{"id":506984,"date":"2021-05-14T10:32:04","date_gmt":"2021-05-14T16:32:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/?p=506984"},"modified":"2022-10-19T15:19:42","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T21:19:42","slug":"oil-on-spark-plug","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Causes of Oil on Spark Plug Threads (and in Wells)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Maybe you\u2019re completing some routine maintenance and you discovered the oil on your spark plug threads. Or perhaps you were troubleshooting <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/low-engine-oil-symptoms\/\">why your vehicle had low oil <\/a>and discovered that you had spark plugs covered in oil.<\/p>\n<p>Either way, now that you\u2019ve found it, you\u2019re sure to have a few questions. Are you supposed to have oil leaking into the spark plug wells? Is it a big deal and what\u2019s causing it?<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll answer all those questions here and \u2013 spoiler alert \u2013 it\u2019s not normal. You\u2019re going to want to fix it as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<p><em>See Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/how-to-check-spark-plugs\/\">9 Conditions of Spark Plugs (and What Each Means)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_39 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" area-label=\"ez-toc-toggle-icon-1\"><label for=\"item-639b0820e1ada\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #23627c;color:#23627c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #23627c;color:#23627c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-639b0820e1ada\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-visibility-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#Reasons-Theres-Oil-On-Your-Spark-Plugs\" title=\"Reasons There\u2019s Oil On Your Spark Plugs\">Reasons There\u2019s Oil On Your Spark Plugs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#1-Leaky-O-Ring-Seal\" title=\"#1 \u2013 Leaky O-Ring Seal\">#1 \u2013 Leaky O-Ring Seal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#2-Blown-Head-Gasket\" title=\"#2 \u2013 Blown Head Gasket\">#2 \u2013 Blown Head Gasket<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#3-WornLeaking-Valve-Guides\" title=\"#3 \u2013 Worn\/Leaking Valve Guides\">#3 \u2013 Worn\/Leaking Valve Guides<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#4-Valve-Cover-Gasket-Leaking\" title=\"#4 \u2013 Valve Cover Gasket Leaking\">#4 \u2013 Valve Cover Gasket Leaking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#5-Damaged-Piston-Compression-Rings\" title=\"#5 \u2013 Damaged Piston Compression Rings\">#5 \u2013 Damaged Piston Compression Rings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#6-Damaged-Piston\" title=\"#6 \u2013 Damaged Piston\">#6 \u2013 Damaged Piston<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#How-to-Get-Oil-Out-of-Spark-Plug-Wells\" title=\"How to Get Oil Out of Spark Plug Wells\">How to Get Oil Out of Spark Plug Wells<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#Can-You-Drive-With-Oil-On-Your-Spark-Plugs\" title=\"Can You Drive With Oil On Your Spark Plugs?\">Can You Drive With Oil On Your Spark Plugs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/#Can-you-Clean-and-Reuse-Spark-Plugs\" title=\"Can you Clean and Reuse Spark Plugs?\">Can you Clean and Reuse Spark Plugs?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasons-Theres-Oil-On-Your-Spark-Plugs\"><\/span>Reasons There\u2019s Oil On Your Spark Plugs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve discovered oil on your spark plugs, it\u2019s time to dive into why it\u2019s there. It\u2019s not like there\u2019s a spark plug gasket that\u2019s leaking \u2013 so what\u2019s going on? We\u2019ve highlighted the most common reasons there might be oil on your spark plugs below.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-Leaky-O-Ring-Seal\"><\/span>#1 \u2013 Leaky O-Ring Seal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-506991\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/spark-plug-o-ring-seal.jpg\" alt=\"spark plug o-ring seal\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/spark-plug-o-ring-seal.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/spark-plug-o-ring-seal-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/spark-plug-o-ring-seal-100x56.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While your spark plugs might not have a gasket, they do use O-rings. These O-rings keep oil and everything else on one side of the spark plug, and the other side remains dry.<\/p>\n<p>If you only have oil on one spark plug, you might have a leaky O-ring seal. This is one of the best outcomes if you have oil on your spark plugs. However, you still need to address the problem as soon as possible. Leaky O-ring seals can cause your engine to <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/engine-misfire-symptoms\/\">misfire<\/a> and lead to more extensive damages.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-Blown-Head-Gasket\"><\/span>#2 \u2013 Blown Head Gasket<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-503356\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/bad-head-gasket.jpg\" alt=\"bad head gasket\" width=\"720\" height=\"370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/bad-head-gasket.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/bad-head-gasket-100x51.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While coolant in your compression chamber is what most people associate with a <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/blown-head-gasket-symptoms\/\">blown head gasket<\/a>, another fluid that could be leaking is oil. When that happens, it\u2019s common for oil to get into the combustion chamber.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll notice excessive smoke, and there will be some oil on the tip of your spark plugs. You\u2019ll need to replace the head gasket before the problem worsens and leads to more severe concerns. The good news is that head gaskets are cheap \u2013 the bad news is that it\u2019s a labor-intensive process.<\/p>\n<p><em>See Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/cylinder-head-crack-repair-cost\/\">Cylinder Head Repair Cost<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-WornLeaking-Valve-Guides\"><\/span>#3 \u2013 Worn\/Leaking Valve Guides<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-503342\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/valves.jpg\" alt=\"valves\" width=\"720\" height=\"357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/valves.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/valves-100x50.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Valve guides ensure that your intake and exhaust valves stay in the appropriate position at all times. Not only that, but they have seals that keep oil out of the combustion chamber.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/valve-seals-and-piston-rings-symptoms-replacement-cost\/\">If those seals give out<\/a>, then oil gets into the combustion chamber, and it\u2019s a quick hop, skip, and jump away from getting on the spark plug gaskets.<\/p>\n<p>Like other components here, valve guides themselves aren\u2019t that expensive, but they require a lot of work and time to replace \u2013 which can rack up a massive bill at the repair shop.<\/p>\n<p><em>See Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-in-intake-manifold\/\">3 Causes of Oil in an Intake Manifold<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-Valve-Cover-Gasket-Leaking\"><\/span>#4 \u2013 Valve Cover Gasket Leaking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-506990\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/valve-cover-gasket-leak.jpg\" alt=\"valve cover gasket leak\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/valve-cover-gasket-leak.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/valve-cover-gasket-leak-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/valve-cover-gasket-leak-100x56.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your vehicle uses valve cover gaskets to keep oil near components that need it and away from those that don\u2019t. One of the components it keeps oil away from are the spark plugs. But if the <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/valve-cover-gasket-leak-symptoms\/\">valve cover gasket is leaking<\/a>, then oil can easily seep into the spark plugs.<\/p>\n<p>Like head gaskets, valve cover gaskets are cheap but it\u2019s a labor-intensive process to replace them.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-Damaged-Piston-Compression-Rings\"><\/span>#5 \u2013 Damaged Piston Compression Rings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1427\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/bad-piston-ring-and-valve-seal-symptoms-and-replacement-cost.jpg\" alt=\"bad piston ring\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/bad-piston-ring-and-valve-seal-symptoms-and-replacement-cost.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/bad-piston-ring-and-valve-seal-symptoms-and-replacement-cost-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/bad-piston-ring-and-valve-seal-symptoms-and-replacement-cost-100x56.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Around each piston in your engine, there are compression rings that keep oil from seeping into the combustion chamber. But when these <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/valve-seals-and-piston-rings-symptoms-replacement-cost\/\">compression rings are damaged,<\/a> nothing is keeping the oil from seeping into the combustion chamber.<\/p>\n<p>These rings keep everything running smoothly and prevent more significant problems. So, if you suspect damaged compression rings, it\u2019s best to repair them as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-Damaged-Piston\"><\/span>#6 \u2013 Damaged Piston<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-503199\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-piston-ring-valve-seals.jpg\" alt=\"symptoms of bad piston rings and valve seals\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-piston-ring-valve-seals.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-piston-ring-valve-seals-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-piston-ring-valve-seals-200x112.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While damaged or cracked pistons are rare, it\u2019s not entirely unheard of. Combustion chambers get extremely hot, and as the pistons age, this heat can become too much for them. If you have a cracked piston, you\u2019ll need an engine rebuild, which is not a cheap process.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you let the problem go, you risk breaking down on the side of the road and potentially completely destroying your engine. Cracked or damaged pistons isn\u2019t a problem you can ignore.<\/p>\n<p><em>Read Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-coming-out-of-exhaust\/\">6 Causes of Oil Coming Out of a Tailpipe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-Get-Oil-Out-of-Spark-Plug-Wells\"><\/span>How to Get Oil Out of Spark Plug Wells<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-506989\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/oil-in-spark-plug-well.jpg\" alt=\"oil in spark plug well\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/oil-in-spark-plug-well.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/oil-in-spark-plug-well-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/oil-in-spark-plug-well-100x56.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If there\u2019s oil in the spark plug wells, you might be wondering what you need to do to get it out. The truth is that it\u2019s more important to find the source of the problem and fix it.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s because the oil will work its way into the compression chamber and burn off. As long as there\u2019s no more oil leaking in, that\u2019s the end of your problem.<\/p>\n<p>So, while oil on your spark plugs is a big deal \u2013 it\u2019s not something you need to tear your engine apart to clean. Once you\u2019ve found and repaired the faulty component, you should be good to go.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you are worried about the excess oil, all you need to do is spray some carb cleaner into the spark plug holes and let the oil run into the combustion chamber. Reinstall the spark plugs and let your engine burn off the excessive oil.<\/p>\n<p><em>See Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/spark-plug-blow-out\/\">Spark Plug Blow Out (Why It Happens and How to Fix It)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can-You-Drive-With-Oil-On-Your-Spark-Plugs\"><\/span>Can You Drive With Oil On Your Spark Plugs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In short, yes, you can drive with oil on your spark plugs, but you\u2019re going to want to figure out how it got there. That\u2019s because oil on your spark plugs isn\u2019t a normal condition, and it can be indictive a much more serious problem.<\/p>\n<p>The oil on the spark plugs isn\u2019t the problem \u2013 it\u2019s how the oil got there that can damage your engine.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can-you-Clean-and-Reuse-Spark-Plugs\"><\/span>Can you Clean and Reuse Spark Plugs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-505647\" src=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-dirty-spark-plug.jpg\" alt=\"clean spark plug\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-dirty-spark-plug.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-dirty-spark-plug-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/clean-dirty-spark-plug-100x56.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Absolutely! Once you\u2019ve completed the necessary repairs to keep the oil from coming back, use a carb cleaner to spray down the electrode and threads and let everything dry. Once it\u2019s dry, <a href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/how-to-change-spark-plugs\/\">reinstall the spark plugs<\/a>, and you\u2019re good to go!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maybe you\u2019re completing some routine maintenance and you discovered the oil on your spark plug threads. Or perhaps you were troubleshooting why your vehicle had low oil and discovered that you had spark plugs covered in oil. Either way, now &#8230; <a title=\"6 Causes of Oil on Spark Plug Threads (and in Wells)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/oil-on-spark-plug\/\" aria-label=\"More on 6 Causes of Oil on Spark Plug Threads (and in Wells)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1009,"featured_media":506988,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no"},"categories":[58,100355],"tags":[100414],"modified_by":"Mark Stevens","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506984"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1009"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=506984"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506984\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/506988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=506984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=506984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=506984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}