oily spark plugs

[Jonathan3004]

I have a 2003 XKR with 91k miles

I have just checked my spark plugs and note on some that there is some oil on them and a little sitting in some of the cylinders. Is this normal and if not how do I fix it?

Thanks

[mike020150]

It sounds as if your car may require new cam cover gaskets to prevent oil leaking into the spark plug wells. Mike.

[Jonathan3004]

Thanks Mike, do you know how long it would take to do and if I need any special tools??

[sahtas1]

Hi Jonathon,
I have just done this, it's not a major job, takes about 30 minutes per cam cover. No special tools needed. You must make sure that you get both the cam cover gasket and the two spark plug surround gaskets (per cam cover). I paid around £22 for the three of them from my local Main Dealer (make sure you ask for your Jaguar loyalty scheme discount as well as any extra you can get!). Stick to genuine Jag parts for this, I first used an aftermarket set and 2 weeks later found myself redoing the job with the genuine items! Follow common sense in removing either the air intake/filter/pipe to throttle body, or the coolant expansion tank (depending on which side you are working) as well as any cam breather pipes that are attached to the covers. Next remove the coil cover (fixed with 8no 7mm bolts). Unplug and remove the coils, making sure you are gentle with them. Next unbolt the cam cover, fixed with 9/10mm bolts. Note the location of the 10mm bolts with extended thread (the engine covers push on to these, so make sure you put them back in the right locations!). Pull off the cam cover, inspect the gaskets for condition (you may see where they are perished/compressed/leaking). Remove old gaskets, insert new ones (note there is a recess on the cam covers to locate the new gaskets - make sure they sit correctly). Carefully replace cover, making sure gaskets remain seated in position (a few small dots of liquid gasket may assist) and replace everything in the reverse order of removal. Ensure bolts are torqued down securely (but do not overtighten) and that's the job done. Good luck.
Regards,
Ashley

[Jonathan3004]

Ashley

Thanks for the reply, sounds like an easy job to start the New Year!! My local dealer is good at giving me a discount so I will stick to the genuine parts.

Regards
Jon