Oil in the spark plug chambers
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Oil in the spark plug chambers
So, today I went to change my spark plugs. When I removed the cover to access the plugs, I was greeted with pools of oil in the spark plug area. All the plugs holes were FILLED with oil, and a bit was left pooled in the recess tray.
NEVER had this before. I checked the torque on the plugs, and all seemed fine. Not one plug was loose.
I'm nervous that I may have a cross threaded plug, that is allowing all that oil up, but if they are all covered, that means all of them are crossed..??
I'm definetly a shade tree mechanic, but I'm way better than cross threading four plugs!
I'm using Iridium Plugs, On the off hand, I'm wondering if the oil isn't getting pushed up through the threads, how in the world is it getting up there!
Any thoughts?
I'm going to look further into this tomorrow when I have more time.
E
NEVER had this before. I checked the torque on the plugs, and all seemed fine. Not one plug was loose.
I'm nervous that I may have a cross threaded plug, that is allowing all that oil up, but if they are all covered, that means all of them are crossed..??
I'm definetly a shade tree mechanic, but I'm way better than cross threading four plugs!
I'm using Iridium Plugs, On the off hand, I'm wondering if the oil isn't getting pushed up through the threads, how in the world is it getting up there!
Any thoughts?
I'm going to look further into this tomorrow when I have more time.
E
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
I didn't pull the plugs, because I stepped back and thought, if I pull the plug, and the threads are toast, I'm not going to get another plug in there.
In addtion, I can use a brake bleeder with a tube to evacuate the chambers, so that I can read the plug.
Reason I was going to change the plugs, is I'm getting some minor cold start issues in the a.m. I figured I would change the plugs and have the injectors cleaned.
E
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Ahhh, now this is making sense!!!!!
I had no idea I had Spark Plug seals. I have a high mileage engine. Makes sense that those guys would be toast.
I didn't see a P/N for them.
(Ok, I'm going to be a bit dramatic here...) I knew in my heart of hearts, there was no way I cross threaded four plugs. Hey, maybe one, because I tend to gin it up around tools. Plus, I was able to apply torque to all four. So I was stepping back and saying, WTF!
Funny thing is, I was actually going to call you, to ask your opine. I just felt bad about disrupting the Sunday night.
No worries, my trusty steed, Spiagga shall take me to my damsel this eve. I'm just shocked I'm getting a spark in to the plug through that pool of oil.
E
I had no idea I had Spark Plug seals. I have a high mileage engine. Makes sense that those guys would be toast.
I didn't see a P/N for them.
(Ok, I'm going to be a bit dramatic here...) I knew in my heart of hearts, there was no way I cross threaded four plugs. Hey, maybe one, because I tend to gin it up around tools. Plus, I was able to apply torque to all four. So I was stepping back and saying, WTF!
Funny thing is, I was actually going to call you, to ask your opine. I just felt bad about disrupting the Sunday night.
No worries, my trusty steed, Spiagga shall take me to my damsel this eve. I'm just shocked I'm getting a spark in to the plug through that pool of oil.
E
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
MBW is part of my pre-dinner routine, kinda like a refreshing beverage. Puts me in the right frame of mind.
The seals are 111 016 07 21. Cover gasket has been superceded three times; 111 016 12 21 is the most recent version. Good luck bro.
The seals are 111 016 07 21. Cover gasket has been superceded three times; 111 016 12 21 is the most recent version. Good luck bro.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
E, my Sentra had the same issue at one point, and I freaked out when I saw it too. It has a very simular design to your M111 (As far as valve cover and spark plug seals). Just take the valve cover off, pry out the seals, tap in new ones, replace valve cover gasket, reinstall cover, and you are set 
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Drove past your place the other day on the way home from a jobsite, only to see your SeaCoupe looking somewhat forlorn. Have you forsaken us for the Spiagga and those scantily clad women about town these days?
Dang, 80+ weather brings ‘em out, eh?!
Dang, 80+ weather brings ‘em out, eh?!
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
You may want to check out the SLK (R170) forum over at benzworld since that's a very active forum and SLK230 has been using that motor since 1998. Only one person has done this, it appears to be highly uncommon.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170...ark+plug+seals
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170...ark+plug+seals
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 290
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From: California
2005 1.8 B/B
I have 2005 C230, 60,000 miles on it.
I found a little bit engine oil on my one of the spark plugs, the one close to the front, right next to the engine oil cap.
Engine oil was on the whole spark plug (tip and body) and coil tube.
I am not sure if i have broken spark plug seal or i pour engine oil on it when i was changing my engine oil.
I changed new spark plug anyways, and will check it next week to see if there will be engine oil on it.
I found a little bit engine oil on my one of the spark plugs, the one close to the front, right next to the engine oil cap.
Engine oil was on the whole spark plug (tip and body) and coil tube.
I am not sure if i have broken spark plug seal or i pour engine oil on it when i was changing my engine oil.
I changed new spark plug anyways, and will check it next week to see if there will be engine oil on it.
Last edited by Mercury; Feb 8, 2010 at 04:11 AM.
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
I had the same issue and I resolved it by replacing the sp[ark plug seals and valve cover seal. I no longer have oil leakage into spark plug recesses.
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Working towards a DIY...
Okay, so I was removing some spark plug seals off the valve cover of my 2002 C230 Coupe.
In process of removing an old spark plug seal, I cracked the circle that holds the spark plug seal in place. It is not necessarily a load holding wall. But I have a crack that runs along circle.
So, can I JB weld and hope for the best? The inside of the valve cover sees synthetic oil and typical engine temps.
Any thoughts. I'm going to try for pics, but don't have a decent camera handy.
Update
So, I can either pull it up, and risk cracking into the valve cover. Or possible just put JB weld only on the crack. I don't forsee attempting to build up the circle again.
Yes, I'll be getting a new valve cover, but I'm in my warehouse near Compton, its getting late, and this is not the place to hang out.
My concern is that leaving it in place without anything would make the cracked piece eventually fall into the camshaft area. The car has a twin cam similar to the Fiats cup and tappet system.
Well, I did find that the way to get the spark plug seals out easilly was to simply heat them up....
Ed
In process of removing an old spark plug seal, I cracked the circle that holds the spark plug seal in place. It is not necessarily a load holding wall. But I have a crack that runs along circle.
So, can I JB weld and hope for the best? The inside of the valve cover sees synthetic oil and typical engine temps.
Any thoughts. I'm going to try for pics, but don't have a decent camera handy.
Update
So, I can either pull it up, and risk cracking into the valve cover. Or possible just put JB weld only on the crack. I don't forsee attempting to build up the circle again.
Yes, I'll be getting a new valve cover, but I'm in my warehouse near Compton, its getting late, and this is not the place to hang out.
My concern is that leaving it in place without anything would make the cracked piece eventually fall into the camshaft area. The car has a twin cam similar to the Fiats cup and tappet system.
Well, I did find that the way to get the spark plug seals out easilly was to simply heat them up....
Ed
Last edited by SeaCoupe; Mar 2, 2010 at 12:00 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Broke it clean off. Snapped off with a minimum, and I mean minimum of effort.
The valve cover seals to a rising tube for each spark plug. So, this could possible be a non issue. Well see.
Geez I feel silly. Now I can wrap this up and get outta dodge!
Ed
The valve cover seals to a rising tube for each spark plug. So, this could possible be a non issue. Well see.
Geez I feel silly. Now I can wrap this up and get outta dodge!
Ed
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Albuquerque, NM
05 C230 sport
Last weekend I was changing the fuel filter in my 05 C230 and went to release the fuel pressure and noticed I had oil up past the tip of my spark plugs in the chambers. A few months back I had oil all over the place near the top of the engine and played with the oil cap and it seemed faulty and loose so I replaced it and haven't seen anything since until this. Could that have been the cause or do I have bigger problems on hand?
It seems even if the oil filter cap been faulty it would not produce this much oil but being a shade tree mechanic and new to the Benz, I have no idea... Help!
It seems even if the oil filter cap been faulty it would not produce this much oil but being a shade tree mechanic and new to the Benz, I have no idea... Help!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
05 C230 sport
Oil in the spark plug chambers
Last weekend I was changing the fuel filter in my 05 C230 and went to release the fuel pressure and noticed I had oil up past the tip of my spark plugs in the chambers. A few months back I had oil all over the place near the top of the engine and played with the oil cap and it seemed faulty and loose so I replaced it and haven't seen anything since until this. Could that have been the cause or do I have bigger problems on hand?
It seems even if the oil filter cap been faulty it would not produce this much oil but being a shade tree mechanic and new to the Benz, I have no idea... Help!
It seems even if the oil filter cap been faulty it would not produce this much oil but being a shade tree mechanic and new to the Benz, I have no idea... Help!
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
You searched and posted this in the original "oil in the spark plug chambers" thread. There was no sense in making a duplicate thread.
It is not uncommon to see this on M271s and it could be from the oil spill you mentioned.
It is not uncommon to see this on M271s and it could be from the oil spill you mentioned.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
It's likely the cambox cover gasket & plug rubber seals that are leaking. You can buy the gasket & 4 round seals as a kit & fit - simple DIY.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
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c230
2005 C230 Kompressor 4 CYL -Misfiring /Oil in Chamber 1 and 2;
Problem: Misfiring on 2005 C230 Kompressor 4 CYL
ODB Check - Cylinder 1 code - assumed coil
Removed coil and seen this picture
Cleaned it
Checked 2, same issue
Removed both plugs and checked plugs (normal wear)
Cleaned both Coil Packs and removed all oil/water
Replaced
No error code ( was grounding out via the oil/water
will watch to see how fast and far they fill for a while
next step to replace cover gaskets
Oh fun.....
ODB Check - Cylinder 1 code - assumed coil
Removed coil and seen this picture
Cleaned it
Checked 2, same issue
Removed both plugs and checked plugs (normal wear)
Cleaned both Coil Packs and removed all oil/water
Replaced
No error code ( was grounding out via the oil/water
will watch to see how fast and far they fill for a while
next step to replace cover gaskets
Oh fun.....
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2005 C200 with 244k (km)
Tappit cover gasket and port seals
I had the very same problem today !!! Tappit cover gasket and port seals replaced - end of troubles. Hope you also win
So, today I went to change my spark plugs. When I removed the cover to access the plugs, I was greeted with pools of oil in the spark plug area. All the plugs holes were FILLED with oil, and a bit was left pooled in the recess tray.
NEVER had this before. I checked the torque on the plugs, and all seemed fine. Not one plug was loose.
I'm nervous that I may have a cross threaded plug, that is allowing all that oil up, but if they are all covered, that means all of them are crossed..??
I'm definetly a shade tree mechanic, but I'm way better than cross threading four plugs!
I'm using Iridium Plugs, On the off hand, I'm wondering if the oil isn't getting pushed up through the threads, how in the world is it getting up there!
Any thoughts?
I'm going to look further into this tomorrow when I have more time.
E
NEVER had this before. I checked the torque on the plugs, and all seemed fine. Not one plug was loose.
I'm nervous that I may have a cross threaded plug, that is allowing all that oil up, but if they are all covered, that means all of them are crossed..??
I'm definetly a shade tree mechanic, but I'm way better than cross threading four plugs!
I'm using Iridium Plugs, On the off hand, I'm wondering if the oil isn't getting pushed up through the threads, how in the world is it getting up there!
Any thoughts?
I'm going to look further into this tomorrow when I have more time.
E
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
How funny, something that happened 7 years ago is on the front page. Seals were my issue. Sad frowny face here.... You can easily go to a Euro pick and pull and find parts for the M111 motors now.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Mercedes C200K
A similar thing has just happened to me. Car started misfiring (although fixed itself after switching off and on most times) so took it in to my local MB dealership to reset the engine management light. They told me it was cylinder number 1 that was misfiring. I had a look and my coil looked exactly as yours does in your picture, except mine was full of water, no oil. It's actually incredible that for most of the time my car still worked. This is the limit of my mechanical skills so I dried it out and stopped here. Is it a head gasket with a leaking seal that's allowed this? Will this need a new head gasket?
Problem: Misfiring on 2005 C230 Kompressor 4 CYL
ODB Check - Cylinder 1 code - assumed coil
Removed coil and seen this picture
Cleaned it
Checked 2, same issue
Removed both plugs and checked plugs (normal wear)
Cleaned both Coil Packs and removed all oil/water
Replaced
No error code ( was grounding out via the oil/water
will watch to see how fast and far they fill for a while
next step to replace cover gaskets
Oh fun.....
ODB Check - Cylinder 1 code - assumed coil
Removed coil and seen this picture
Cleaned it
Checked 2, same issue
Removed both plugs and checked plugs (normal wear)
Cleaned both Coil Packs and removed all oil/water
Replaced
No error code ( was grounding out via the oil/water
will watch to see how fast and far they fill for a while
next step to replace cover gaskets
Oh fun.....
