Oil in spark plug cavities

Hi all,

I recently (last week) bought a 1990 740 GLE wagon with the 16 Valve DOC
engine and 112K miles. I'm gradually checking things over.

Facts:

1. It runs very well and the first tank of gas showed 22.4 mpg. (I
realize that it takes several tanks to find an "average".
2. It passed it's licensing emissions test in Seattle in April with no
problem.
3. After the first tank I looked at the air filter and found that it
was almost impossible to see daylight through it. Replaced it
immediately. hopefully that will help the economy.

So much for all that.

Today I decided to have a look at the plugs. What I found was liquid oil
in the cavity surrounding the plugs. Number 1 had the most (enough that
I was able to suck it out with a small (1/4") neoprene hose. Number 2
had much less and the others even less.

Possible sources ?

1. I feel that there's too much oil in the engine to begin with, it's
above the line.

2. Could it be a leaking valve cover gasket ?

All the best,

Perk >)

 

I don't know a lot about the 16 valve engine, but I do
know that they are more likely to leak oil from the top
end than the 8 valve engines. Check around the distributor
drive, if that's up top. Hopefully someone with actual
experience with that engine will fill you in.

Oh, and make sure the flame trap is clear. See the
attached text file.
--







http://freevision.org/michael/index.html

There really needs to be a weekly FAQ posted here about the flame

trap. On early nonturbo (the turbo doesn't have one) fours, it is

located between the third and fourth branches of the intake manifold, a

bit below the manifold. On '88 and later models, it is located in about

the same place, but is a bit higher - a little above the manifold. It's

a plastic "Y" or "T" - like junction, containing a plastic screen (I

believe the turbo has the junction only). While the screen can be

cleaned and reused, it is much easier to replace the whole unit - it's

cheap. The two large hoses that connect to the trap just need a quick

look to be sure they aren't blocked with gunk, while the small vacuum

hose (that runs from the small (and fragile) plastic nipple on the trap

to a small brass nipple on the intake manifold) should be replaced, or

at least checked carefully for free airflow. The brass nipple should be

unscrewed from the manifold, cleaned out, and replaced. The job takes

from 45 to 90 minutes the first time, but should be much easier and

quicker once you've done it once.

--







"Against ignorance, the Dogs themselves contend in vain."

 

It could be that previous owner spilled some when adding oil.





Regards,

Boris Mohar

Got Knock? - see:
Viatrack Printed Circuit Designs (among other things) http://www.viatrack.ca

void _-void-_ in the obvious place

 

Have you seen this topic "Oil seepage on 16 valve Volvo motor..."
Here is the conversation:

Greeings All,


I have an '89 Volvo 740 GLE (16 valve head) that is seeping oil
into
the plug valleys. Some cylinders are worse than others but all are
exhibiting some seepage. The oil doesn't seem to be coming from the
valve cover gasket but from another seam that is half-way down the
hole to the plug. I don't have a decent book for the engine so I
really can't figure out what this seam represents; is it part of the
valve cover assembly or is it part of the head itself? Any help on
this matter is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Ray Dzurney


Reply:

It is the cover , it's actually the top seals at the tops of the plug
tubes
remove the cover to replace.

Email: "Jack Stands." <>