dansmax2003

iTrader: (7)

I just replaced the spark plugs on my 2003 Maxima. It took me a good 3 hours, working at normal pace. I took my time. It was not that difficult at all when directions were followed. I saved more than $200.
This was the write up that i used. It is GREAT!!! Thank you to the person who wrote it!!

Step-by-step

I installed 6 Denso Iridium plugs. Car runs fine. No pinging at 2k-2100 rpm - for now. Engine is smooth and quiet. Hopefully the pinging will disappear with the Denso plugs.

One thing that bothered me was that when replacing the rear 3 plugs, on the drivers side plug....when i pulled out the coil i saw oil on the bottom, around the spark plug. The rubber insulatotor was oily too. It wasn't a lot but it was definetely wet. I removed the spark plug and it looks dry and normal. Only the top, ceramic part seems to be wet and oily. Also - there was dry brown fluid stuck on the bottom part of the ceramic insulator. See the pictures.







How did the oil get there? Where is it comming from? Should I worry? My car does NOT burn oil and i never have to add oil between oil changes (5k miles). I use Mobil 1. What could be the problem? I have 71k miles on the car.

Thanks!!!

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

the ONLY way that could happen is if there is oil in the cylinder.

BewstAdd1ct

um ya, or the valve cover gasket was leaking...

i wouldnt worry about it, especially if its a small amount, it may get worse. keep it in mind for next time you change the plugs, see if its gotten worse.

the brown residue at the base of the porcelain insulator is combustion gasses leaking past the plug, in very small amounts. after 60,000 miles or so, this is what you see.

HotshotVQ35

iTrader: (5)

thats a great writeup. do you have to replace the coils as well?

rbrown81

iTrader: (3)

How many miles on your car when you did the plug change?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

no. you only replace those if one goes bad

dansmax2003

iTrader: (7)

71k miles. 2003 Maxima SE.