Help - Oily Spark Plugs

[vinode]

Hi guys,I recently decided to service my e36 325 myself as the previous service at the shop almost cost me 8 litres of lube oil! They returned me one of the 2 x 4 litre oil bottle with less than a litre left. Since then there has been oil leaks everywhere and I suspected the overflowing due to overfill. Not to mention the sluggish engine. Anyway, when I removed the plugs they were soaked in oil. I cleaned the slots and replaced 6 new plugs. My question is, is this related to the overfill or is it a sign of something worse? Where would the oil come from? I usually service my cars and never seen oil soaked plugs like this (see picture). It drives OK though, engine feels a little lighter and no smoke etc. Appreciate your ideas. Thanks.

 

[turbology]

Oil on electrode usually a sign of valve seal leakage.
But you over filled, so let's flush it, refill with correct amount of oil, and run with new spark plugs, then only recheck the plugs again

Oil on terminal could mean you have leaking valvecover seal.
Is good to get a new one if you haven't change it for long time. Is part of the regular maintenance.

Not to get your worry, torned piston rings can contribute your symtom (oil on electrode) too

 

[vinode]

Thanks bro. I guess the next thing to do is inspect the plug again now that I have set the right oil level. Hopefully nothing serious. Btw, the electrodes were pretty dry, only oil collecting at the insulator and above the threads.
Thanks for reminding me on the valve cover seal. Need to get that done. Thanks.

 

[beemer04]

I had the same problem with my e21, if it is a valve seal leak than I would see a visible bluish smoke from the exhaust, which I don't and there is no reduction in cylinder oil thru my checks with the dipstick.

 

[han2u]

Hmm, I have the same problem with my E34. Hadn't used it for about 10 days, after that tried to start but cannot. Mechanic said petrol has entered and mixed with the engine oil. Big problem already here with me, ya? Changed new oil and plugs and now everything ok - but must start the car everyday. Either that or top overhaul, it seems. vinode, sorry, dont mean to hijack your thread.

 

[jarance]

Could it be when the mechanic was filling the oil and he could have accidentally spilled some oil
on the spark plugs.

take note the oil intake and spark plugs are quite close to each other.

 

[vinode]

Could it be when the mechanic was filling the oil and he could have accidentally spilled some oil
on the spark plugs.

take note the oil intake and spark plugs are quite close to each other.

You know, that actually makes sense. The oil can't evaporate and it stays trapped as puddle of oil with no way to seep down to the electrodes (if it is properly sealed at the threads). Hmm... maybe my mind chooses to accept the best answer for the sake of my wallet :4:

 

[mangkor]

I see from the photo attached, there are might two different situation down here

First the electrode is a bit oily, indicating incomplete combustion due to oil leak somewhere in the combustion chamber. It could be excessive clearance at piston or piston rings or worn out valve stem seals. Simply said, the engine "sudah makan minyak hitam". - Prepare to dig extra money to overhaul the engine.

Secondly, the spark plug insulator is totally soaked with engine oil. It must be leaky valve cover gasket. Get the gasket replaced or somewhat the engine might suffer misfiring in due course.

 

[jarance]

You know, that actually makes sense. The oil can't evaporate and it stays trapped as puddle of oil with no way to seep down to the electrodes (if it is properly sealed at the threads). Hmm... maybe my mind chooses to accept the best answer for the sake of my wallet :4:

If that is the case, then all you have to do it clean up all the spark plug and
put them back into service.

After a week, check the spark plugs again. If it dry, then mechanic fault.
if it wet, then you may have a damaged gasket. Try to tighten the bolts for the oil cover as well. If it is loose, oil may also seep out from the gap.

 

[jarance]

I see from the photo attached, there are might two different situation down here

First the electrode is a bit oily, indicating incomplete combustion due to oil leak somewhere in the combustion chamber. It could be excessive clearance at piston or piston rings or worn out valve stem seals. Simply said, the engine "sudah makan minyak hitam". - Prepare to dig extra money to overhaul the engine.

Secondly, the spark plug insulator is totally soaked with engine oil. It must be leaky valve cover gasket. Get the gasket replaced or somewhat the engine might suffer misfiring in due course.

I think he did mentioned that the spark plug electrode is "pretty dry".

 

[vinode]

I think he did mentioned that the spark plug electrode is "pretty dry".

Yeah, the electrode should be dry but when I pulled out the plug, the oil dripped from the insulator area all the way to the electrode (there was quite a bit of oil around that area, all my tools are oily now). Sorry, the picture is not very clear. Also, I have no smoke or oil level issues so far but I will take up your advice on the valve cover gasket. Thanks.

 

[jarance]

off-topic.

How the plant? Any problem with the Ash Handling plant? Say hello to the guys at the plant.

Heard that the plant going to be handed over completely by year end and my enginners will be demod?

Take good care of the plant.. It your baby now..

 

[vinode]

off-topic.

How the plant? Any problem with the Ash Handling plant? Say hello to the guys at the plant.

Heard that the plant going to be handed over completely by year end and my enginners will be demod?

Take good care of the plant.. It your baby now..

Ash plant much better now, but problem will depend on type of coal. I think iSHI only got Benhar and Bala left. Mostly punchlist work being done. Don't worry, the baby is in good hands :top: