Oil near spark plugs? Problem?

[dchan189]

Hey,
So I was changing my spark plugs and came upon oil in and around where the spark plugs go. What would cause this? I know when I do my oil changes, I make sure oil doesn't go where it shouldn't. Will this be a problem? The car has been running fine.

This is also the first time changing the spark plugs so who knows how long it's been in there. Any input/info would be appreciated.

- Danny

[mxrz]

Valve cover gasket.

[Blitzkrieg989]

^^^ X2 valve cover gasket.. just had mine replaced on my A6 back in December and the A4 after i blew a coil back last week. I noticed oil on cylinder 1 CP so i will be replacing my valve cover gasket soon. Simple DIY

[gelkad]

Has nothing to do with the Gasket if the tip of the spark plug is oily, its probably one of the rings around the piston in that specific cylinder.

[Turb_Oh_A4]

Hey,
So I was changing my spark plugs and came upon oil in and around where the spark plugs go.

doesn't sound like just the tip to me... I'll Times 3 you the valve cover gasket.

[BreakMyWallet]

Has nothing to do with the Gasket if the tip of the spark plug is oily, its probably one of the rings around the piston in that specific cylinder.

isnt that part of the valve cover gasket kit?

[old guy]

isnt that part of the valve cover gasket kit?

Yes it is:

[greg@podi.ca]

Any good writeups on how to do it?

Prob need this done also.

[old guy]

Any good writeups on how to do it?

Prob need this done also.

Here is one from A4mods. Fairly straight forward procedure: Clicky click

[secnd2no1]

Yes major

[Jarim]

valve cover gasket +1

[jursch2211]

I had the same issue. Valve cover x2 Also, would any of you recommend changing the plugs when doing this if there was oil in them. Cyclinder 3 and 4 had oil in the spark plug recess for me. Is it necessary to replace them or should I just use brake cleaner to remove the oil and be done with it?

[maclem8223]

Should burn off once gasket is replaced...if it's on the tips.

[jursch2211]

your saying the oil should burn up in the coilpack area? Wouldn't that most likely cause the coilpack to fail and a misfire?

[maclem8223]

your saying the oil should burn up in the coilpack area? Wouldn't that most likely cause the coilpack to fail and a misfire?

No only at the tip (of the spark plug) where combustion takes place... Once gasket is replaced, no more oil on plugs, oil that was will be no more it will burn off...

[doublezero30]

no hes saying if it were blow by in the cylinder and the tip was covered in oil it would burn off. i wouldnt use brake clean. just use a rag and wipe it up.

[1/4 scale]

This is a valve gasket issue as many have stated. It is an easy fix. The quick fix is to retorque the existing, but this does not always solve the problem, particularly if the little cam tensioning gasket is leaking at the back of the valve cover. Follow the link provided above for the procedure and you'll see what it takes to replace all the correct components. It isn't that hard to do the entire replacement and your engine will thank you for the "leakless" results. Good luck.

[maclem8223]

no hes saying if it were blow by in the cylinder and the tip was covered in oil it would burn off. i wouldnt use brake clean. just use a rag and wipe it up.

Thanks...sheesh, I thought that was obvious.

[jursch2211]

I got that part but I was trying to clear up my issue. Thanks all and sorry for anything thread jacking. There's been other thread about this issue and some say to replace coils, some say don't do anything so I just wanted input.

[maclem8223]

If the oil is just apparent on the electrodes of the plugs don't worry about it 9 times out of 10 it's a valve cover gasket; and once replaced the oil that has built up will be burned off during the normal combustion process...

[dchan189]

Thanks guys for all the responses. Where can I purchase a valve cover gasket?

[mxrz]

ECS, dealer...

[Jeff]

Has nothing to do with the Gasket if the tip of the spark plug is oily, its probably one of the rings around the piston in that specific cylinder.

Any blowby from bad rings would vaporize. As others said, it's the valve cover gasket ON TOP OF a plug that was improperly torqued and seated. Improperly torqued plugs would also cause the coils to pop up from cylinder pressure. For those wondering why their coils always pop up... torque your plugs!

[FutureStage1]

Just had the same problem... Search function FTW!!