Spark plugs with wet threads

[mjmcg]

I just changed all 16 plugs on my 2011 1500 5.7 with 118k/mi. All 8 coil packs came off easily, still soft and flexible with the factory dielectric grease present.
All 16 plugs came out with a lot of resistance to break them free, but turned out by hand the rest of the way freely. 14 of them were dry as a bone, meaning the threads, as all of them indicated perfect running conditions by reading the tips. They were fine. Two of the plugs, the two from the front drivers side cylinder (#2?) had an oil residue on the threads. They weren't dripping wet, but a very light coating of oil just on the threads, nowhere else.
An educated guess leads me to think perhaps there's a seal(s) maybe O rings around the plug wells under the valve covers that might be leaking a wee little bit? Seen this on motorcycle heads, so without further research I'm guessing that's the case? Thoughts.....

 

[Daw14]

I believe you are correct on the valve cover gaskets /O-rings.

Check your intake manifold bolts for correct torque, 108 INCH pounds. .These should be checked when the oil is changed.

 

[Wild one]

I just changed all 16 plugs on my 2011 1500 5.7 with 118k/mi. All 8 coil packs came off easily, still soft and flexible with the factory dielectric grease present.
All 16 plugs came out with a lot of resistance to break them free, but turned out by hand the rest of the way freely. 14 of them were dry as a bone, meaning the threads, as all of them indicated perfect running conditions by reading the tips. They were fine. Two of the plugs, the two from the front drivers side cylinder (#2?) had an oil residue on the threads. They weren't dripping wet, but a very light coating of oil just on the threads, nowhere else.
An educated guess leads me to think perhaps there's a seal(s) maybe O rings around the plug wells under the valve covers that might be leaking a wee little bit? Seen this on motorcycle heads, so without further research I'm guessing that's the case? Thoughts.....

https://parts.moparonlineparts.com/oem-parts/mopar-mopar-valve-cover-gasket-5114179ab

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

I just changed all 16 plugs on my 2011 1500 5.7 with 118k/mi. All 8 coil packs came off easily, still soft and flexible with the factory dielectric grease present.
All 16 plugs came out with a lot of resistance to break them free, but turned out by hand the rest of the way freely. 14 of them were dry as a bone, meaning the threads, as all of them indicated perfect running conditions by reading the tips. They were fine. Two of the plugs, the two from the front drivers side cylinder (#2?) had an oil residue on the threads. They weren't dripping wet, but a very light coating of oil just on the threads, nowhere else.
An educated guess leads me to think perhaps there's a seal(s) maybe O rings around the plug wells under the valve covers that might be leaking a wee little bit? Seen this on motorcycle heads, so without further research I'm guessing that's the case? Thoughts.....

Of the 2 valve covers to have to change. The drivers side is far more difficult than the passenger side. In most cases you need to loosen the brake booster bolts and push it to the side in order to squeeze the valve cover in and out of the tight space. The passenger side was far more enjoyable to change.

 

[mjmcg]

With 117k, and the fact that the oil on those plugs threads was as minimal as it was... I'll think I'll let it go given changing the plugs was bad enough, I'm not up for another sore ribcage screening around with that valve cover.
Though now I'm curious about the comment on the intake torque / oil change interval comment above. How someone elaborates on that.

 

[Wild one]

With 117k, and the fact that the oil on those plugs threads was as minimal as it was... I'll think I'll let it go given changing the plugs was bad enough, I'm not up for another sore ribcage screening around with that valve cover.
Though now I'm curious about the comment on the intake torque / oil change interval comment above. How someone elaborates on that.

Check your intake manifold bolts

This hasn't been talked about for awhile,but check your intake manifold bolts.They call for 108 in-lbs or roughly 9 ft-lbs of torque,and they should be checked at least yearly,as they do loosen up. I've been doing mine at least twice a year on all 3 of of my hemi equipped vehicles.They should be...

www.ramforum.com

 

[Zoe Saldana]

Before changing I would torque all the head bolts to see if that helps.

 

[Wild one]

Before changing I would torque all the head bolts to see if that helps.

You should maybe go back and re-read his original post,and his follow up post. Head bolts don't really have much to do with valve cover gaskets leaking.