Changed spark plugs... One was covered in wet oil...

[scottm]

Coolant leaking into a cylinder usually makes the end of the spark plug look steam-cleaned, yours looks normal at the end. I need to replace my valve cover gaskets one of these days.

 

[1clean4runner]

Coolant leaking into a cylinder usually makes the end of the spark plug look steam-cleaned, yours looks normal at the end. I need to replace my valve cover gaskets one of these days.

Interesting. I didn't know that. I'm taking my car to a shop within the next two weeks to get it inspected (registration renewal), get the brakes looked at (68,000 on originals - shake like crazy), and I'll have them look at this oily spark plug.

I feel more convinced about the VCG now, thanks to you all. Now I'll know some red flags to look for, if they were to mention the head gasket as the problem. I don't like to be blind-sided by shops/dealerships.

Much appreciated! I'll keep it this updated.

 

[1clean4runner]

It is a valve cover gasket/seal problem. Notice there is no oil on the strap or electrode of the plug. That means it is not a head gasket issue, it is a seal issue on the valve cover.

Also, an engine will use some coolant in 40K miles, that is totally normal.

Yeah since my coolant overflow tank refill a couple weeks ago, I haven't seen it drop any. I guess I wasn't observant enough in the first place. False alarm... hopefully (fingers crossed).

 

[santana]

just to throw an update on my end after doing my spark plugs this morning.

#6 spark plug. from the cylinder closest to the drivers seat as mentioned before.

helloooo in there worthless vcg

my #6 wasnt coated in oil as much as yours was. It didnt have any oil beyond the thread pictured. all my spark plugs were fairly grimey. the threads on them are coated in a bit of gunk i'm assuming its fairly normal and could be the left over anti seize lube.

for a comparison heres another one of my sparkplugs i believe this one is #1

like I said before i've had this issue with my #6 since I did my last tune up aprox 48k miles ago. I haven't had any issues with the motor in that period of time. The vcgs are 20$ a side from my local toyota dealer. Its a bit cold out... I'm biding my time for a warmer saturday to tackle this.

what the hell #6!

 

[1clean4runner]

Nice pics Santana. This problem is odd since its not really causing any problems. I mean we wouldn't even know if we didn't change the plugs. 48k and it's still the same? That's impressive. My car is going in this week.

 

[blakjack23]

Any update on this?

I have an 07' sport with a V6 and currently have 105k on it. I just changed my plugs yesterday and my #6 was a little oily like some of the others here. My 4R runs perfect and has since I got it (with 70k 2 years ago). It doesn't sound like this is anything we really have to worry about since it doesn't seem like anyone with this issue has had any problems because of it. ???

 

[jow]

Run a compression check on that cyl if not all (all would be better for comparing the readings). On the coolant issue we did two things in the past:

1. Looking for bubbles in the radiator’s coolant while the engine is running.

2. A percentage leakage test where compressed air is added to the cyl with valves closed to see if any is lost into the coolant or over 10-20 % is lost to wear or other issues. Remember if you add air the engine will turn if it is not restrained at the crank. Adding psi slow and low was my method. Good luck! jow

 

[michaelreed]

Any update on this?

I have an 07' sport with a V6 and currently have 105k on it. I just changed my plugs yesterday and my #6 was a little oily like some of the others here. My 4R runs perfect and has since I got it (with 70k 2 years ago). It doesn't sound like this is anything we really have to worry about since it doesn't seem like anyone with this issue has had any problems because of it. ???

I have an 05' sr5 with the same issue. Mine runs perfect as well. I don't think it's super pressing to fix, but better to fix it to be safe. Do you have coolant that's gone missing or anything? I think mines a valve cover gasket or spark plug seal. I'm going to do a 4th gen write up when I replace everything.

 

[blakjack23]

Thanks for the info guys. Maybe I'll just get new gaskets installed next time I have it in the shop just to be safe.

 

[Gecko123]

i have the same issue with one spark plug but it runs fine.

 

[michaelreed]

Nice pics Santana. This problem is odd since its not really causing any problems. I mean we wouldn't even know if we didn't change the plugs. 48k and it's still the same? That's impressive. My car is going in this week.

Did you ever get this figured out? I'm curious as to what happened with yours.

 

[T-Burd]

Had the same issue with one of my plugs today. I did a complete tune-up (sparks, wires, throttle body clean-up, new PVC valve, MAF sensor clean-up, EFI sensor re-set, k&n filter re-charge, and oil change).

BTW, I didn't know jack sqwatt about 98% of the aforementioned work until I read this forum for about three hours last night. Great stuff.

I'm gonna call around about VCG replacements this week. That may be out of my comfort zone. Then again, if the cost is too great, it might be back in my comfort zone...

I'm pretty sure it's the VCG because it's just the boot end of the plug that's oil-covered. The rest is pretty clean. There's quite a bit of oil coming out from under the valve covers, too.

Will advise.

 

[Kintesh]

Hey Guys just changed my spark plugs on 2006 4runner sport and noticed oil on top and around the #6 cylinder spark plug nut and coil pack. Looking around on this forum it seems a VCG issue. I will be calling the dealer for clarification and what an approx cost is. I will pull the plug out again next week to see if its covered with oil. I have changed the plugs at 30k, 60k and no visible issues at that time and now at 92K this issue has surfaced.

 

[santana]

Did you ever get this figured out? I'm curious as to what happened with yours.

just to update
its been over a year since i posted the pictures of my #6 spark plug

I did not replace the VCG in 2012 4runner ran fine all year
I'm at about 148k miles