oil on spark plug leads

[gtiscott]

when pulling out spark plug leads i noticed they are quite oily, is this a bad sign,also the end of one semed a bit melted..... .    .  how do i clean oil out of this area?. going to change both anyway(plugs and leads)  but never change plugs myself on this car but have done om my wifes zafira...is it the same tool size(16mm)

cheers
scott

[Christo77]

Sounds like either your running a bit of a rich mixture or some oil is getting up to the plugs..  are you burning any oil?  and what's the air intake side of things like..blocked airfilter? need changing etc..
The plugs should look a browny grey/white ish colour around the electrodes but not wet.. if they're black and sooty looking that's likely an over rich mixture.. if they're definitely wet then could be oil, although i tend to think that's less likely on these engines unless severely neglegted..

Christo

[gtiscott]

Didnt take plugs out only leads and leads were oily

[Christo77]

Just the leads.. missinterpreted your post sorry,
I guess then unless it's usual grime and grease or wd40 best just run the engine and see what or if anything is blowing/leaking/getting onto the leads..
Also that everything else is behaving normally, engine warm up/running temp, no loss of oil etc..

[gtiscott]

i don't lose any oil really... engine does look a bit oily at bits but always has done and mechanic has always said it was fine, runs sweetly too.

scott

[Christo77]

With mine the dipstick holder cartridge area gets kinda dirtied up, i assume by airflow and heat grime from the alternator and belts etc..that's pretty normal but if you have any doubts about the leads then maybe replace them.. sounds like it's basically ok.

[gtiscott]

i think it prob is ok but going to do a service so will change anyway, cant beleive the price of leads though.  thanks for the help mate

scott

[Christo77]

No probs cheers..
Also have a look on vwspares site (AVS car parts) the beru one's apparently are ok quality wise and not too expensive..

[AudiA8Quattro]

Failed cam cover gasket.

[gtiscott]

^ easy fix?