Ford Scorpio Forum - Print Page


    
      
        Ford Scorpio Forum
        (https://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
      

        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Oily spark plug
        
(Message started by: Kjetil S on May 13^th, 2007, 12:58pm)

Title: Oily spark plug
Post by Kjetil S on May 13^th, 2007, 12:58pm

What does it mean if I find engine oil on the sealing ring of the front spark plug?
(The engine uses ~1 liter oil per 250-300+ miles)

The other spark plugs were dry.

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by scorpio_man on May 13^th, 2007, 1:22pm

hi there

sound like the spark plug gasket is gone. i've changed mine (still get a little in no.1 plug hole), easy enough to do.

just follow the intructions on the site.

hth
ps, change the rocker cover gasket at the smae time. :)

pages 6 & 17. (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/manual/engines/dohc2_3/2300CylHead.pdf)

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by Matt on May 13^th, 2007, 2:56pm

could it just be the rocker cover gasket is leaking a little

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by Kjetil S on May 13^th, 2007, 3:20pm

I would be relieved if it's only that gasket. Doesn't seem too hard to change, and they seem to be cheap as well.

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by Spannerdemon on May 13^th, 2007, 10:54pm

Could also be because whoever last changed this plug didn't tighten it fully, and a little oil has been slightly blowing past the seal.

It's not a good idea to overtighten spark plugs, but having said that, they do need to be fully tightened, enough to compress the sealing ring. If the sealing ring doesn't get crushed down, it won't seal fully. ;)

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by jonnycab on May 14^th, 2007, 12:20am

Have a good look down the plug holes........If the plug seating has any carbon, oil, etc sitting around the edge, then give it a clean with a rag & if the deposits are hard, give it a scrape with a long screwdriver until it looks nice & shiney again.

Then clean up the sealing rings on the plugs with a bit of fine grade wet & dry, so they are nice & smooth.

This should make them seal properly & stop any leaks ;)

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by Kjetil S on May 14^th, 2007, 10:28am

Thanks JC

I actually did exactly that yesterday :)

The seats looked clean, but there were a microscopic black rim on the sealing rings. Polished them clean with some fine grade paper. The car did run slightly smoother and quieter afterwards, but that may be down to me attacking the tip of the plugs with the paper as well.

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by Kjetil S on May 15^th, 2007, 10:49am

Ordered a new gasket today. £12 from my FMD. They said they should have it by monday. FPUK wanted £7.58, but in addition came £23.24 in shipping.

Title: Re: Oily spark plug
Post by Kjetil S on May 22^nd, 2007, 3:04pm

Gasket changed. Time will show if it made any difference