Is It Necessary to Repair Oil Leakage at the Spark Plug?
2 Answers
It is not necessary, but if oil leakage is found at the spark plug, it is recommended to replace it immediately to avoid affecting engine performance. Below is relevant information about oil leakage at the spark plug: 1. Consequences: Oil leakage at the spark plug can cause various abnormalities in the car, such as increased fuel consumption (iridium spark plugs save more than 10% fuel), weak acceleration, and engine shaking. Oil leakage at the spark plug is usually caused by issues with the piston rings, valve oil seals, or fuel injectors. Regardless of the cause, the spark plug should be replaced. 2. Causes: Oil leakage at the spark plug may be due to damaged fuel injectors, oil leakage from the valve cover gasket to the spark plug, or problems with the piston rings and valve oil seals. The specific cause may require diagnosis at a professional repair shop. Oil leakage at the spark plug can lead to increased fuel consumption (extreme iridium spark plugs save more than 10% fuel), weak acceleration, and failed emissions tests. It is recommended that car owners regularly inspect and replace spark plugs in a timely manner. 3. Spark Plug Principle: The spark plug is a crucial component of the gasoline engine ignition system. It introduces high-voltage electricity into the combustion chamber and generates a spark by jumping the electrode gap, thereby igniting the combustible mixture in the cylinder. It mainly consists of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell, with the side electrode welded to the shell.
Oil leakage at the spark plug definitely needs repair. Last time my car had this issue, I neglected it out of laziness, and the engine started shaking violently during ignition with noticeably weaker acceleration. Fuel consumption skyrocketed—normally a full tank could cover 500 km, but after the leakage, it barely reached 400 km. The mechanic diagnosed that oil contamination had damaged the spark plug insulation, causing ignition failure. Replacing a sealing ring fixed it for less than 300 yuan. If left unrepaired, the leaking oil would continue to seep, contaminating other components and even damaging the ignition coil. That could cost thousands to fix. During regular car washes, pay extra attention to oil stains near the spark plugs. Early intervention saves hassle and ensures smooth driving.
