Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

I have 99 v70 xc with direct ignition. The car started missingbadly and Ipulled aP0304 code, which is a #4 cylinder missfire error. I decided to change the plugs and was I surprised to find a ton of oil inside the coil of #2...enough to complete cover the plug! where could this be coming from? This is black, used oil,could the cap be faulty and be leaking out the back?

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

If there is a bunch of oil on the top of the cam cover yes it could be leaking down.
But if the top is bone dry then the o-ring between the cam cover and the head might be leaking it into the cylinder.

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

Yes the is a bunch of oilon top of the cam cover (in all the valleys) as well. #1 and #3 plugs has some oil around them too...notas much as#2 though. I have now changed the plugs and the coil boot for #2 is torn up. Car still runs rough. I will reread codes to see if anything has changed. Oil cap seems to be good fit...what about a leak from that black tube that runs next to #2 coil?

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

Now I have a P0300 random engine missfire...seems like I have somehow made things worse. prob from the oil that I couldn't clean up getting into a cylinder...any ideas? car has 140K. time to order up some coil packs too? There is a guy on ebay who has some lightly used ones from a 2001 T5...seems to be the same 9125601 part number as mine....I could really use a money saving solution right now. What do I look at next?

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

OK...a bit of an update. Idon't know if this manuever is advised, but I disconnected each coil as the car was running. The car is idling very poorly now... but did not change when I disconnect #2 or #4 coil...there was a noiticable change to almost a stall when I disconnected #'s 1,3,5. Can I now assume that both 2 and 4 cylinders are not firing? can I switch the coils around and do this test again to see if it is in fact the coil or something else? Am I going to electricute my fat ass?

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

I will bet the #2 and #4 coils are bad.
You can swap around and check another cylinder. But I would clean the top of the motor and replace the oil cap seal and see how it does from there.

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

whats the best way to clean the top of the engine?? should I get my power washer out? tons of that plastic wire insulation has come apart all over the place too... it is a big mess. how about "Wells" brand parts for the coils?

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

Wells might work OK I always use Bosch.
If you can get some brake cleaner and spray a little on the top and soak all oil and cleaner up with rags.
I would not use the pressure cleaner.

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

yes, I was kiddin a bit with the pressure washer comment. just what I need to do is get some water forced down in all those connections at this point. I will use the brake cleaner idea though- thanks. I have now "fixed" the #2 cylinder by cleaning the plug and connections. That left the original #4 misfire.I swapped the #4 coil to #3 cylinder and repeated the disconnection test above. Hurray! I have made the "problem" move to the other cylinder.I think i have now definitely isolated the bad coil pack.I know the Volvo oem ones in my car are Bosch but I can't get that until the dealer opens 8am monday.At least I can enjoy my Sunday now. Thanks for your help Tech- I am glad you were around to bounce a few ideas off. Its amazing thestress relief one can feel with a few tools, a code reader and a little expert advice. thanks again.

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

Glad it is getting better for you now.

RE: Oil on top of #2 spark plug...help!
 

New coil installed!$60 at my local NAPA....actual volvo/bosch part too!backon the road again! till next time....seeya