Replacing the spark plug well seals in the valve covers
#151
Location of RTV Application
Are you applying the RTV at the top of the spark plug tube, where the entry point of the valve cover begins when the spark plug coil is removed?
It'd be great for you to clarify, as I'm unsure what applying RTV in this spark plug tube would do to the engine, when operating.
It'd be great for you to clarify, as I'm unsure what applying RTV in this spark plug tube would do to the engine, when operating.
#152
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
#153
Yes, you can see with a flashlight or feel with your finger where the valve cover and sparkplug tube mate. All I did was clean the area where the valve cover meets the tube with alcohol. I then used RTV Black which is high temp and greater oil resistant to coat with my finger (I used a glove) around the mating area. I don't know how long it will last but it was a quick easy fix. I guess when or if it comes time to remove the valve cover later down the road then a blade maybe needed to cut the RTV.
Last edited by Acagrill; 11-28-2016 at 11:15 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Sam G35S (11-29-2016)
#154
Thanks for the feedback!
What happens when RTF falls into the spark plug tube/chamber and the engine is turned on? At some point in the future, I'd expect some amount of RTF to fall into the tube and it would be difficult to get 100% out of there. Like the next time you need to reapply the RTF, change out the spark plugs, or replace gaskets...you'll need to scrape the old RTF off and it will fall into the spark plug tube.
I didn't know about this leakage issue and just had someone replace my spark plugs at 100K miles. Good thing I still need to get the valve cover and plenum gaskets replaced....I guess. I've seen what it takes to get to the spark plugs on a 2008 model and it's not easy for all of us!
What happens when RTF falls into the spark plug tube/chamber and the engine is turned on? At some point in the future, I'd expect some amount of RTF to fall into the tube and it would be difficult to get 100% out of there. Like the next time you need to reapply the RTF, change out the spark plugs, or replace gaskets...you'll need to scrape the old RTF off and it will fall into the spark plug tube.
I didn't know about this leakage issue and just had someone replace my spark plugs at 100K miles. Good thing I still need to get the valve cover and plenum gaskets replaced....I guess. I've seen what it takes to get to the spark plugs on a 2008 model and it's not easy for all of us!
#155
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
#156
If the RTV ever needs to be removed, some of it would fall into the spark plug tube. This would be the case if I understand correctly where the RTV is applied. I believe it's applied where the outermost point of the tip of the metal spark plug tube touches the black material of the valve cover.
If so, does RTV which falls into the spark plug tube create problems for the engine?
If so, does RTV which falls into the spark plug tube create problems for the engine?
#157
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
#158
The following 3 users liked this post by Acagrill:
#159
#160
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
#161
#163
#165
Ok, so what exactly is the problem with leaving the oil in the spark plug tubes...as long as you don't let the oil get on the new plugs when you replace them...who cares? Just changed my plugs and 4 had oil in them. Car runs fine. I think I am just going to replace the valve cover gasket and leave the tubes as is.