Help Please! Dirt / Build Up in Spark Plug threading area

xyaaeg234g234 · 04-22-2016, 06:16 PM

Hey all

Changing the plugs and coils on my girl finally and I'm inspecting the area out of curiosity and notice a bunch of gunk/build up around where the plug threads.

I can't think of an easy way to get to this (make-shift thin vacuum adapter?) and I'm not sure if I should even worry about it at all.

Currently on plug #1 - hoping for some quick insight as to how to proceed either with attempting to clean it out (and not let get into the engine) or leave it be and just install new plug + coil again, not letting it get into the engine (hopefully!!).

Thanks!!

Also, here is the condition of the first plug after an unknown amount of miles (possibly all 95k??) - thoughts?

View post on imgur.com

TrollToll · 04-22-2016, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prodigymix

Hey all

Changing the plugs and coils on my girl finally and I'm inspecting the area out of curiosity and notice a bunch of gunk/build up around where the plug threads.

I can't think of an easy way to get to this (make-shift thin vacuum adapter?) and I'm not sure if I should even worry about it at all.

Currently on plug #1 - hoping for some quick insight as to how to proceed either with attempting to clean it out (and not let get into the engine) or leave it be and just install new plug + coil again, not letting it get into the engine (hopefully!!).

Thanks!!

Also, here is the condition of the first plug after an unknown amount of miles (possibly all 95k??) - thoughts?

Leaking valve cover grommet. Not really a big deal.
Yep, that's a used plug

shirtpants_ · 04-22-2016, 08:34 PM

Had a similar thing in all my cylinders when i changed my plugs a few months ago. took my shop vac, and duct taped my spark plug removal tool I got from turner to the end of the vac's nozzle. sucked all that crap up easily.

Here's what I'm talking about

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...ool-n52n54n55/

xyaaeg234g234 · 04-22-2016, 10:10 PM

Thanks guys, after a bit more reading I've realized what the issue is - looks like a valve cover gasket is added to the list!

shirtpants_ · 04-24-2016, 08:21 PM

I had a valve cover gasket leak as well. That and an oil pan gasket(if i remember right) leak cost me well into 4 digits to get fixed. I didn't have the time to DIY, but if you do, it will save you a lot of $.

PatrickO · 04-24-2016, 10:04 PM

Thats completely normal, its just the carbon from the threads on the plug coming up as you unscrew it, definitely not a VC leak. If it was a VC leak you would see liquid oil.

04-22-2016, 06:16 PM	#1
xyaaeg234g234 happy. 138 Rep 464 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: palm beach county iTrader: (4)	Help Please! Dirt / Build Up in Spark Plug threading area Hey all Changing the plugs and coils on my girl finally and I'm inspecting the area out of curiosity and notice a bunch of gunk/build up around where the plug threads. I can't think of an easy way to get to this (make-shift thin vacuum adapter?) and I'm not sure if I should even worry about it at all. Currently on plug #1 - hoping for some quick insight as to how to proceed either with attempting to clean it out (and not let get into the engine) or leave it be and just install new plug + coil again, not letting it get into the engine (hopefully!!). Thanks!! Also, here is the condition of the first plug after an unknown amount of miles (possibly all 95k??) - thoughts? View post on imgur.com View post on imgur.com View post on imgur.com __________________ '09 Jet Black E90 335i \| BMS DCI \| Forge DV \| VRSF CP, DP, 7" FMIC, Exhaust \| MHD Stg 2 / 93 Oct \| Koni Yellow / H&R Sport \| Mooooarrrrrr this list is getting too long.....
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04-22-2016, 08:34 PM	#3
shirtpants_ Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 11 335i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: orlando iTrader: (1)	Had a similar thing in all my cylinders when i changed my plugs a few months ago. took my shop vac, and duct taped my spark plug removal tool I got from turner to the end of the vac's nozzle. sucked all that crap up easily. Here's what I'm talking about https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...ool-n52n54n55/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2016, 10:10 PM	#4
xyaaeg234g234 happy. 138 Rep 464 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: palm beach county iTrader: (4)	Thanks guys, after a bit more reading I've realized what the issue is - looks like a valve cover gasket is added to the list! __________________ '09 Jet Black E90 335i \| BMS DCI \| Forge DV \| VRSF CP, DP, 7" FMIC, Exhaust \| MHD Stg 2 / 93 Oct \| Koni Yellow / H&R Sport \| Mooooarrrrrr this list is getting too long.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2016, 08:21 PM	#5
shirtpants_ Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 11 335i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: orlando iTrader: (1)	I had a valve cover gasket leak as well. That and an oil pan gasket(if i remember right) leak cost me well into 4 digits to get fixed. I didn't have the time to DIY, but if you do, it will save you a lot of $.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2016, 10:04 PM	#6
PatrickO New Member 2 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: May 2015 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Thats completely normal, its just the carbon from the threads on the plug coming up as you unscrew it, definitely not a VC leak. If it was a VC leak you would see liquid oil.
	Appreciate 0 Quote