I have[ 2 Spark plugs wet (Oil ) my mechanic says he can reseat 2 of my downflow oil tubes? Is this a thing and has anyone else had this happen...My car 50K 2003 XK8

 

When you say that the plugs are wet, do you mean the body of the plug above the threads? If so the oil seals in the cam cover are leaking and you need to replace them, but they are part of a cam cover set. Your mechanics comment about reseating downflow oil tubes makes absolutely no sense.

 

Will he inspect the muffler bearings free of charge, too?

 

G, thanks, now I have something else to worry about

 

If it is the ceramic/hexagon part of the spark plug which is wet with oil, then it is simply the cam cover seal which is leaking around a couple of the spark plug tubes.

Reseating the gasket will be a waste of time and money. Whilst the cam cover is off, simply fit a new seal.

Richard

 

A regular issue. The resolution is:

1. get a new mechanic - he's talking through his downflow tube.
2. buy and fit replacement seals (see RED lines)




The photo is my 2001 XK8. I also replaced the front seal (see GREEN line) as I had the covers off but this wasn't strictly necessary. You WILL need new camshaft cover rubber gaskets (arrowed in BLUE).

Do NOT OVERTIGHTEN the cover bolts. It's the quickest way to crack a cover and subsequently induce further oil leaks.

Graham

 

Thanks for the info guys...I had the mechanic change my spark plugs and he said oil was down below the threads on two of them - Not on the ceramic part.

 

If the oil was not on the ceramic/hexagon part of the plug, I have no idea what "reseat 2 of my downflow oil tubes" means.

Richard

 

It means the mechanic was higher than a kite.

 

If it was on the threads, but the plug wasn't fouled, then changing the V/C gasket and plug tube grommets will probably fix the issue.

If he meant that the plugs show signs of burning oil then you have a different problem.

I suspect the gasket change will fix your issues. And you should consider finding a new mechanic.

 

Thanks Y2KJag - Yeah, no smoke coming out of the exhaust. First i'll find a new mechanic and have the V/C gasket changed along with all of the plug tube grommets...I really appreciate your input!!!

 

hey now, I resembled that remark !

Z

 

GGG - I might use my neighbor to install...When thinking about it my mech just installed (1yr ago valve cover gaskets due to them leaking...after which he said they were still leaking and wanted to tighten again)

 

Make sure you use new seals on the screws.

 

New bolts as well?

 

New seals on the screws? Are there seals for the screws? ...or are you saying to use locktight?

 

Don't replace the screws. Some shops save time by not replacing the rubber seals included in the gasket set but then end up with a leak. The procedure for gasket and seal replacement can be found in the Sticky section of the forum page.

 

You meant to say my SOON TO BE FORMER mechanic.

 

Tightening to fix a leak is rarely going to work. Overtightening or uneven tightening usually causes hairline cracks in the cover and oil leaks. New cover seals are essential whenever the covers are removed. Once the rubber seal has been compressed and gone through a few heat cycles, it won't reseal again satisfactorily after removal.

Graham

 

^^ +1

NB also RJ237's point about the seals. Jaguar calls them O-rings, grommets or isolators, depending on where you look. They flatten and bake over time, and are key to maintaining a good seal with the cover gasket as it is they which provide the clamping pressure on the cam cover.

To repeat, go gently on the bolts. The manual states 12Nm, I went for 10 and no leaks. Coil pack & coil cover bolts, 5Nm (not much more than finger tight).