Hey guys,

When I changed my spark plugs today (at 85,021 miles), I noticed that #3 and #4 are extraordinarily covered with motor oil around the threads. Amazingly, the spark plugs tips on them are clean and dry just like the other four.

Are they wet because the gasket (see attachment) for the spark plugs are leaking? Could that cause any of the cylinders to misfire or skip? SES keeps telling me my cylinder #4 has a misfire.

I am thinking about tightening the three center fasteners to see if I can stop the leak (if it is leaking). According to the Bentley service manual, the torque for the three center fasteners is 7 Nm plus 90 Degree. Sorry if this sounds stupid, where or how do I hold the torque wrench as a starting point to obtain that additional 90 degree?

Thank you in advance!

FYI: It's a 2006 BMW 530i (N52 Engine). All ignition coils and spark plugs are new. I also had one new fuel injector installed for cylinder #4.

 

Wow, 48 views and no reply. Thanks, guys. :-)


Here is the answer for anyone who wants to participate:

 

Could it just be oil that spilled when doing an oil change and pooled in these depressions?

 

Great question, sir!

I pulled out coil #3 and #4 a few minutes ago and see no signs of oil.

If the valvetronic motor gasket is leaking, is it even possible for the oil to somehow get into the spark plug wells???

Back to square one again. :-(

 

Plugs 3 and 4 sit so close to that valvetronic motor and the gasket leak [from that valvetronic motor] looks like it can contribute to the oil you found, if the gaskets around 3 and 4 gave way.

 

If you have oil puddling in there most likely your valve over gasket is leaking. I'm not sure if this could be the reason for your misfire unless the oil is so much that it's fouling out the plug or coil.

 

Thanks, guys!

I went ahead and installed a new BMW OEM valvetronic motor gasket today. It was hard to tell if it was leaking or not. SES for cylinder #4 misfire is still coming on. :-(

Can anyone tell me how long I should drive the car to dry out any residual oil that may have occurred from a probable leaking gasket?

If I want to check to see if the spark plug tips are wet, how long should I wait after the car as been running?

Thanks!