Changed the spark plugs on my 02 OBW today and was concerned about finding oil in one of the spark plug holes at 54 000 km. What I mean is that when I pulled the spark plug wire, it was coated with engine oil, as was the spark plug. The inside surface of the spark plug hole through the valve cover had maybe 3 ml of oil in it. I'm guessing that since its only one spark plug, and only a small amount of oil, that I need not be concerned, and yes, I could make it a warranty issue if I wished to. Anyone think I need to be concerned?

Originally posted by gbhrps

Changed the spark plugs on my 02 OBW today and was concerned about finding oil in one of the spark plug holes at 54 000 km. What I mean is that when I pulled the spark plug wire, it was coated with engine oil, as was the spark plug. The inside surface of the spark plug hole through the valve cover had maybe 3 ml of oil in it. I'm guessing that since its only one spark plug, and only a small amount of oil, that I need not be concerned, and yes, I could make it a warranty issue if I wished to. Anyone think I need to be concerned?

 

The seal (not sure if it's an actual rubber seal, or silicone sealant) between the cam cover and the head has been breached. I'd have it fixed.

Over time that leak will really make a dirty mess out of the immediate area. I would also have it fixed.

It's the Spark Plug Tube Seals that leak. Yes, they are rubber, and yes, from my experience, they all leak. For some reason, it seems subaru used a different rubber for those seals than they have used in the past, so they seem to leak more than the older DOHC engines did. I know yours is a SOHC phase 2 engine, but with the spark plugs sitting at the angle that they do, I guess they're more susceptable to oil leaking through than the DOHC engines are with the spark plugs in the side of the head. Just my $0.02

 

Mike

I appreciate the responses. I'll take it up with my dealership when the car gets its next physical. Many Thanks! A Happy New Year to everyone out there in Subaru Land!