Why is spark plug lubricated? What does oily spark plugs refer to? What are the symptoms for oily spark plugs What kinds of malfunctions can lubricating sparkplugs cause?
Spark plugs’ main function is to ignite the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber. Spark plugs transmit electrical energy to the cylinders, creating a spark that ignites the fuel mixture. Spark plugs are also a heat exchanger. The spark plug also contains an insulator that releases the high heat created during ignition.
Engine oil helps to reduce wear and heat of moving parts. Engine oil reduces friction and dissipates heat produced by the engine.
Why are Spark Plugs Lubricated
A major problem is when spark plugs are not lubricated. Oil leaking into spark plug sockets is the cause of the problem. It is essential to determine the exact cause.
Oil leaking from spark plug housings is often caused by spark plug seals. You will also find lubrication in each ignition coil (or spark plug wires). Oil can leak from the spark plug sockets in some cases due to an external oil leakage (e.g. a leaking head).
If the socket or spark plugs are dry, but the threads or tip of the sparkplugs are oily or coated with carbon deposits, then there is a bigger problem. This could allow oil to seep into combustion chamber.
Wear rings are often responsible for oil entering the combustion chamber. The rings are used to seal the gap between the piston’s wall and the cylinder walls. This is done to ensure proper compression, and also to prevent oil from getting into the combustion chamber (where is the spark plug tip). When the rings become worn, oil can enter the combustion chamber and deposit oil or ash on the spark plug tip. The smoke from the exhaust can also indicate that the engine is starting to burn oil.
The same problem can also be caused by worn pistons or cylinder walls. The segments cannot close the cylinder properly. The spark plug tips are clogged with oil and carbon deposits.
The valves (or valves) are responsible for controlling the airflow to and from the cylinders. To prevent oil from getting through the guide (valve cover gaskets), engine oil is prevented. Oil can get into the combustion chamber and contaminate spark plugs if the gaskets or guides are worn. The engine will burn oil again. The exhaust smoke can be a sign of this. This is usually when the engine is started for the first time.
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV), which is used to reduce car emissions, is another reason. This system allows oil vapors from the crankcase to flow to the intake manifold, where they are burned in the engine. The PCV system may have problems that cause excessive evaporation and oil droplets to contaminate the spark plugs.
Let’s now look at the causes of the problem.
- – Spark plug seals leaky or O-rings
- Leaky valve cover gasket
- – Broken pistons and cylinder walls
- – Broken valve guides
- – Defective PCV system
What are the Problems of Oily Spark Plugs?
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- – Engine misfires or hard starting
- – Engine kickback
- – Increasing oil consumption
- – Higher fuel consumption
- – Blue smoke from the exhaust
- – Emissions values high
- – Catalytic converter damages, if the damage is not corrected for a long period
These symptoms should be a sign that the spark plugs need to be checked.
