"Wet" Plugs

[BB]

2003 Turbo with 87,000 miles on it. 27,000 miles since last plug change. Removed the plugs this morning to install new plugs...threads on 2 were covered with oil. Threads on one were dry on the tip half but "wet" on the top half. Threads on the 4th plug were dry. Does this mean anything?
Thanks!
Bill

P.S. The oil(?) is *only* on the threads...nothing on the tips or electrodes.

[wheelgarage]

If the PT's have individual seals for each plug hole (where the cover meets the head), those could be leaking. I'm guessing here...never experienced this with a PT yet.

But, I did have similar issues with other DOHC engines....

[chris15]

If oil's on your plugs, it typically should be seen on the tips as well.

Have you personally done all the work on your car? Sure it's not just crappy dielectric grease?

Alternatively, have you checked your PCV valve? Oil in your combustion chambers could be the result of a plugged PCV valve causing an increase in crankcase pressure, pushing oil past your rings.. If your PCV valve is functioning properly, you could have one or more worn piston rings or could be your valves.. best thing to do is a compression check to rule either of those out.

[BB]

Originally Posted by chris15

If oil's on your plugs, it typically should be seen on the tips as well.

Have you personally done all the work on your car? Sure it's not just crappy dielectric grease?

Just the easy stuff! Hadn't thought of that!! Maybe that's all it is since the tips are clean.

Alternatively, have you checked your PCV valve? Oil in your combustion chambers could be the result of a plugged PCV valve causing an increase in crankcase pressure, pushing oil past your rings.. If your PCV valve is functioning properly, you could have one or more worn piston rings or could be your valves.. best thing to do is a compression check to rule either of those out.

Yeah...I'll have to check the PCV valve...maybe find someone to do a comp test too. I'm hoping it's just the grease!
Thanks!
Bill

[BB]

Originally Posted by wheelgarage

If the PT's have individual seals for each plug hole (where the cover meets the head), those could be leaking. I'm guessing here...never experienced this with a PT yet.

Not positive but I think there are individual seals. Hmmm...more research needed...

But, I did have similar issues with other DOHC engines....

Thanks!
Bill

[nevinsrt]

it could possibaly be a worn spark plug gasket on the valve cover. oil could just be seeping through and down the tube and as you unthread the plug oil is getting on the plug.

Look down the plug hole and if there is oil then that may be the problem. if you buy a new valve cover gasket you will see 4 circle gaskets, one for each hole. the gasket is easy to replace.


EDIT:
Felpro Valve Cover Gasket Set Dodge Neon SRT-4

[drizzt90z]

I had the same problem with my 04 turbo, it turned out to be the seals in the valve cover where the spark plugs go in. The oil leaks from the valve cover into the spark plug. I'm willing to bet that it stalls on a foggy morning. Just get a valve cover gasket kit. Make sure you know the engine vin number. Godd luck.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by nevinsrt

it could possibaly be a worn spark plug gasket on the valve cover. oil could just be seeping through and down the tube and as you unthread the plug oil is getting on the plug.

Look down the plug hole and if there is oil then that may be the problem. if you buy a new valve cover gasket you will see 4 circle gaskets, one for each hole. the gasket is easy to replace.


EDIT:
Felpro Valve Cover Gasket Set Dodge Neon SRT-4

That's my bet as well.

[Taggert_LOA]

VS50459R by felpro. run ya about 26.00
if you need R&R instructions pm me as i have an alldata account.
available at any auto parts store.