Spark plug connector pulled...oil dribbles out

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

After reading the many threads here about how to change spark plugs, I
thought I was prepared for anything when I lifted aside the windshield
washer tank and air intake of our Forester (2001, 125K miles) and chose as
the first plug to replace the forward one on the passenger side. When I
plucked off the connecter, some oil spilled out. It came from what
appeared to be a small space between the end of the spark plug well and
the engine cover. Some of it trickled down into the spark plug well. This
didn't seem right, so I cleaned it out as best I could and put everything
back together pending consultation with the experts here. Can't recall
anybody here saying anything about encountering oil when removing spark
plug connectors. What does it mean?

If you're lucky, it means the gasket on the bottom of the spark plug
wasn't quite seated correctly, or some oil spilled on it while you were
adding/changing oil.

If you're not lucky, it means the rings are going and a rebuild might soon
be in order.

 

[Charles Packer]

After reading the many threads here about how to change
spark plugs, I thought I was prepared for anything when
I lifted aside the windshield washer tank and air intake
of our Forester (2001, 125K miles) and chose as the first
plug to replace the forward one on the passenger side.
When I plucked off the connecter, some oil spilled out.
It came from what appeared to be a small space between
the end of the spark plug well and the engine cover.
Some of it trickled down into the spark plug well.
This didn't seem right, so I cleaned it out as best
I could and put everything back together pending
consultation with the experts here. Can't recall anybody
here saying anything about encountering oil when
removing spark plug connectors. What does it mean?

 

[Charles Packer]

If you're lucky, it means the gasket on the bottom of the spark plug
wasn't quite seated correctly, or some oil spilled on it while you were
adding/changing oil.

If you're not lucky, it means the rings are going and a rebuild might soon
be in order.

Let me clarify: the oil didn't come up from where
the spark plug sits at the bottom of its well. That is,
it didn't leak from around the spark plug gasket. It came
from _above_ the spark plug, at the top of its well
where it meets with the piece of metal that is
bolted in place over the cylinders. (It's called
the valve cover, I think.)

 

[mulder]

Let me clarify: the oil didn't come up from where
the spark plug sits at the bottom of its well. That is,
it didn't leak from around the spark plug gasket. It came
from _above_ the spark plug, at the top of its well
where it meets with the piece of metal that is
bolted in place over the cylinders. (It's called
the valve cover, I think.)

You need to replace the valve cover gaskets. The seal around the spark
plug well is leaking. This is not that big a deal and the parts aren't
that expensive. It's a driveway DIY if you have the tools and
mechanical ability, otherwise it's couple of hours labor at a shop.

 

[Todd H.]

Let me clarify: the oil didn't come up from where
the spark plug sits at the bottom of its well. That is,
it didn't leak from around the spark plug gasket. It came
from _above_ the spark plug, at the top of its well
where it meets with the piece of metal that is
bolted in place over the cylinders. (It's called
the valve cover, I think.)

I had oil discovered in spark plug wells and was told I needed a new
valve cover gasket to correct it.

Then again, this particular mechanic turned out to be less than
honest, so take this with a grain of salt.

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

Let me clarify: the oil didn't come up from where the spark plug sits at
the bottom of its well. That is, it didn't leak from around the spark plug
gasket. It came from _above_ the spark plug, at the top of its well where
it meets with the piece of metal that is bolted in place over the
cylinders. (It's called the valve cover, I think.)

OK! See Mulder's comment.

I did this only on an '88 Supra, and that was a chore only because the
intake (air) runs over the top of the valve covers...you have to remove
all the air passages to get to them.

This should be a piece of cake.

 

[Chicobiker]

After reading the many threads here about how to change
spark plugs, I thought I was prepared for anything when
I lifted aside the windshield washer tank and air intake
of our Forester (2001, 125K miles) and chose as the first
plug to replace the forward one on the passenger side.
When I plucked off the connecter, some oil spilled out.
It came from what appeared to be a small space between
the end of the spark plug well and the engine cover.
Some of it trickled down into the spark plug well.
This didn't seem right, so I cleaned it out as best
I could and put everything back together pending
consultation with the experts here. Can't recall anybody
here saying anything about encountering oil when
removing spark plug connectors. What does it mean?

I replaced my spark plugs and found oil in the same place a long time
ago. It might have been at 100k kms or 150k kms. I have a 2003 OBS.
I never did anything about it, and the next time I replaced the plugs,
no oil.

I'm due for another spark plug change so I'll post my results.

Chicobiker

 

[Charles Packer]

ago. It might have been at 100k kms or 150k kms. I have a 2003 OBS.
I never did anything about it, and the next time I replaced the plugs,
no oil.

I'm tempted to do as you did and just replace
the plugs. It just occurred to me -- duh -- that I
can at least pull the plug connectors of all four
plugs far enough out to inspect the situation without
removing all that other harware that you have to
remove to do a complete plug job.

At any rate, somebody sent me this page that has
well-photographed instructions for the job:
http://tinyurl.com/yaga5uc

 

[tom klein]

the wires also get saturated with oil, and eventually the engine runs
(very) badly, so plan on a new set of wires.