HAVING A OIL LEAK IN SPARK PLUG WELL, CAN PRODUCE A VARIETY OF PROBLEMS.
Oil making its way into the spark plug wells, can drastically affect the engines performance.
Consequently, leading to misfires, increased oil consumption and excessive smoke.
Also, a oil leak in spark plug well, can even lead to an engine fire.
Oil on a spark plug, or on spark plug wires, can cause unexpected problems. Issues like incorrect spark plug gap, leaking valve covers or moisture intrusion, can also damage ignition coils. It can also foul the ignition coil, interfering with ignition timing. So, it’s import to fix this leak, as soon as you discover it.
IF THE VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING ANY OF THESE SIGNS, CHECK FOR A OIL LEAK IN SPARK PLUG WELL
Most Common Warning Signs Include:
- Burning oil smell
- Valve cover is dirty, and leaking oil
- Engine is low on oil
- Engine is running rough, and having misfires
- Overheating engine
So, between the valve cover and the engine are gaskets, that have the tendency to fail over time. Consequently, due to the high temperature of the engine, the gaskets can get brittle, and start to leak.
THE TWO MOST COMMOM PLACES TO LEAK ARE:
1- Leaking Valve Cover Gaskets
Between the valve cover and the engine are gaskets that tend to fail over time. Due to the high temperature of the engine the gaskets can get brittle, and start to leak. So, it is possible for the oil to leak, into the spark plug wells. Leaking valve cover gaskets, need to be fixed as quickly as possible. Because, failing to do so, can lead to further engine damage.
2- Failing O-Ring Seals
There are O-Ring seals at the bottom of the spark plug wells. So, if a seal starts to fail, oil can leak past these seals and into the spark plug well. Again, this issue should be fixed, as soon as possible. Also, the spark plugs should be replaced at the same time.
- Classic cars are especially prone to oil leaking into the spark plug wells. So, it’s important to know what to look for, when assessing where a leak is coming from.
- On late model cars, it is almost always due to, a failing gasket or O-ring around the spark plug tubes.
The best place to start is to look for any leaks. Determine what the leaking fluid actually is, oil, water, or coolant. It is very common, to have oil leaks in this area of the engine.
Tightening the valve cover bolts may help. But, usually replacing the gasket is a better choice.
CONCLUSION
Sometimes when oil leaks from a valve cover gasket, it leaks all the way down to the spark plug galley. And, eventually seeps inside the spark plug tubes. As a result, this will cause a misfire or reduce engine performance.
Finally, the vast majority of valve cover gaskets, only require simple tools to replace. But, the procedures vary from car to car.
BY DANNY BENDER
