How to get oil out of Spark Plug Cylinders

ir637113 · Post by **ir637113** » 27 Nov 2017, 06:44

So I've got a decent amount of oil in some of my spark plug cylinders. Long story short, about a year ago I busted the crankcase vent hose, bootlegged in a fix, and recently realized it was leaking oil into under the spark plug cover where the hose had busted. On top of that, two of my side plug cylinder covers got pinched awhile back and have gaps

Basically, I know why there's oil there and I've fixed the problem.

But I still have oil in there. Was wondering if anyone had any tricks to clean them out? I'm due for a time up and was told I shouldn't pull the plugs until I've gotten almost all of the oil out (if not all). Anyone have any experience here?

Post by **prwood** » 27 Nov 2017, 07:03

I've used a turkey baster to suck oil out of spark plug wells. I've also used small plastic pipettes to suck oil from places where the turkey baster wouldn't fit.

Post by **tryingbe** » 27 Nov 2017, 11:53

Simple green and compressed air.

ir637113 · Post by **ir637113** » 27 Nov 2017, 12:15

tryingbe wrote: ↑27 Nov 2017, 11:53 Simple green and compressed air.

Like the all purpose liquid stuff? Just dump it in then spray with the air? I would assume I'd need to change the plugs after

Post by **abscate** » 27 Nov 2017, 13:01

I really would just take the plugs out, crank it over a few times, take a compression test, then put the plugs back in.

Post by **j-dawg** » 27 Nov 2017, 16:23

It'll burn off. You'll be fine.

Post by **j-dawg** » 27 Nov 2017, 16:35

Less flippantly: I've done this by wrapping a rag around some sort of rod and sliding it into and out of the hole. Use a thinner section of rag for the threads. Repeat until the rag comes up clean. You can also use a wadded-up paper towel (be conservative with the acetone) and pull it up using long needle-nose pliers.

clifford06 · Post by **clifford06** » 27 Nov 2017, 19:28

Cheap dollar store paper towel stuffed around plugs with a screwdriver.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 28 Nov 2017, 10:20

It doesn't have to be squeaky clean. You can pull the spark plugs so long as there is less than an ounce or so of oil. The oil will go into the cyl and drain to the rings. Just give it 30 minutes or so to do so before starting the engine.

Suggestion: Do not clean out the spark plug holes with the plugs removed. You will end up shoving dirt into the cylinders.

Post by **rspi** » 29 Nov 2017, 17:24

I use the oil absorbtion pads from Oil Eater. Tear a little piece off and shove it in the hole.