Oil on the spark plug well can be alarming, but what if we told you that it is nothing to worry about? Yes, something’s wrong, but it shouldn’t cause you to panic. In fact, you should look at finding a solution to it. In this article, we are going to discuss just this without causing you to panic. Let’s start!
What causes oil to leak into the spark plugs?
The biggest reason behind the leak is the deterioration of the O-ring that is supposed to seal the spark plug well. The O-ring may collapse due to age or external factors and may need to replaced immediately to cause the leak to stop.
We advise that you address the leak immediately after you notice it because the oil in the spark plug well may damage the motor. It could break valves, result in warping, and harm the gasket. If left unattended for a long time, the engine may misfire. We surely don’t need to tell you how dangerous that can be.
Another reason could be that the spark plug has stopped working, and the oil that is needed for its functioning is not combusting anymore. This results in accumulation and subsequent leakage.
How to Get Oil Out of a Spark Plug Well?
Now that you know the reasons and the fact that you need to act quickly, let’s discuss how to remove oil from a spark plug well.
You need some petrol and an old toothbrush to do the cleaning. But, you must wait for the engine and oil to cool down before you start the process. The vehicle must be stationary, off, and cool. Dip your toothbrush in the petrol and start scrubbing the well to get all the oil out. This is the easiest way, but sadly, it is a temporary solution. We are positive you do not want to keep doing this all the time. This is why, once you get rid of the oil, you should take measures to ensure it doesn’t repeat.
Our advice is that you replace the gasket completely and start afresh. This will save you a lot of trouble. Another thing to do is to replace the part that’s faulty. In most cases, it is the O-ring. But, the problem could also be with the spark plug, as mentioned earlier. Make sure you replace it if that’s the case.
Identification of the problem is the key to solving it. If you are unable to figure out what’s wrong and if the oil is just accumulating in the spark plug well, you may need to talk to a good mechanic. It may cost you a few bucks, but it will save you a lot of effort and confusion.
We know you want the best for your vehicle. A little attention and a lot of care will help you achieve that. All the best!