Fritz, got one for you....ok two.

[hrdcorezc]

Problem 1:

I tuned up this weekend and when I pulled the number two plug out it was dripping with oil, not just covered in it but dripping. None of the other plugs exhibited this problem, just carbon build-up. I have two theories: A) Bad head gasket or, B) With 160K original miles it's time for a new set of rings.

Problem 2:

When I pulled the number two plug it was not screwed in completely, but I know when I installed the plugs last time they were all torqued down well. Could this be a side effect of the Energy Suspension motor mount inserts I installed (excessive engine vibration)?



I know I can just do a compression test on the cylinders to see if a ring job is warranted, but as far as the head gasket goes I assumed that there would be other tell tale signs associated with a deteriorating head gasket (i.e. finding coolant mixed with the oil, excessive white smoke out of the exhaust from burning off coolant that has seeped into the cylinder, ect.). What are your thoughts?

[fritz_269]

Originally posted by hrdcorezc
Problem 1:
I tuned up this weekend and when I pulled the number two plug out it was dripping with oil, not just covered in it but dripping. None of the other plugs exhibited this problem, just carbon build-up. I have two theories: A) Bad head gasket or, B) With 160K original miles it's time for a new set of rings.

Do you have puffs of blue smoke coming out of your exhaust?
If so:
1. Is it only on startup?
2. Does it happen at high RPM (WOT or partial throttle)?
3. Does it happen at low RPM at WOT?
If no:
1. Is there any oil on the spark plug boot?
2. Is there any oil high on the threads of the spark plug?
3. What does the plug look like if you quickly take it out of a HOT engine (be careful!

My best guess at this point: the annular seals around the spark plug recesses on the valve cover are leaking. $10 and 45 min to fix.

Problem 2:

When I pulled the number two plug it was not screwed in completely, but I know when I installed the plugs last time they were all torqued down well. Could this be a side effect of the Energy Suspension motor mount inserts I installed (excessive engine vibration)?

Exactly which plugs are you using?
About how many times had you removed them previously?
Did you use a calibrated torque wrench? To what spec?
Did you use anti-sieze lube on the threads?
Was the engine hot or cold when you put them on?

The motor mounts don't matter - remember that your engine was vibrating even more before you installed stiffer mounts - now a bunch of that vibration is being transferred to the chassis.

My best guess at this point: you didn't use a decent torque wrench.

Clean 'em all off with WD-40 and give it another go.

[Someguy]

My best guess at this point: the annular seals around the spark plug recesses on the valve cover are leaking. $10 and 45 min to fix.

I agree. That the spark plug was "dripping" wet with oil would indicate that it probably wasn't an invader from the south so to speak.

The tightness impaired spark plug is a little more tricky. There are a lot of variables there. I would replace the seals, and be extra careful torquing everything down again, drive it for a while, then recheck it.