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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Boozeano on 11 November 2012, 19:20

Title: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: Boozeano on 11 November 2012, 19:20
Hi All,

I changed my spark plugs at the weekend, the plugs for cylinders 1 and 4 were fine (just a bit of soot), cylinders 2 and 3 we're covered in oil. Engine run sweet, no misfire and pulls well (both before and after changing the plugs).

Does anyone know what could be causing this? Does the rocker cover gasket need changing or could it be the head gasket on its way out?

Any info/advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: tweed on 11 November 2012, 19:52
How many miles has it done?

Most likely be valve seals. What was emissions like at last MOT?
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: Boozeano on 11 November 2012, 20:32
I'm in New Zealand and its done 114,000km (72,000 miles). They don't check emission's here for our Warrant of Fitness checks (NZ MOT).
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: tweed on 11 November 2012, 20:40
Do you need to top the oil up often?
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: Boozeano on 11 November 2012, 21:02
Not that often to be honest, I guess it will use maybe 1/2 litre (ish) between changes (about 6,000 miles) but there is a small leak by the gearbox which doesn't help.
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: tweed on 11 November 2012, 21:56
In that case I really wouldn't worry about it. Could just be build up from the breathers
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: Boozeano on 11 November 2012, 22:18
Sweet thanks, in that case I leave it for the time being and keep an eye on how often I need to top up the oil.
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: supergeeman on 11 November 2012, 23:14
cam cover gasket weeping?
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: VW BUSH on 11 November 2012, 23:27
If it was wet then it is 99% the gasket, as you undo the plug the oil runs into the cylinder and over the plug.
The other 1% would be a trail of blue smoke behind you.
Is the end of the lead oily?
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: Boozeano on 11 November 2012, 23:42
Yes the lead is oily. When you say it 99% the gasket, you mean the cam cover gasket?
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: VW BUSH on 11 November 2012, 23:53
Quote from: Boozeano on 11 November 2012, 23:42
Yes the lead is oily. When you say it 99% the gasket, you mean the cam cover gasket?
Yeah the little bit that runs down the middle round the plugs is gone if the lead is oily on the end.
Do yourself a favour and get a genuine gasket kit, I always use some sealant around the cams makes sure if someone else has that you pick it off first.
The oil if left will feck your leads so dont put it off :smiley:
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: Boozeano on 12 November 2012, 00:47
Great, thanks for this info. Looks like my mechanic is going to be getting some more money off me. How long roughly would this job take to do? (by a garage).
Title: Re: Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)
Post by: VW BUSH on 12 November 2012, 15:09
Quote from: Boozeano on 12 November 2012, 00:47
Great, thanks for this info. Looks like my mechanic is going to be getting some more money off me. How long roughly would this job take to do? (by a garage).

Hour, tops