Oil On Spark Plug Threads?

mikec · Post by **mikec** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 5:10 pm

Hey everyone, hope your weekend is off to a good start!

On a whim today, I decided to pull a spark plug to see how it was doing. The electrode doesn't look too bad, slightly orange. The thing that got me though was what looked like oil on the threads, and around the end of the plug (engine side). I checked the oil, and it was where it had been the last time I looked, so I'm fairly sure I'm not burning oil (or at least its very little). But the threads were definitely wet, and I didn't do it!

Any ideas what this might be? I ran the car for about 10 mins prior to checking this, because I had to move it.

As always, thanks in advance!

Edit: While I've got your attention, what would cause a slightly sweet smell from the engine compartment, that I can only smell when I've got my face stuck in it? Coolant? Power steering fluid?

magicmike · Post by **magicmike** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 6:31 pm

sweet smell = coolant

if you dont have an acuall coolant leak you can still smell anti-freeze when the radiator is starting to go bad.

As far as oil on the spark plug threads . Never seen that myself.

mikec · Post by **mikec** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 6:39 pm

magicmike wrote:sweet smell = coolant

if you dont have an acuall coolant leak you can still smell anti-freeze when the radiator is starting to go bad.

Great.... Not what I wanted to hear on a Saturday morning.

But thanks for the heads up!

magicmike · Post by **magicmike** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 9:02 pm

if its not leaking you might still have a little time. Besides you can buy a new one for 100 bucks ish......with a lifetime warranty from like pepboys or something.

Mike

mikec · Post by **mikec** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 10:31 pm

I don't think it's leaking. I went out and took a look at it. I'm suspecting the helpful mechanic that I had do the coolant flush - he put extra coolant in just in case there was an air pocket. I suspect its coming out the overflow and that's what I'm smelling... (Fingers crossed)

Anybody have any thoughts on the liquid on the spark plug threads?

HomeSlice · Post by **HomeSlice** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 4:49 am

mike-
check if your pcv valve is bad. that would cause oil on the plugs. check that before you get scared. on the coolant leak fill the sytem then pressure test it.
-Jim-

mikec · Post by **mikec** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 6:31 am

I'll see what I can find out tomorrow regarding the pcv valve. Thanks

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Oil On Spark Plug Threads?

Oil On Spark Plug Threads?