Marky 0 Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 I'm finding that the spark plug closest to the battery is covered in oil after a few thousand miles and needs cleaning. Is the most likely cause valve stem oil seals? The compression test was good so presumably that rules out oil leaking from the head gasket into the cylinder.Those are the only two ways I can think that oil is getting into the cylinder and onto the spark plug. Link to post Share on other sites
rigs 0 Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 If you roll in gear for 30 seconds (e.g. down a hill or engine braking from relatively high speed) and boot it does it blow a good old puff smoke out of the back and then clear? Link to post Share on other sites
Marky 0 Posted October 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 I'll find out on the way home tonight.The car does use a lot of oil, typically a litre per 300 miles, wirh no visible external oil leaks. Link to post Share on other sites
Marky 0 Posted October 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2008 ok, theres no visible smoke on the overrun which is good news for the valve stem oil seals. Maybe oil is entering the cylinder from the head gasket, thats looking increasingly likely. Link to post Share on other sites
thegoth 5 Posted October 3, 2008 Report Share Posted October 3, 2008 1L for 300 miles is one hell of a lot Link to post Share on other sites
Marky 0 Posted October 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 Just had a look at that spark plug again after 300 miles. The whole end including tip is completly black and covered in oil. Also there is oil sitting ontop of the spark plug whilst it is screwed into the engine.If it is a head gasket oil leak into the cylinder why would there be oil outside of the engine on at the lead end of the spark plug? Link to post Share on other sites
rigs 0 Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 Erm.... cam cover leaking? You'd be able to see oil somewhere if it were though... Link to post Share on other sites
Marky 0 Posted October 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2008 yeah had another look, its definitly some head gasket issue. I'm surprised that much oil isn't constipating the catalytic convertor.Looks like I'll need to change the head gasket. Link to post Share on other sites
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