Oil Bath Spark Plugs? And Timing Belt or VCG first?

[ArcticDRIVER]

I hate to even ask this question but I have never seen anything like this in 32 years of wrenching (although this is my first AUDI).
I took the coilpacks off my driver side Valve Cover (held in place by two fasteners each). When I pulled the first coilpack out, it had a long rubber tube that fits over the neck of the sparkplug (as you all know).

The puzzling part was that this rubber tube was soaked in oil and so was the tip of the sparkplug.
What the heck?[facepalm]

Also, what is the best order to perform both a T-belt replacement and new VC Gaskets?

Thanks

[Nogaro Nitwit]

Sounds like it's time to do the VCGs now if you are swimming in oil. Those can easily be done. Go ahead and do the valve cover gaskets and timing belt at the same time if possible. That way you can do the cam shaft seals at the same time as the VCGs as part of the full timing belt job.

I know all about the swimming spark plug. I had that issue on my S4. Causing tons of misfires and coil pack was shorting to ground.

[ddillenger]

Pull the VC's first. It'll make the timing belt service easier, and negates the need for a cam lock bar. As far as the plugs, replace the VC gaskets, as well as the COP boots (long rubber thingys as you so eloquently put it).

[ArcticDRIVER]

Pull the VC's first. It'll make the timing belt service easier, and negates the need for a cam lock bar. As far as the plugs, replace the VC gaskets, as well as the COP boots (long rubber thingys as you so eloquently put it).

Thanks for the sequence. I already have the cam lock bar in place but will switch over to the VCG.

"Thingy"...I have never used that word in my life...thought boots but typed 'tubes' (mild dyslexia). Seems like audis costs me money even when they are not running and up on stands. Most vehicles' parts fatigue as a function of usage. The audi parts seem to wear out as a function of time like a loaf of bread.

Cheers[:/]

[ddillenger]

lol-just busting on you! Good luck, It's not so hard of a job. Most people overlook the COP (Coil On Plug) boots thinking they are part of the coils. If they have soaked in oil, they should be replaced. Get a tube of dielectric grease and put some in the new boots prior to installing over the sparkplugs, as well as the wiring connectors for the coils themselves!

[h20loo]

on higher mileage engines-Make sure the egr is breathing properly and not causing internal pressure thus forcing oil out through the gaskets

[ArcticDRIVER]

lol-just busting on you! Good luck, It's not so hard of a job.

Appreciate your help and good humor.