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

[Lrgrnr]

Youcould see if there's an ARP X1 install write up and basically follow the tear down process for installing the cam gears, one would imagine they are the same steps.

Replace the VCG and see if it fixes it. I would imagine that with a blown head gasket the truck would run terrible and a CEL would be present.

 

[scottji]

Hey OP, when you figure out whether your problem is the valve cover gasket or something else, please post again and let us know. I'm curious to find out what the culprit was.

 

[1clean4runner]

Yeah I refilled the coolant in the overflow tank and I'm just kind of watching it and waiting. The car still runs fine so I haven't taken it to the dealer yet.

I'll pull that #6 spark plug again today and see if it's oily like the last one was. If it still looks bad, I guess I'll have to take it in.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Have you pulled all six plugs and examine them?

 

[1clean4runner]

Well I just pulled the new plugs again (its been a few hundred miles). They all looked fine and dry except that same one in #6 (driver side rear). There is oil all around the gasket of the spark plug.

Not sure if this picture helps anyone more experienced in these matters...

And this was clean before I pulled that spark plug...

So... it's still running perfect. Any more thoughts?

 

[08T4R]

Yep, its one of the little o-rings that is part of the valve cover gasket. Should be an easy fix. I dunno if you can buy those gaskets individually or you have to get a set though. A head gasket has nothing to do with that little access hole for the spark plug. If the outside of the plug has oil on it, and your tool got oil on it when removing the plug its the VCG/ O-ring.

 

[scottji]

Yep, its one of the little o-rings that is part of the valve cover gasket. Should be an easy fix. I dunno if you can buy those gaskets individually or you have to get a set though. A head gasket has nothing to do with that little access hole for the spark plug. If the outside of the plug has oil on it, and your tool got oil on it when removing the plug its the VCG/ O-ring.

:iagree:

OP, the spark hole gaskets are attached to the valve cover gasket, so you need to replace the whole valve cover gasket (the whole thing really should be replaced since you're breaking that seal anyway). I think the part is ~$20 online. Also get some little round gasket-type things that are for the valve cover bolts. They're typically like 30 cents a piece. Also get some hylomar or sensor-safe high-temp RTV. Or call around and get quotes if you don't want to DIY -- should be a cheap fix.

 

[1clean4runner]

Hey guys,

Thanks a lot for the confirmation on the valve cover gasket being the problem. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, work is taking over my life right now, so it's going to the dealership tomorrow. I'm also having them check my brakes. I'm going on 68,000 miles and haven't replaced the brakes/pads yet. Needless to say, they are warped and vibrating.

Now I can at least walk in there and tell them what's wrong, without bothering with their shindig.

Thanks again!!!

 

[wrestler157]

if you could keep us updated i think i have the same problem and would like to know your outcome thanks!

 

[1clean4runner]

if you could keep us updated i think i have the same problem and would like to know your outcome thanks!

I definitely will! Sorry I've literally had no time to even get my car to the dealership lately. I'll keep you updated with the problems/fix prices etc. as soon as I get them.

Also, since I topped off the coolant to the full line in the overflow tank with Toyota's pink super-long-life coolant a couple days ago, I haven't seen a noticeable decrease. I guess the cold weather, and not driving as much lately, made me think it had dramatically gone down.

 

[wrestler157]

any update on this 1clean4runner?

 

[ClockWork]

Looks like the start of something bad....

Oily Spark Plug On A 4th Gen and Misfires On Cyl 6... HELP!!!! - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[wrestler157]

yea thats what the thread was saying but he took it to the dealer and going to see what they say. sounds like me and him have the same problem..

 

[1clean4runner]

any update on this 1clean4runner?

Due to my lack of free time, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and wait until I have to take the car in for its annual inspection in a couple weeks. From what I've been reading, my issue sounds like it may indeed just be the VCG (which sounds like an easy fix).

Like I said before, its still running fine so I'm not overly concerned that I'll stuck on the side of the road anytime soon.

Sorry for the not-so-exciting update! :moping:

 

[NWSKIUrbanRunner]

Same, I take my car in service on Monday next week for the 30K I'll have them take a look at it, if it needs replaced, no biggie, I'll do the work during Thanksgiving week

 

[simple]

Same, I take my car in service on Monday next week for the 30K I'll have them take a look at it, if it needs replaced, no biggie, I'll do the work during Thanksgiving week

If you do, you should do a 'how-to' with lots of pics!

 

[santana]

any update on this issue?

For what its worth-
I'm actually about to do my plugs this weekend.
While doing a tune up at around 90k
I also noticed i had a oil covered spark plug just like you pictured in this thread. I can't recall which spark plug it was but it might be safe to assume it is #6. I will confirm this over the weekend.


I'm currently at 128k over due for the tune up and wanted to research this issue. I have not had any problems with my 4runner since i've noticed the oil around that plug at 90k. At the time I figured the spark plug was not torqued properly and thats why there was oil there. I spoke to someone about this issue afterwards so its been in the back of my mind..but the car has been fine since the last tune up. No coolant missing over here.
What gives VCG/OC-ring!?


2005 4runner sport v6

 

[scottji]

any update on this issue?

For what its worth-
I'm actually about to do my plugs this weekend.
While doing a tune up at around 90k
I also noticed i had a oil covered spark plug just like you pictured in this thread. I can't recall which spark plug it was but it might be safe to assume it is #6. I will confirm this over the weekend.


I'm currently at 128k over due for the tune up and wanted to research this issue. I have not had any problems with my 4runner since i've noticed the oil around that plug at 90k. At the time I figured the spark plug was not torqued properly and thats why there was oil there. I spoke to someone about this issue afterwards so its been in the back of my mind..but the car has been fine since the last tune up. No coolant missing over here.
What gives VCG/OC-ring!?


2005 4runner sport v6

Again, I vote VCG.

You can foul your spark plug or damage to your ignition coil if oil is sitting in there, neither of which is too expensive, but sort of a pain.

 

[santana]

Again, I vote VCG.

You can foul your spark plug or damage to your ignition coil if oil is sitting in there, neither of which is too expensive, but sort of a pain.

figures as much. then I guess its a race to who will do their vcg first!
pics or it never happened :hungry:


been looking around the forum as well as other places i can't really seem to find a parts list for this job. besides the vcg o rings. I would like to know what else needs replacing while in there etc..

2005 Toyota 4Runner V6 - Under The Valve Covers... - Bob Is The Oil Guy

thats a good read and a nice pic
i believe cpayne is a member on here as well

ill post a parts list if i come across one

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

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.