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Replacing the spark plug well seals in the valve covers

Old Nov 28, 2016 | 01:47 AM
  #151  
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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.




 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 09:35 AM
  #152  
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In my case, the valve covers were removed, cleaned and the area of the sparkplug well cleaned, then "hi-temp" RTV was applied to the LOWER mating surfaces where the sparkplug well meets the head.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 11:11 AM
  #153  
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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; Nov 28, 2016 at 11:15 AM.
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 08:23 PM
  #154  
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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!

 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 09:16 PM
  #155  
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What? Think about what you just posted.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 09:29 PM
  #156  
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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?
 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 09:40 PM
  #157  
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Then don't take out the plugs....
 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 09:54 PM
  #158  
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My G35 has 225,000 miles. Next sparkplug change is 300,000 miles. If need be, I'll just vacuum out the tube before removing the plug.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2017 | 02:29 AM
  #159  
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What should I expect to pay for getting that done? I'm in Texas too

Originally Posted by Texasscout
My mechanic just removed them, cleaned them and used RTV on them. So far (5 years) no problems
 
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Old Feb 17, 2017 | 06:53 AM
  #160  
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Hard to say, I had mine done with a lot of other service work. My best guess is around $200.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2017 | 06:40 PM
  #161  
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Heres how I did my little cousins car.

Custom spacer

72481 Fel-Pro seal with adapter

Seal with adapter ready to be sealed. Nice snug fit!
 

Last edited by D10-Vic; Feb 25, 2017 at 07:15 PM.
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Old Apr 8, 2018 | 11:11 PM
  #162  
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what did you use to make those spacers? I had the same idea but couldn't find anything suitable. thanks.
 
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 04:33 PM
  #163  
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Originally Posted by trusovici
what did you use to make those spacers? I had the same idea but couldn't find anything suitable. thanks.
Had them Custom made in acrylic. 10k on them so far and still not a singles drop to be seen.
 
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 04:50 PM
  #164  
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Specs?

Any chance you can give me the dimensions on the spacer? ie. Inside diameter, outside and height? Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2018 | 03:50 PM
  #165  
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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.
 
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