Spark Plugs and Oil in the hole | FerrariChat
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Spark Plugs and Oil in the hole

Discussion in '308/328' started by desire308, Jan 17, 2008.

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  1. desire308

    desire308 Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2007
    1,433
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Peter W
    #1 desire308, Jan 17, 2008
    I was doing a visual of my plugs...PO installed Autolites ...not sure what to think about that. In any event I came across oil down in one of the plug holes, not internally . Pretty wet around the threads and up to the connection at the extendor. I assume it's a seal leaking. Do you go ahead and pull the cover and re-seal the whole thing at this point? I wanted to replace hoses, clean up the intake etc so I figure I might as well do the whole top end and clean/paint/detail it while I'm at it. Also, what do you clean the inside of the rubber intake boot at the throttle body . I don't want to damage this...I haven't seen it available anywhere[yet].
     
  2. pad

    pad Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,426
    Tequesta, FL
    Full Name:
    Paul Delatush
    #2 pad, Jan 17, 2008
    From what you described, it sounds like the valve cover gasket is leaking at that spark plug hole. Clean up the area with brake cleaner, run the car and verify. Regarding spark plugs, there has been a lot of discussion on that subject. Do a search and you'll come up with multiple opinions. I've used Autolites in my QV along with every other brand. Haven't found much difference, but then again, I change plugs at least once a year. Correct heat range for your car / application is what's important. I would image carb cleaner will do the trick on cleaning out the TB tube - perhaps someone else can shed more light on that.
     
  3. ktmrider

    ktmrider Rookie

    Oct 30, 2005
    24
    #3 ktmrider, Jan 21, 2008
    Had similar problem on son's BMW 325 i . Was faulty o-ring between valve cover and spark plug .

    When doing all the hoses on my 328 I cut them off at the junctions with an exacto knife rather than pull them off . Those junctions on the fuel tank can break off too easily . Used a bit of Armor -All inside the new hoses to ease slip on .

    Yes , I've used aerosol carb cleaner ( Gumout) in the boot and intake tract . Cleans well and no harm .
     
  4. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,021
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #4 Verell, Jan 21, 2008
    The spark plug boot & air intake tube are oil/fuel resistant. Carb & brake cleaners are pretty aggressive solvents, I suggest instead using mineral spirits (aka Stoddard Solvent). It cleans oil & grease out & won't hurt the rubber.
     
  5. desire308

    desire308 Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2007
    1,433
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Peter W
    #5 desire308, Jan 21, 2008
    I am just cleaning the area up with mineral spirits as suggested.

    In respect to the valve covers/leak I am replacing the gasket just in case...I don't think there is an O ring. Is 10lbs tourque correct for the valve cover and is there a sequence or just the typical random?
     

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