Changed the plugs today - oil on the threads, all plugs. No obvious puddles in the wells, but not a good sign. Electrodes were dry and in good shape; the slightly hazy color with no buildup or corrosion.
IDK what the culprit could be. 11/2016 shop noticed the issue and replaced all 4 coil boots and the valve cover gasket. Runs like a champ - slight stumble at idle, but tap the gas and that stops. I suspect dirty Vanos solenoids or dirty throttle body for the stumble. Both Vanos solenoids replaced 11/2016; I suppose they could get nasty in 3 years. We only put around 7000 miles/year on her, so that's 21000 on the current solenoids.
Any ideas for the oil on the plug threads? Thanks.
Pic of the plugs - have not been changed during my ownership (3years 7 months), 28,000 miles - records I have from previous owner do not indicate a changeout, but who knows. When the shop replaced the coils 11/2016 they noticed the oil issue but reported the plugs looked good - they don't look terrible now but not great for sure. Also burning half a quart of oil every fill up.
Our cars are twins! Love that color. I would suspect the valve cover gasket again. I don’t think there is any harm in taking a look to see if there is an obvious weak point on it. Just replace the same one if it looks good and torque to spec.
Our cars are twins! Love that color. I would suspect the valve cover gasket again. I don’t think there is any harm in taking a look to see if there is an obvious weak point on it. Just replace the same one if it looks good and torque to spec.
Thought about that - new valve cover gasket in 2015 (previous owner) and another by me 11/2016 - there is either a warping/fault in the valve cover, these VC gaskets are prone to failure, or the techs have just been throwing VC gaskets at the problem without digging deeper - IDK.
I love this car - bought it for 7400.00 4/2016 with 98K on the clock; previous owner did the following:
New vacuum pump (9/2015)
New ABS module (9/2015)
New headlights (9/2015)
Regular oil/filter service
During my ownership since 4/2016:
New Mini Emblems (4/2016)
New Windshield, Windshield Cowl Cover (4/2016)
New Antennae Mast (4/2016)
New front rotors, pads on all 4 (7/2016)
New Vanos Solenoids (11/2016)
New Timing Chain and Tensioner (11/2016)
New Valve Cover Gasket (11/2016)
New Coils (11/2016)
New Oil Pan and Gasket (11/2016)
New Parking Lights (11/2016)
New Oil Filter Housing (7/2016)
New Crankshaft Seal (3/2018)
New Water Pump (3/2018)
New Water Pipe (3/2018)
New Thermostat (3/20180
New Sway Bar Bushings (3/2018)
4 New Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires (3/2019) - great tires
Regular oil/filter service
So, I've put about 6200.00 in her in 3 years, 7 months - 13,600.00 total with what I paid for her - not bad for a very fun car to drive. Getting to the point where any more major expenses will not make sense for a daily commuter, though. We'll see what happens.
Well, idle stumble may not be the Vanos solenoids; exhaust side shown below - clean as a whistle. Of course they could just be malfunctioning - may be the connectors, though - brittle and wobbly; taped them up - going to put it in the shop, get the codes read, and shell out some more $.
And I hate f&%king plastic - plastic connectors that get brittle, plastic wire sheathing that eventually burns through - taped that up, too. Plastic throttle body - maybe the next engines will be all plastic; melt in 25000 and you go buy a 3 pack of spares like Bic lighters or just 3D print a new one.
