Spark Plugs - is this an issue?

[cryption]

I changed the spark plugs at 44,xxx in my Jetta 2.5L 5-cyl. Looking at the pictures .... well I'm not sure how to describe it. It looks like oil got where it shouldn't.

I've never seen plugs with this oily goop. Is it something the factory puts on like dielectric grease? Should I have put some one when I installed new plugs?

Tell me what these plugs look like to you guys. All opinions welcomed.

 

[kevinf]

The electrodes look good from here. Don't see any burning marks going up the porcelain. It looks like someone put oil in the rubber boots to prevent them from sticking. Or that there was oil in the spark plug socket when they were removed. Weird. I don't think this is coming from the engine as the electrodes would be a mess if that much oil was pumping into the cylinders.

 

[ryan2022]

I'd say if it is a leak, its coming from the gaskets in your valve cover that seal the spark plug holes. Pop off your valve cover and take a look at them.

They might not be torn, or even worn looking, but can harden over time and leak down in to the spark plug holes.

 

[cryption]

See and that's my confusion. I'm [censored] sure there's no oil going up through the plugs, but I've never seen the porcelain coated like that. Those were the factory installed plugs.

The car is a 2009 with 47,xxx miles on it. Runs like a champ.

 

[Familyguy]

It's not at all uncommon to get oil on the plugs from a leaky cam cover gasket. You can try tweaking each of the cam cover bolts a couple of degrees tighter (but no more than about 10 ft/lbs) and that might snug things up enough to stop a little oil seep like that.

The plugs look fine, though the gap is way out of spec now.

 

[cryption]

Do you really think the gasket may be the issue? The car is such low mileage and new I just hate to think something is already wrong lol.

I have new plugs in now I think I will pull after 10k more miles just to see how they look.

Looks like I may be tinkering this weekend

 

[demarpaint]

I think it could be the gasket, it's worth a look.

 

[hemitom]

I,m sure that its not oil, if it was oil the the plug would be slick not tacky looking.

My money is on di electric grease from factory to ease the removal of the boot.

 

[cryption]

Originally Posted By: hemitom
I,m sure that its not oil, if it was oil the the plug would be slick not tacky looking.

My money is on di electric grease from factory to ease the removal of the boot.


That's exactly what I was thinking. It doesn't feel oily at all. It feels quite sticky.

I think I may pull my new plugs this weekend just to see how they look. If they are a little dirty already then the gasket is the problem. I'm hoping it's grease.

Anyone with a 2.5L able to confirm or deny?

 

[CharlieJ]

NGK plugs factory installed in a German car?

 

[Trav]

Next to the NGK there is VW AG. These ore OEM.
VW must have a deal with NGK for their U.S.products.
The German models use Bosch OEM.


OP 1.9T have the same goop on the porcelain,its di electric grease and yes use it on the new ones.

 

[cryption]

The 2.5 and 2.0T both come with NGK plugs. IIRC all MK5 VWs did. Denso can be used as a replacement.

 

[Vikas]

Before you install the new plug, stick it in the boot and take it out (or put your finger there If you see the goop in there, you know where it came from.

 

[cryption]

I will do just that!

 

[901Memphis]

Those appear to be aftermarket NGK Plugs with some sort of anti-seize goop that someone may have improvised with.

Does VW use NGK from the factory?

Electrodes appear to be normal wear, its hard to tell but they may be getting a little hot from that picture which i can't zoom in enough.

 

[cryption]

Yes, VW uses NGK from the factory. They have "VW AG" printed on them

 

[Schmoe]

I wouldn't even sweat it. Plugs look great.

 

[mechtech2]

I see a real problem with #1 and 2.
No center precious metal tip! [compare to #5]
Could be the picture, but it seems clear enough.
Check it.
The goop is something applied for the plug/wire interface.
It is not from the combustion chamber or valve cover gasket.
[Unless you cleaned them !]

 

[cryption]

Thanks for all your replies guys!

mechtech2: I noticed that as well. The pictures make it look worse than it was - but I'm going to likely change my plugs pretty often. I'm debating going from the Denso Copper I currently have in the car to Autolite copper. The autolites are $1.25 a plug here and I could change them every other oil change if I wanted to based on that price (not that I will).

I'm starting to think every 30k would be reasonable to do the plugs on this car. I drive it like I stole it - once it's warmed up.

 

[The_Eric]

To those who think it's oil, I'd think that the steel hex would be oil covered to. Oil would have to fill up the plug well, covering the shell before it got to the insulator. My Neon does just this...