Oil On Spark Plugs Means What????????? - BMW Forum

P.Lavers · 11-08-2011, 11:57 AM

So i replaced my spark plugs today and the three that are closest to the oil cap had oil on them and when I got closer it had more and more oil on them. What does that mean, and how do I fix it? Is it a major problem???? Also how many KM can I usually go on standard spark plugs before I change them again?? Thanks!!!

1BADBMR · 11-08-2011, 01:31 PM

This is usually caused by a worn out valve cover gasket.
You are probably getting not so good gas milage also.
If you didn't already, when replacing the spark plugs, sap up as much excess oil around the spark plug seat.
I change my spark plugs every 50,000 kilometers

P.Lavers · 11-08-2011, 05:09 PM

Thanks for the response ya i actually have noticed that I have been getting not as good mileage as I used to I used to be able to get close to 600KM a tank but now seem to be getting around 530KM a tank. Not so good. But I def didn't think to sop up the oil like a true noob, is it to late to get in there and do it and then clean off the spark plugs?

theluis · 11-08-2011, 05:59 PM

where did it have oil on the ceramic piece on top or on the electrode on the bottom?

P.Lavers · 11-09-2011, 03:27 PM

The oil was on the threads of the spark plug.

theluis · 11-09-2011, 03:34 PM

so then its most likely the valve cover gasket, so the sprk plug was not burnt?

P.Lavers · 11-10-2011, 05:51 AM

Yes they also looked pretty burnt out but I just assumed that was from the guy who i bought the car from never changed them. What does that mean, I wish I could have taken a picture of one before I tossed them

Jack Dabsy · 11-10-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.Lavers

The oil was on the threads of the spark plug.

Not good !

P.Lavers · 11-10-2011, 04:15 PM

Ya I know its not good, but I need to know how to fix this problem. But seems like its just a valve gasket seal and I should be good correct??????? O ya and to make matters worse my buddy snapped off the nipple while tighting my breaks tonight FML, hope it doesn't leak to bad before I can get some new front break calipers. But no more vibrations rides nice, except the back now LOL

theluis · 11-11-2011, 08:12 AM

it depends on how old the spark plugs were but if the were burnt (black and crusty) then you may be burning oil.. Does the car smoke at all?

P.Lavers · 11-11-2011, 11:19 AM

I don't know how long it had been since they had been last changed. That what sucks I don't have any records at all so I have to replace almost everything all together. But since it seems like I am only getting responses from you guys, do you know if I can swap 5 series brake calipers with a 320i 1991?????? Thanks man !

Jack Dabsy · 11-11-2011, 02:14 PM

Drill the offending nipple and use a stud extractor instead of replacin the caliper... Nipples would be cheap !!
Just an idea...

P.Lavers · 11-11-2011, 02:29 PM

Ya I would do that but, my buddy says that I am going to need to calipers soon. I am not sure if he "really" knows but he said there was a lot of break dust everywhere which my calipers are rusted all to hell and so were my rotors (before I just replaced them) so I am not sure is there any way to really tell if I need calipers? I do like the nipple replacement idea.

Jack Dabsy · 11-11-2011, 02:33 PM

Why does he say "soon"? They either need replacing now, or not LOL... Calpers do "look" rusty without a clean and heat-paint, as long as the seals are fine and the pistons move, it should be fine... But I am not there to give you definitive advice without looking LOL

P.Lavers · 11-11-2011, 03:01 PM

True True, so there is a advantage to painting break calipers other then looking cool? Do you know any good products to use to really clean all that rust off prior to painting?