alright, just ordered a new valve cover gasket. Even if it's not exactly the culprit, it would be nice to have the maintenance done. Feels like I'm always on the back foot with this car :/. Hopefully that'll get better as I keep ticking off 2nd round 100k maintenance items.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
It's either that or you added oil to the engine, in the process spilled a copious amount around the neck and it went under the beauty cover and found it's way to there....
I'd hope not. Last oil change I got done was at a pretty reputable place since I didn't have access to my jack, so I hope they didn't overfill it. There isn't any oil residue or anything visible underneath the vanity cover tho.
 
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