Oil on factory spark plug... Help please!!!!

[Deens123]

Today I finanlly changed my sparks after 69,899 Miles on my 04 350Z but the driver side rear (one located under windshield) was drenched in oil. The spark plug tip and center was dry and looked good like the others. The coil boot had a little oil on the side of it but nothing shocking. Someone today told me I have a possible leak.... Can you please point me in the right direction on a cure. I live in Germany and I'm no where near a Nissan dealership... Plus the euro is a a** kicker for Americans....



I joke about taking my car to the dealer and somehow they always find a additional problem ..... Well... I hate being the one of bad news to myself!!

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome to Nico!

You posted in the wrong section. This section is for Z cars older than the Z32.

But thats no problem im moving the topic right now!

[BusyBadger]

Welcome to NICO!

Sorry that a problem is what brought you here.

My first instinct is that the problem is most likely the spark plug tube seals. Unfortunately they are sealed/stuck to the valve covers and can't really be replaced, you need to replace the entire valve cover. But as far as parts so they're not very expensive - probably $150 or so for each valve cover. Sounds like you only need to replace one of them though.

But I can't really diagnose what's wrong from six time zones away - it would be good have someone take a look and get another opinnion, but at least now you've got someplace to start from.

Where in Germany are you? I used to live in Heilbronn a long time ago. I miss going to Hockenheim.

[Deens123]

Thanks for the response.... I think I have found other forums with Z owners that has had the same issues....fascinating thing...Rear driver side plug. If I have to replace the valve covers then I am going to get a engine gasket rebuild kit. It only makes sense to make it count; since I'll have to take off so much. I'm sure there may be other seals along the way that are on their last leg as well.... This sucks!! I've seen a few websites that sell these kits for about $200 or so. I'll give Nissan a call to see if they sell a full gasket kit as well. Oh, I live in Spangdahlem Germany which is 50Km from Nurburgring Track. Spring is just around the corner and I want to be ready when the track opens again for weekend crazies like myself.

[dasoupdude]

My z has the same problem too, it sucks that you have to get the entire valve cover though. Although there have been people that have had good luck with the seals from R&D factory.

[Deens123]

R&D factory?? What do you mean.... The nissan dealership recommended hi-temp oil resistant rtv... And replace all the other gaskets using the factory engine rebuild kit. I was also given the choice of buying a valve cover but I think imma try the rtv.

[Deens123]

Thanks dasoupdude,
I just looked up r&d factory.... I like the options they have!! Awesome!!

[gcalamayan]

Have you guys had any luck contacting R and D Factory. I have called and emailed them and no response.