Oil on Spark Plugs? Diagnose and Fix Spark Plug Tube Seals!

Oil on your spark plugs, or ignition coils? Is there an oily puddle in the spark plug tube? In this video, Len guides you through locating the source of leaks that leave oil in your spark plug tubes, like spark plug tube gaskets! He shows you how to clean up the mess and get everything back together, too!

Check out this playlist for more great diagnostic videos from Len and the 1A Auto team!

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[ibangwithagoofy]

2:18 he’s like be careful to not damage the metal, then proceeded to bang it with a hammer😂

[andrewm.]

Do not use sand paper or emery cloth on the sparkplug tube. Use carb cleaner. You don't want it all scratched or reduced in size or it will leak again... also, put the new seals in the freezer so they shrink and you don't have to hammer them in.

[johnnyblue]

2:57 that new seal doesn't look seated all the way in. Then using sandpaper on that tube w/o anything to prevent the abrasive particles falling into the engine... that made me cringe.

[walomeister]

A metal pick works much better when removing the gaskets. Flatheads will damage the gasket surface.

[hook]

"Be careful not to damage the valve cover"

*Grabs hammer*

*BAM BAM BAM*

[spelunkerd]

In older videos of older engines with this oil problem, some guys pull the spark plug tubes out to seal them at the bottom, too. However the more recent videos on newer engines, mechanics do as you did, leaving the spark plug tubes in place, assuming the leak is at the seal on top. Can you tell us when you'd pay more attention to the tube seal at the bottom? The second question is the perennial one, which way do you decide to mount the seals? Can they go in upside down, and how do you know you got it right? Normally I put the spring inside, in deference to the principle that the higher pressure side should shut the seal. However some engines have significant crankcase vacuum, so wouldn't the seal position be opposite?

[shipped_my_pants_]

"being very careful not to damage the metal of the valve cover"

*PROCEEDS TO PUMMEL WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER*

[shuji]

Would have been better if he used an oil seal puller than a screwdriver.

[michaeldolinar]

I swear you guys post the exact thing i need to see the day before i take my car in

[jordannoble]

Went to change spark plugs on my shitbox, whaddya know, another problem.

[austinl]

Being very careful not to damage the metal of the valve cover

HULK SMASH

[karankalotia]

Do i have to change the ignition coil if it get oil on the coil?

[avagoings]

The other videos I watched had me almost convinced I had a blow head gasket.
Thanks for confirming my original thought . You saved me from anxiety and .... my car😀

[Trials-and-Tribulations]

Bad valve seals can cause oil on sparkplug too.
Even blown piston rings and valve cover gasket.

[InexplicableBill]

Should also replace the valve cover perimeter gasket as well. Oh, and the intake manifold gasket, and the PCV valve.

[mazzysyeed]

Do a video about piston rings and if a new block head was installed with new valve train and valve seal and other seals too except the bottom block of the engine and mainly the piston rings. Basically an engine all-over redo job but what if some shit mechanic only replaced the head block and did not replace the piston rings if it was heavily due. My main question is if a Head block replacement job was done. Do I need to get even those things replaced again if it has barely been like 3-5 months and now I found out that all the cylinders in the engine are consuming oil like crazy? Please reply at Your convenience it would mean the world to havr Your advice and thoughts brother I really need some help. Thank You 🍻

[ElioRose]

2:17 I was not expecting that noise after that comment lol

[nxsto]

One of my favorite mechanics thanks for making these videos.

[scorpiusjeremiel]

I have a 2001 Passat with the same problem you guys make things so simple to follow step by step to do the job right keep all those amazing videos. Great place to purchase quality auto parts.