Does this look normal?? - oil near spark plug

[Jimmy]

As per the title really,and the following two photos. Yesterday, I topped the oil up in my 197 as it was a touch low.

Today I re-checked and noticed a small amount of oil near to the spark plug closest to the filler cap. It's in a tiny square hole as you can see in the pics. It's only maybe 3-4mm deep, but just concerned me a little...





Have any of you noticed something like this before, is it normal?? I'm new to 197 ownership so still finding my way round the engine bay, but I didn't think there should be oil there. I intend to take it to Queens in Leeds in the morning for them to have a look, but thought I'd ask you guys first.

Thank you

 

[Stephenvenning]

Oil is leaking out of the bolt next to it, its a common problem. Clean it up, remove the bolt and put some gasket sealant under the bolt head, re do the bolt up and problem solved.

 

[Jimmy]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the quick answer. I wasn't too sure what to search for, so apologies if it's been mentioned many many times on here

The bolt you mean, is that the one directly above the oil, as seen in the second photo?

 

[Stephenvenning]

Thats okay, that what we are here for. Yeah that's the one

 

[Jimmy]

Thank you, it's good to know that members are happy to help a noob

I'll get on to it tomorrow then, will get some sealant and get it done.

Thanks again Stephen.

 

[Jimmy]

Ok, well I followed your advice and gave the area a good clean up first. Needed an adapter for the 9mm socket/extension bar, but got the bolt off with that. It appeared to be a different bolt that had the leak, so cleaned that one up and added some sealant - wasn't sure how much to use, but will keep an eye on it, and reapply if necessary.

Thank you again.

 

[Mrred32]

Did the sealant fix the issue? I think that I have the same problem but on a slightly larger scale!

 

[Fernandez]

Did the sealant fix the issue? I think that I have the same problem but on a slightly larger scale!

I had the same issue but on a larger scale. car was using a lot of oil an the plugs were oily. It was the rocker cover gasket which is a sealant. However the cambelt needed to come off, luckily it was a warranty job otherwise it'd been expensive.

 

[lewisflintham]

I put some clear silicone under mine 3 years ago and it's been fine since then. I didn't take the bolt all the way out, just loosened it enough to get some sealant under it.

 

[Jimmy]

Did the sealant fix the issue? I think that I have the same problem but on a slightly larger scale!

Hi, yes the sealant did do the trick. It's a very simple fix and I managed it alright (I'm no mechanic!). I hope you get yours sorted.