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Oil in the Spark Plug Hole

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I changed the spark plugs today and found some oil in each of the holes. What does that mean and should I be concerned? 2.5 non-turbo.

Most likely means you need to change your valve cover gaskets and the grommets that go around the plugs as well.

You have to change the bucket gromit and the valve cover gasket (subaru OE). Not fixing it will ruin the ignition wires.

  • Author

Do I need to drain the oil from the car to replace the valve cover gasket?

Do I need to drain the oil from the car to replace the valve cover gasket?

 

No

 

However anytime I have an engine "open" at all to the outside world I change the oil shortly after that. Liek I'll start it to look for leaks, let it warm up and change the oil.

 

But I'm more paranoid than most folks (I prefer to think of it as thorough).

Edited by davebugs
adding comments

I like to wire brush around the valve covers as much as I can reach anyway and blow it down good with compressed air before removing the valve covers. Otherwise a lot of grit drops onto the valvetrain, at least for me. You can get the kit with the spark plug hole seals, valve cover gaskets, and if it it needs it, the bolt sealing washers. If enough oil builds up in the spark plug tubes it can also cause misfires.

 

You don't need to drain the oil. You might get a little bit out when removing the valve covers, but draining the oil will make no difference there.

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