Changing my plugs and I've descovered oil in the back 2 plug wells.. oils not new as I've just changed it and it appears to be historic..any ideas?

Indication of oil high up on the cover..gaskets?

Hi Alistair, your profile doesn't say what FFRR you have......

If however it is a 4.4 with the BMW M62 engine this is a classic issue, rocker cover gaskets go hard and leak oil into spark plug hole, eventually degrades the boot on the plug/coil pack and you get a mysterious misfire

Not a big job, and whilst you're at it, if you haven't done so already think about cleaning/changing the PCV valve.

Cheers,

MM 2011 TDV8 AB
2006 TD6 AB (Gone to Wales)

err, alistairs profile is visible if you click on or hover your mouse over the little car underneath the username.. ... - .- -.




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Thanks for reply.. cam covers will be the next job on the cards I think. Already evidence of a leak on the underside of engine as well.. did the Pcv system already and I suspect the engine mess is because of this..

One thing I've noted since changing the plugs is my dodgy idle that would fluctuate between 800/1000rpm is gone? Reckon I've found the culprit( I hope) 👍

If you have oil at the front of the engine then your vanos solenoid seals and upper timing cover gaskets are probably also shot.
Make sure you apply the sealer in the right places when you do the cam covers

Will do is the vanos seal a big job interms of access? If not I may do both sets at the same time.

The vanos solenoid seals is easy, just two bolts, you could do the non return valves at the same time with the use of a special deep socket and long M10 fine pitch bolt. You can see where the seals sit in my fots of the left and right bank.
To do the vanos solenoid seals you don't have to remove hardly anything to access them. you can see they are held in place with just two bolts
The upper timing covers are a lot more involved but you can see from my fots they were leaking,

Brilliant. That's a huge help buddy. Will get all the seals ordered today. Thanks again

Ordering cam and vanos gaskets today, what Else do I need to order? Screws/bolts for cam covers? Not too sure and I want to have it all at hand . Thanks

I have a list somewhere, you need the two types of rubber washer for the cam cover bolts as a must.
You need the loctite sealer to put on the sealing face at the rear by the half circle cut outs in the head and by the front timing cover.
if you are going to change the vanos solenoid valves you will need them but you will also need the tools.
I'm a bit stuck for time but i have all the part numbers somewhere.

vanos solenoid NRV

Click image to enlarge

Different class mate did a read up on the vanos solenoid part and going to do that with the gaskets. Thanks a lot.

Cool, this is the correct sealant to use, good luck

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Loctite-SI5900-H...w-VIh7xz_w

or this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OE-Quality-43204...SwWxNYq~05

eurocarparts is often cheaper to buy on ebay and then collect in store if you need it quickly