Is this oil on spark plug thread?

lvb125 · 09-21-2014, 04:43 AM

I have the valve cover gasket done, and new plugs.

Looks like the fifth spark plug has oil on thread (second from left)? Maybe not a coincidence that the cylinder five was the one that had a misfire two years ago.

I assume the electrode looks normal. And it looks all spark plug wells aren't that wet at all. Hope this will shed some light into my moderate oil consumption issue. Any input woud be really appreciated!

The spark plugs in pictures are from cylinder #6,5,4,3,2,1. The following photos shows spark plug wells in sequence cylinder #1,2,3,4,5,6.

smithf80 · 09-21-2014, 05:34 AM

You can get oil on your plugs if your VCG is leaking.

snayko · 09-21-2014, 08:55 AM

Maybe coincidence but when I did VCG I had the same 5th cilinder leak with buildup on spark plug. Only one

N52 engine

GreaseJunkie · 09-21-2014, 09:15 AM

See that puddle of crud underneath your valvetronic motor? Looks like the seal behind the motor is leaking. Just changed mine yesterday, part was about 16 dollars from the dealer

lvb125 · 09-21-2014, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snayko

Maybe coincidence but when I did VCG I had the same 5th cilinder leak with buildup on spark plug. Only one

N52 engine

Which part on your spark plug had oil buildup? I thought oil leaked through VCG wouldn't reach thread and electrode. Did you have any oil consumption? thanks

lvb125 · 09-22-2014, 05:11 AM

I am also wondering, what is it that directly looking into the spark plug hole? Looks like some carbon deposit.

snayko · 09-22-2014, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lvb125

Which part on your spark plug had oil buildup? I thought oil leaked through VCG wouldn't reach thread and electrode. Did you have any oil consumption? thanks

Sorry for misleading. Just looked at my old spark plugs and they all look the same.
I just remember that my VCG had visible leak in 5th cilinder

roundle · 09-23-2014, 11:09 AM

Question: If you (or the dealer) were to spill oil while filling the car with oil, where would gravity bring the oil? What are the chances that it would find its way to spark plug #5?

Delta0311 · 09-23-2014, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundle

Question: If you (or the dealer) were to spill oil while filling the car with oil, where would gravity bring the oil? What are the chances that it would find its way to spark plug #5?

Low since the ignition coils are sealed and insulated.

09-21-2014, 04:43 AM	#1
lvb125 Private First Class 26 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Is this oil on spark plug thread? I have the valve cover gasket done, and new plugs. Looks like the fifth spark plug has oil on thread (second from left)? Maybe not a coincidence that the cylinder five was the one that had a misfire two years ago. I assume the electrode looks normal. And it looks all spark plug wells aren't that wet at all. Hope this will shed some light into my moderate oil consumption issue. Any input woud be really appreciated! The spark plugs in pictures are from cylinder #6,5,4,3,2,1. The following photos shows spark plug wells in sequence cylinder #1,2,3,4,5,6. Attached Images Last edited by lvb125; 09-21-2014 at 04:50 AM..
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09-21-2014, 05:34 AM	#2
smithf80 Major General 2810 Rep 5,316 Posts Drives: G80 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G20 330i [9.00] 2018 F80 M3 [9.75]	You can get oil on your plugs if your VCG is leaking. __________________ Scott, Partner Insight Automotive Consulting Click HERE for all discounted BMW New Car Pricing Click HERE for all BMW In Stock Inventory Specials Call/Text: 516-416-5481 Email: scott@insightautoconsulting.com
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09-21-2014, 08:55 AM	#3
snayko Private First Class 34 Rep 142 Posts Drives: 325i 2006 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Gainesville, FL iTrader: (0)	Maybe coincidence but when I did VCG I had the same 5th cilinder leak with buildup on spark plug. Only one N52 engine
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09-21-2014, 09:15 AM	#4
GreaseJunkie First Lieutenant 17 Rep 328 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Black Sapphire Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	See that puddle of crud underneath your valvetronic motor? Looks like the seal behind the motor is leaking. Just changed mine yesterday, part was about 16 dollars from the dealer
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09-23-2014, 11:09 AM	#8
roundle EXPAT 65 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 18 VW GTI;18 CX9;11 E91 N52 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Question: If you (or the dealer) were to spill oil while filling the car with oil, where would gravity bring the oil? What are the chances that it would find its way to spark plug #5?
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09-22-2014, 05:11 AM	#6
lvb125 Private First Class 26 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I am also wondering, what is it that directly looking into the spark plug hole? Looks like some carbon deposit.
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