oil in spark plug chamber

dannh

Bought a car it was running a bit jumpy in low revs in 2 and 3rd gear. Thought it might be the spark plugs. Upon removing the plug caps there is oil in 2 of the chambers, The car is not running smokey is this likely to be a seal or the piston rings. It is a 1.4 golf 00 with 132000 mile on the clock. Is this likely to be expensive.

LookBehindYou

its only the top gasket leaking, try tighten it a bit,if it still leaks replace the gasket.

analfabets

I'd say it's a rocker cover gasket.Not expensive at all.

hobochris

LookBehindYou wrote: »

its only the top gasket leaking, try tighten it a bit,if it still leaks replace the gasket.

Be careful doing this, If the bolts snap they can be a bitch to get out of the engine block (if they come out).

If its the rocker gasket seal, You can a new one and gasket sealant for next to nothing.

I'd take out your plugs and inspect them though, clean and replace if needed.

I would also dip your oil to make sure you still have enough.

mlmcelligott

before you do any of that go and make sure you have the right plugs. Had a similar problem with a passat. it had "cold" spark plugs and they kept getting clogged up with oil and soot. I put in the correct "hot" plugs and ive never had a problem with it since.

http://www.dansmc.com/sparkplugs1.htm

dannh

Ok have drained the oil off witha syringe gonna go by new plugs and a spanner. So how long would it tkae a mechanic to replace the rocker gasket. if that is what it is should this sort out the jumping at low revs. Im in dublin anyone wanna fix it for me

dannh

would i be advised to clean it all out replace plugs and see how she goes keeping an eyeout to see if oil leaks in again. Before taking it to a mechanic.

Henry Ford III

Not sure I read this correctly, but were the plugs themselves oiled up?

If they were you've probably got a big problem. Either the piston rings are letting oil past them and into the combustion chamber, or the valve stems/oil seals have failed and oil is leaking down the way from the head.

Either way it's a chronic condition. The engine is tired or worn.

dannh

There was about a cm off oil siiting on top

mlmcelligott

dannh wrote: »

There was about a cm off oil siiting on top

On top of what? the pistons?

dannh

on top of spark plugs

mlmcelligott

My advices is to take out all the spark plugs and spin the engine to blow out any oil thats in the cyclinders, put in the new plugs and drive away. if it happens again get a compression test done by a mechanic.

dannh

waiting for my mate with sparkplug spanner will try and let u no what happens

Henry Ford III

dannh wrote: »

on top of spark plugs

Whilst they were still in the head?

That might just be a loose plug, or a leak from a rocker cover. The chugging you described earlier could be a bad spark, poorly adjusted ignition timing etc. It would occur in every gear though.

dannh

yes they are still screwed in will i still take same cause of action? and see if they fill up again

Henry Ford III

Fix the leak, remove and change the plugs and air filter.

SouperComputer

Most likely coming from the valve cover gasket. Not a big deal. The leaking oil can\will cause ignition issues leading to rough running.

dannh

Can any one tell where this seal is? should i be able t osee the leak or will it be tiny amounts leaking? How much do you think it will cost at a garage to fix. wWill it damage it anymore driving it?

LookBehindYou

It will not damage anything.
Its a seal for the top of the engine,camshaft area.(rocker cover gasket)
Cost approx 10 euro for gasket and can be fitted in 30 min.

johnplayerblue

00 1.4 means Timing belt off, cams out..to re seal.

dannh

That sounds expensive. How many hours? Would i be better off geting timeing belt and water pump done at the same time?

Henry Ford III

johnplayerblue wrote: »

00 1.4 means Timing belt off, cams out..to re seal.

To do a rocker cover gasket?

dannh

So does the timing belt need to come off or not?

dannh

Right so changed the plugs, but it did not sort the lumpyness out in low revs! Any ideas?

mlmcelligott

get a compression test done see whats leaking