Oil in the plugs- who did it?! The valve cover gasket or the spark plug seals?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 323
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From: Los Angeles, CA. USA
2013 c250
Oil in the plugs- who did it?! The valve cover gasket or the spark plug seals?
I've been getting cylinder misfires, a few actually. 2 yrs. ago, I had my timing chain replaced and as I understand it, the v.c. gasket was replaced then since u need to crack it open to access the chain. So the lazy guy in me wants to avoid replacing the gasket again. How can I tell if the culprit is the plugs or the gasket??
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 527
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From: Carolinas
2005 C230K SS
Oil in spark plug recess = leaky VC grommets around the spark plug opening. Most probable cause is over tightening. Ever since I started using a torque wrench on the w203 I am often surprised at how little most things have to be torqued down.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 323
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From: Los Angeles, CA. USA
2013 c250
I've concluded it was the oil cap. I left it slightly ajar and the only oil was in the 1st coil next to the gas cap, the 2nd had a little and the 3rd and 4th were bone dry. So I'll assume the mechanic who replaced my timing chain did in fact, replace the valve cover gasket and spark plug gaskets and save myself the hassle which I know consider unnecessary. Having said that, the ****ing car still runs like a grandma. I've confirmed no air/vacuum leaks, reset throttle, and now I've taken the oil out of the 2 coils. WTF is wrong with my car?!?! There's just no throttle response. Also, no MAF code was thrown either.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 323
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From: Los Angeles, CA. USA
2013 c250
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Surge is almost always caused by an intake leak. Sometimes a hose looks nice and respectable on top but is a hard as a rock on the bottom and cracked wide open. I'd try a smoke test next.
