Oil Build-up below spark plugs?!

[dnath28]

Hi All,

I just changed out my wires and spark plugs. While I was down there I noticed some oil build up around my engine block (is that what this is called).

I was curious to everyone's opinion - Is this something serious and I should take a look at? Or just keep an eye on it in the future? It was grime build-up around the corners of where the top casing seals where spark plugs are located.. Not sure about the correct terminology of locations.

I am trying to get this 4runner into the 3-400k mile club one day so what should I do to ensure I am safe for the next 200k miles.

Let me know please.. - See Pics below.

 

[satek]

Nope, nothing serious; just extremely messy. Try to get it fixed before your entire engine gets dirty with that stuff (if you care).

Tighten up the bolts around the valve cover (the bolts that are near the edge) and see if that fixes the problem. I think there are around 8 per side, but I think you should be fine with the ones that are near the leak.

If it doesn't stop the leaking, search up how to do the valve cover gasket replacement.

 

[jmildoc]

yep, tighten then start buying parts to do it right, go all toyota brand, you can get felpro gaskets though. I am in the process of planning out the same repair except mine barely even seeps, i have never had to add oil between changes.

 

[ben550]

Are you running a high mileage oil? I assume you already are, but that might help prolong the life of your engine if you're trying to get to 400k. Mine had the same buildup but i cleaned it up and it has not returned.

 

[jgue467]

It's a 3.4 feature!

Almost all do that, mine were so loose i could turn them by hand. I snugged them up, cleaned up the mess, took a few weeks for all the oil to finish burning off the exhaust but that was 4-5 yrs ago, still dry now. Luck! :banana:

 

[kolelt]

Most simplest term. You should replace your valve cover gaskets!!

 

[JohnMc]

Almost all do that, mine were so loose i could turn them by hand. I snugged them up, cleaned up the mess, took a few weeks for all the oil to finish burning off the exhaust but that was 4-5 yrs ago, still dry now. Luck! :banana:

That's exactly my story, only it's been less than a year.

At ~190K miles, both sides started leaking slightly, barely enough to occasionally get some on the passenger side exhaust manifold and make an oil burning stink.

Saw some posts here saying how the bolts get loose, tried mine, and the majority were finger tight - stick a socket and extension on a bolt, and you could easily tighten it with bare hands. I snugged all the ones that were easy to reach up gently (torque spec on those is very low). used some brake cleaner to get all the leaked oil off, and it's been dry as a bone ever since.

5 minutes work, beats swapping the gaskets. I'm not sure why they seem to loosen up - but many/most of them seem to do it eventually.

 

[shahsmerdis]

Bump,

Mine seems exactly the same way, If I didnt see the time stamp I could have sworn you stole my pictures =P

going to torque down the bolts, hope by some luck no more oil shows again.

What is the best way to clean this? Can I use brake clean? or a heavy duty degreaser and a stiff detail brush. ?

 

[99Runnr]

Steam cleaners work amazing on engine bays. A decent detail shop will have one. I had several car's engine bay's done for $40 and it took like 10 minutes. Beats cleaning and brushing and never getting the cracks and crevices those will clean.

Just MAKE SURE they are cautious and preventative around electrical components.

 

[ThorInc]

Rocker cover gasket is seeping oil.....if you tighten the bolts just snug them up, do not tighten anywhere near tight or you will damage the covers, SNUG (sorry, can't remember the torque specs but it's around 5ft lb I think).

 

[nissanh]

You can try 10 mm box socket and an extension ONLY, use your hand to tight them. DO NOT USE the wrench. If you use a wrench to tight the bolts, it may crack the valve covers.
Again, this is temporary, in few months, you will have to replace the gaskets.