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oil in spark plug? anything to worry?

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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 11:31 AM
  #1  
liloutlaws's Avatar
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oil in spark plug? anything to worry?

I just changed my spark plugs last weekend and I found oil in the the 6th spark plug, (facing the engine bay top right).

Is it anything I should worry? Car runs much better after the spark plug change.
Old Oct 17, 2009 | 12:05 PM
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i believe that is indicative of a leaky valve cover gasket.
Old Oct 17, 2009 | 12:07 PM
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change your VC gaskets, belive me, it wont run better for long when the oil gets into the coil and disrupts the connection.
also, enjoy smoky startups when it leaks down.
i used a leaky VC as an excuse to do an 00vi swap
Old Oct 17, 2009 | 04:38 PM
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The valve cover gaskets proper won't cause this problem, it's the plug tube seals. Generally they're replaced along with the valve cover gaskets, though.

You'll obviously have to pull the UIM to change out the rear tube seals, should consider cleaning the TB/IACV and EGR guide tube while you're in there, as well as replacing the KS if it's due (only a half dozen more bolts to pop the lower intake out).
Old Oct 18, 2009 | 12:18 AM
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Originally Posted by pmohr
The valve cover gaskets proper won't cause this problem, it's the plug tube seals. Generally they're replaced along with the valve cover gaskets, though.

You'll obviously have to pull the UIM to change out the rear tube seals, should consider cleaning the TB/IACV and EGR guide tube while you're in there, as well as replacing the KS if it's due (only a half dozen more bolts to pop the lower intake out).
+2 I had the exact same issue with the same plug tube seal.. also had a touch of smoke on startup , change the VXC gaskets and tube seals. all issues went away,.
also did the other things listed above while in there. not much reason not to,
Old Oct 18, 2009 | 12:23 AM
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make sure you do it right though. i had to take mines of 2 times to redo it
Old Oct 18, 2009 | 05:50 PM
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is there a good read up on how to switch all of that?

also what's VXC gasket and UIM?

and what's the long term damage to the car?
Old Oct 18, 2009 | 06:06 PM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by liloutlaws
is there a good read up on how to switch all of that?

also what's VXC gasket and UIM?

and what's the long term damage to the car?
Did you look in the stickies, or search?

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...im-w-pics.html

VXC? You mean VC? VC == Valve Cover.

UIM == Upper Intake Manifold.

The valve covers themselves come off in a rather obvious way when the UIM is removed (for the rear).
Old Oct 18, 2009 | 07:45 PM
  #9  
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Is it on the plug where the electrode is? Or is it on the coil boot? Coil boot says VC gasket... Plug says Valve seals or rings but proper combustion would not leave oil behind even though it is not supposed to be there. On second thought just replace those gaskets.
Old Oct 18, 2009 | 11:07 PM
  #10  
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C.

u need new valve cover gaskets, the rear one sucks to change
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