chasA4

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/98489/picture_007.jpg"></center><p>and into the part of the plug which connects to the coil.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/98489/picture_008.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/98489/picture_011.jpg">

I'm guessing the previous owner (or his mechanic) didn't tighten the plugs with the proper torque (22 ft-lb) and possibly damaged the cylinder head threads. And even the coils seem to have been tightened too much because there's two coils with missing rubber seals and cracked plastic around the trims, which seep oil out onto the valve cover. I'm replacing the ICM (misfire faults), plugs, and those two coils. Hopefully, that'll get the misfire problems cured, but I don't know about that oil seepage thru the plugs. I guess I'm SOL.

Here's the coils &amp; their respective plugs (left to right, cylinder's 4 to 1)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/98489/picture_012.jpg">

ModifiedA4

might be a leaking valve cover gasket. most likely it is.

slightly disgruntled

it fixed at a machine shop or DIY. (Re-thread and insert helicoils, I think... )

I'm probably wrong, but this is what I'd think I should do if I were in your place.

B5Davem

the gasket row at the plugs is leaking ,it comes with the valve cover gskt kit. On some other make vehicles there are individual seals at each sparkplug hole , they leak the same way.Its a common design to many twin cam heads with a centrally located sparkplug , to have seals/gaskets this way ,only other design I've seen has a seperate gasket&amp;cover over each cam.Also if you had that much oil in the combustion chamber you'd have more fouling on those plugs. Not a thread issue.

ImAwesome

keep it simple stupid.. no offense meant there.

Before you worry about stripped threads etc. Replace all 4 coils and spark plugs. Re-torque to 22lbs. Drive it around for a bit, check the plugs. If they are clean... no worries.. if once again you have built up ****... yes you may need to insert helicoils or have a machine shop work on the head. I'd suggest going the easy route. New coils and new spark plugs. Tons of things could have caused that... they washed the engine, water seeped in along with some oil.. heat cause it to bake on. Leaking valve cover... few other things... anyways.. good luck

B5Davem

,just valve cover gasket . If he had that much oil in combustion chamber he would also be needing rings/pistons or valve seals and guides. I've been selling parts for 20+ years and have sold many an engine,piston,rings,rebuild parts. Don't have this guy pull the head when it isn't needed. Do the v/c gasket first , ,clean the coils ,new plugs and things should be fine.

ImAwesome

Blech... i think we said the same thing.. just my order was fvcked up ..

Ertman

cjange the VC gasket

Kris Hansen

exactly, not leaking past the plug, rather, leaking into the plug hole.

RKA

Good thing...it's getting closer to T-Giving!