I've got oil on my spark plug threads!

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#1 Unread post by **Skier** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 2:11 pm

As the topic says, found oil on my spark plug threads on the #1 and #2 cylinders. #1 was the worst, looks like it was all the way up the threads. The plugs themselves aren't fouled with oil and they have at least 3,000 miles on them. Is this something I should worry about? I just dropped in some new plugs so I guess I'll see how those are doing in the next hundred miles or so. My bike does have a habit of making oil disappear, but it's in small quantities at a time and I figured it was from my leaky valve cover gasket.

BuzZz · #2 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 5:42 pm

If you have a valvecover leaking, it could well be leaking into the plug well, and that's where the oil on your plug threads is from.

#3 Unread post by **Skier** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 6:15 pm

I'd like to attack the leaky areas with Simple Green and a toothbrush, but the weather's been so darn nice lately I can't seem to take time to do anything but change the oil, spark plugs, check tire pressure and ride until my butt goes numb!

kar_the_terrible · Wed Apr 06, 2005 5:50 am

How bad is oil on the spark plug threads anyway? Is it a sign of a leaky head gasket/piston ring. I did notice some oil in my case (not a lot), but Im assuming it was from storing the bike all year long...

#5 Unread post by **Skier** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 1:27 pm

Now that I think about it, oil in the threads means it's leaking in from the outside of the plug. If it was coming from the inside in enough quantities to soak the threads, the plug tip would be fouled with oil.

if your headgasket, piston rings or valve stem seals leak enough to get oil on the threads, it'd foul the plug, as well.

I'm going to say oil on the threads isn't a problem, but it means oil is ocming from somewhere and you should probably fix that.

ronboskz650sr · Wed Apr 06, 2005 4:30 pm

If you use simple green, don't get it on any of your polished alloy. Especially full strength. It will practically etch the surface (yes, very clean...but not shining anymore) to a dull white finish. Then you're in for a lot of elbow grease to get your shine back.

#7 Unread post by **Skier** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 4:38 pm

I don't think I have any polished alloy on my bike, so I'm probably ok.

BuzZz · #8 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 4:55 pm

Sorry Dude, I thought you realized... but it was me that didn't realize your concern..... the oil came from outside your motor, not internally. It's just a leak, not a mechanical problem.

#9 Unread post by **Skier** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 6:36 pm

Oh, I did realize, after your first response. No worries, it was all figured out.

Now, whether something was done about it yet...

BuzZz · #10 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 6:42 pm

Could just drain all the oil out of the engine.

Just incase.........

No, please don't.