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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: badboypolar on November 25, 2007, 11:00:55 AM

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: badboypolar on November 25, 2007, 11:00:55 AM

Well I needed to change my spark plugs and wires. I last checked the plugs about 5000 miles ago, everything was perfect. Not a drop of oil.

Today, different story. Plugs 2 and 3 where covered in oil and 4 had oil on it.

Engine still runs good. Guess it's time for new rings, even though this engine only has roughly 8000 miles on it.

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: dhirsch on November 25, 2007, 11:20:05 AM

are you sure the gaskets around the spark plugs tubes are sealing well?

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: kowalski on November 25, 2007, 12:27:49 PM

Quote from: dhirsch;38312

are you sure the gaskets around the spark plugs tubes are sealing well?

my thoughts as well. was the oil on top of the plug or on the bottom?

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: gearheadE30 on November 25, 2007, 12:52:18 PM

The cam cover gasket was shot on mine and was causing the plugs to get covered in oil, so I bet that's your problem. Luckily it is a very easy gasket to replace. There is one big one that runs along the outer edge and 4 inner ones, one around each of the plugs.

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: badboypolar on November 26, 2007, 02:20:20 PM

I don't know about that, it was the threads of the spark plugs that was coated in oil, not the top or the spark plug wire. And the grounding straps looked nicely oil fouled.

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: bmwman91 on November 26, 2007, 04:57:41 PM

Yeah, sounds like a leaky valve cover gasket.

http://bmw.e30tuner.com/articles_vchc.php

The link has the part numbers you need.

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: ClubSport on November 26, 2007, 06:17:35 PM

You would see a cloud of blue smoke behind you if your rings were that bad.  It's the spark plug gaskets.  When you unscrew the plugs the threads come up through the oil and gets all over them.

Title: Ahhhh crap, more piston ring problems
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on December 01, 2007, 06:54:37 AM

just don't strip the holes or you'll be doing what I did and have to put Heli-coiles in all 100 holes it seams like. But if you do I have come pictures that might help you out.