Strange problem

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 23, 2008 | 04:41 PM

lt4obsesses

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 5,139

Likes: 482

From: H-Town Texas

Strange problem

So a tech at my brother's shop noticed a wet seepage along the bottom of my heads. I had noticed this some time ago too, and although a bit worried, I have yet to see any other indication of head gasket problems. What I did notice that he didn't was that the seepage also lined the bottom of the spark plug recesses.

Today I pulled all the plugs, put them in about 2 years ago. (Bosch platinum 4). Installed them engine cold, and was very careful about threading them in. Lo and behold, the antiseize had all been pushed out and the threads looked like they had been leaking. None of the plugs were fouled, just a little carbon but all dry. So, I cleaned them up and put them back in. Gonna watch to see if the seepage comes back.

Has this happened to anyone else? And what could be the cause?

Jul 23, 2008 | 06:26 PM

cwyates4

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 2,065

Likes: 1

From: Jasper Texas

Sounds like you may have found the problem. Keep an eye on the valve covers though, may have developed a leaking v/c gasket.

Jul 23, 2008 | 11:44 PM

jfb

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 54,124

Likes: 30

From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

If you do need head gaskets, use Fel-Pro teflon coated head gaskets, they last many times longer than non coated gaskets.

Jul 24, 2008 | 01:07 AM

lt4obsesses

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 5,139

Likes: 482

From: H-Town Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwyates4

Sounds like you may have found the problem. Keep an eye on the valve covers though, may have developed a leaking v/c gasket.

Thanks for the replies, yes I think I found the problem. I set her through her paces a little tonight and the difference was night and day. My theory is either A) using the anti-sieze was a mistake, or B) more likely I was too careful about installing the plugs and they never got set right. It's amazing how much better an engine runs when it's not losing compression.

Jul 24, 2008 | 07:52 AM

anesthes

Safety Car

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 4,290

Likes: 140

From: Salem NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by lt4obsesses

Usually if you have a loose plug the fire will destroy the threads. I'm surprised it's all set now..

-- Joe

Jul 24, 2008 | 09:27 AM

Radioshop

Pro

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 576

Likes: 0

You have to wonder about the electrical conducting properties of anti-seize grease. Was it introducing resistance? As you know, the spark plug grounds by it's threads.

Jul 24, 2008 | 09:30 AM

donivan3

Advanced

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 72

Likes: 0

I've read severeal times here on the CF that anti-seize is a no-no on plugs. Just a drop of oil and proper torque will do the trick

Jul 24, 2008 | 09:41 AM

lt4obsesses

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 5,139

Likes: 482

From: H-Town Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by anesthes

Usually if you have a loose plug the fire will destroy the threads. I'm surprised it's all set now..

-- Joe

Yeah, I don't know for certain. But I think that the fuel mixture was getting pushed into the threads, very slightly, on the compression stroke. I don't know why but all the threads looked good, on the plugs anyway. Still, keeping an eye on it.