Oil on Spark Plugs

right as all the cars I've had never had oil on the plugs ever, it spelt big time problem s. Spark plug tubes are dry inside and the car runs fine. I'm starting to worry I've bought a lemon!

I think possibly you are being paranoid. There's likely to be a certain amount of oil mist or vapour in the engine compartment, or maybe oil spills from filling. I think it has just collected in the recess and transferred to the plug when you removed it.

Agreed. If the tips are normal colour, there's no smoke, and nothing is leaking, stop worrying.

Are you sure that the oil hasn't just got on the treads as you have taken them out?

On my ford its quite easy to spill a small amount of oil during an oil change filling. This oil runs into the trough that house the spark plugs. Over time it runs down to the outside of the spark plug hole but cannot get any further because there is a spark plug in the hole. Withdrawing the spark plug coats the thread of the spark plug with oil plus dust etc. - an oily black deposit..

Are you using oil? More than 1L / 1000 miles?

No, No = no problem. Yes/Don't know, No/Don't know = You need to check it frequently and see if it gets worse. Note level and record amount of oil used to top up at

Its been 2000 miles since my last oil change and its at a little below the max mark so doesnt appear to be using oil at all. So oil on the spark plug base maybe normal.

Ill keep monitoring the level and see how things progress. Looks like I will have to live with it.

Damian

Live with what? Something under the bonnet of your car has got a bit oily?

Somehow I don't think it's anything terminal...

Chris

on older toyota engines the spark plug tubes were easily removable and had an O ring at the top, but IIRC the lower end was just plain and relied upon the plug being correctly tightened to make it seal. I do not know if yours is the same, but it is possible.