Oil on Spark Plug Threads?

[AJMartin0321]

Hey guys,

I recently rebuilt my throttle actuators as a preventative measure, and changed the spark plugs while everything was apart.

While the car was and is running fine, I noticed oil in the threads of all of the spark plugs. I looked into the spark plug tubes that I could see into and didn't see any oil accumulation within.

From what I have read, this may be due to a valve cover gasket leak. I don't seem to be burning oil excessively, as I haven't had to add any oil over the past 4,000 miles or so.

I just wanted to see if this is a worrisome sign that should be addressed asap, or if this is common and relatively benign.

I appreciate any input/further information.

[Pig Farmer]

Are you positive it is oil? I've seen varnish build up on the threads (from the fuel vapors), and it does not wipe off like oil. It takes carb cleaner to remove.

[AJMartin0321]

Originally Posted by Pig Farmer

Are you positive it is oil? I've seen varnish build up on the threads (from the fuel vapors), and it does not wipe off like oil. It takes carb cleaner to remove.

Yeah, the threads were wet. Came off honey colored on a shop towel.

[StripclubDJ]

Normal

Leave it alone

[AJMartin0321]

Originally Posted by StripclubDJ

Normal

Leave it alone

Music to my ears. Doing the throttle actuators and spark plugs was a bit of a pain in the ass. So much time bending over the engine squashing my hands into ridiculously tight spaces left me a little beat up. I must be getting old. Glad I don't have to tear into it again so soon. Thanks!

[StripclubDJ]

Haha yeah I’m a tech, for bmw and Porsche
Done countless s65 plugs, m5 plugs, everything
They all have that build up on the threads

Now, if you pull the coil pack and the oil pooling up, your spark plug tube seals went south and you’ll need to do a valve cover job

But for now, grab a 12 pack and kick back lol

[AJMartin0321]

Originally Posted by StripclubDJ

Haha yeah I’m a tech, for bmw and Porsche
Done countless s65 plugs, m5 plugs, everything
They all have that build up on the threads

Now, if you pull the coil pack and the oil pooling up, your spark plug tube seals went south and you’ll need to do a valve cover job

But for now, grab a 12 pack and kick back lol

Perfect. I like the sound of that. lol
Thanks again!

[Mr. BMW]

Originally Posted by StripclubDJ

Haha yeah I’m a tech, for bmw and Porsche
Done countless s65 plugs, m5 plugs, everything
They all have that build up on the threads

Now, if you pull the coil pack and the oil pooling up, your spark plug tube seals went south and you’ll need to do a valve cover job

But for now, grab a 12 pack and kick back lol

So you're not really a StripClubDJ??

[StripclubDJ]

Originally Posted by Mr. BMW

So you're not really a StripClubDJ??

Nah just did it for fun a couple times lol

[MPower7]

Just did my plugs today. Car has 54,000 miles I have no idea when the previous owner did them last. It took me almost an hour to do the back plug on the passenger side, 20 minutes to do the rest!

These plugs in the picture are arranged as if you are standing at the front bumper looking at the engine.

[last1left]

Originally Posted by MPower7

Just did my plugs today. Car has 54,000 miles I have no idea when the previous owner did them last. It took me almost an hour to do the back plug on the passenger side, 20 minutes to do the rest!

These plugs in the picture are arranged as if you are standing at the front bumper looking at the engine.

Any improvement?

[StripclubDJ]

Originally Posted by MPower7

Just did my plugs today. Car has 54,000 miles I have no idea when the previous owner did them last. It took me almost an hour to do the back plug on the passenger side, 20 minutes to do the rest!

These plugs in the picture are arranged as if you are standing at the front bumper looking at the engine.

With the right tools the job is 20 min start to finish
Trick on the back one is to put the socket in, click your short extension on, then a swivel , then long extension from there

But Im a tech with snap on everything under the sun with a electric ratchet and all so I know for the average guy they suck ass lol

[MPower7]

Originally Posted by last1left

Any improvement?

Very noticible, more consistent idle, much smoother in the low RPM’s when coming to a stop!

[charlielycq@gmail.com]

Has anyone figured out where the oil on the spark plug tip was from?
(not from the spark plug tube I'm 100% sure since the oil is on the thread and tip only)

I had all my spark plug replaced a couple of weeks ago noticed oily tips/threads on the old plugs for my bank 5 and 7.

The replacement solved the problem at the beginning but now it's getting worse.

I have missing cylinders (rough fire not miss fire) when cold start.

It gets better when the engine is warmed up or simply by pressing on the throttle

But I believe it's not because of the valve cover gasket leak neither the spark plug tubes
(I just got them all replaced)

Is there anything in between the crankcase and the valve case like a sealing gasket for the spark plugs?

Please help!!!

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by StripclubDJ

Nah just did it for fun a couple times lol

A Stripclub ?