skip to main content

oil in spark plug holes?

ashortasiangirl

15 years ago

Oil is leaking into the no. 1 spark plug hole and has started into the other two. Was checking the car over and found that the spark plug holes were half full of engine oil. All the valve cover bolts were tight, and as far as I know, the valve cover has never been removed. I was told to change the pcv valvue. Is there anything else i need to do? and is this a commom problem in cars? what do you think would be a reasonable price to pay to fix this?

Comments (4)

casey_wa
15 years ago
What is the year, make and model of your car? I am thinking that it could be the spark plug tube grommets (round rubber gasket) in the valve cover. Need to know what kind of car you have to be more helpful in solving your problem

Casey
"http://www.driverdb.com/drivers/12076/"
jemdandy
15 years ago
If your spark plugs are in a deep hole/tube through the top of the valve cover, it is probably a leak beteeen the valve cover and engine top parts. There are soft seals at these joints.

If the valve cover is made of plastic, it likely has metal ferules in the bolt holes that limits how far the mounting bolts can be cranked down (protects from cracking the plastic). Over time (3 to 4 yrs), plastic valve covers have been known to shrink may begin to leak at the head/valve cover interface.

The cure to many of these leaks is a new gasket set.
Related Discussions
10515 not running problem
Q
Comments (15)
This engine has to have good seals on the crank to run - so it will draw in fuel/air when the piston goes up, then compress it in the crankcase when the piston is driven down. You will see lots of oil and black goop around the seal if they leak too much (except your mower has one hour on it so there can't be any black goop there). They have to leak a little to let compression blow fuel/oil through the bearing to clean and lube it and lube the seal, but it shouldn't be a lot. The seal may have just popped out, too, which happens sometimes. By the way, have you pulled the muffler and taken a look at the exhaust ports? I know, it should be fine since it's basically new, but you never know.
...See More
Troy-bilt bronco tiller HELP!!!
Q
Comments (3)
Take plug out pull rope should blow oil out spark plug hole them pour small amount 2 tablespoons gas in sparkplug hole pull rope serval times blow gas oil out. Then install plug try crank engine if runs let run for 15 minutes so smoke oil from engine and muffler half throttle. Leave air filter off its no good oil to much oil. And correct oil level before start engine. If take spark plug out can't pull rope overhaul engine. You need new plug and air filter so test engine.
...See More
Over torqued spark plug Echo SRM 210
Q
Comments (36)
Anti-seize is a lubricant applied to the threads to help prevent seizing or gulling of the threads. Spark plug torque depends on weather it has a crush gasket or angled seat. Either way once seated a 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn is all it takes to reach maximum torque. the problem with theads is any dirt or faulty (dull) thead cutter make small inclusions in the threads. without cleaning or anti-seize applied the threads may break a sliver off or become gulled. When this happens the spark plug or bolt goes down alittle tighter than normal, but when you try to remove it the gulled threads get waded up in the thread grooves and the plug wipes the thread off which ever metal is the softest or locked them togather. If threads are clean over torquing generally don't cause gulling right off the bat unless a sliver of thread breaks off and get wound in the threads. However, continued over torquing weaken the threads and eventually they will fail.
...See More
Dealer Advice On X300 Winter Storage
Q
Comments (6)
I don't think its necessary to add oil to the cylinders just for a winter storage. Just disconnect the battery and add stabil. If you do add oil, remove the spark plugs, pour the oil in and replace the plugs. Crank the engine a few revolutions without the spark plug wires attached. Should coat the cylinders with the oil. I think your better off starting your tractor every month or month and a half and letting it warm up completely. Don't let it run for only a few min as the oil temp won't get hot enough to burn off the moisture in the crank case which can lead to bearing issues farther down the road.
...See More
paparoseman
15 years ago
Toyota's have this problem depending on what engine is in the car. My 86 Supra had this problem, it was a secondary gasket on the top of the motor which had aged allowing oil to seep into the spark plug holes.
jemdandy
15 years ago
This problem is not limited to Toyota. Our '97 Saturn, dual OHC engine, had the identical problem.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

GREEN BUILDING Off the Grid: Ready to Pull the Plug on City Power?

By Jen Dalley //

What to consider if you want to stop relying on public utilities — or just have a more energy-efficient home

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Hide Those Plugs and Switches

By Jason Ball Interior Design

5 ways to camouflage your outlets — or just make them disappear

HOUSEKEEPING Lower Your Heating Bills With Some Simple Weather Stripping

By Buckminster Green LLC

Plug the holes in your house this winter to make sure cold air stays where it belongs: outside

HOUSEKEEPING 12 Cleaning Projects That Go a Little Deeper — Naturally

By Youthful Habits

Eucalyptus oil for germy door handles. Baking soda for oven grime. Here are nontoxic solutions for often-overlooked cleaning jobs

BUDGET DECORATING Budget Decorator: 15 Ways to Update Your Kitchen on a Dime

By Laura Gaskill

Give your kitchen a dashing revamp without putting a big hole in your wallet

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Power to the People: Outlets Right Where You Want Them

By Mitchell Parker

No more crawling and craning. With outlets in furniture, drawers and cabinets, access to power has never been easier

MOST POPULAR Houzz Tour: A Playful Home Drawn Up by 8-Year-Old Twins

Plans for this innovative tower home in Melbourne were going nowhere — until the homeowners’ twins came to the rescue

GREEN BUILDING Building Green: How to Design a Healthier Landscape

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Plant selection, water management, fire-prevention measures and more can ensure that your landscape is good for the planet and for you

ART New Digital Art Frame Gets Put to the Test

By R. Daniel Foster

Our writer sets up the EO1 at home, then invites artist friends over for a look — at images of their own work. See what they have to say

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Spring Patio Fix-Ups: 6 Ways to Light Your Outdoor Room

By Laura Gaskill

Let the good times roll well into the evening with string lights, sconces, pendants and more to illuminate your patio or deck

Sponsored