Oil on ignition section of spark plug.

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Retroblue, Mar 26, 2025.

  1. Retroblue

    Retroblue New Member

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    Hi all. I've done a search, but nothing i could see, popped up. So I'm panicking a bit, serviced the VFR last sat, oil, filter plugs. On removing the 2 back plugs, they had oil on the tips, threads and stained up to the porcelain section. The front two seemed fine. The bikes been running fine, it's the first service I've done on this, bought last August. Been sat in the shed 6-7 months, until a few weeks ago, I went out up to Morecambe from Manchester. Not a massive trip, no issues, bike preformed well, was a good day out. No engine issues, no misfires, no smoke from the exhaust. No lack of power.
    Now I'm thinking there might be massive issues engine wise. It's done around 26k miles, starts first time. The person I bought it off, advised he'd done all the service's himself. I did get all the paperwork with it to show this. So I don't think it's lack of maintenance.
    Will this possibly be a big issue, or is this a common thing with these old bikes?
    Thanks in advance for any help/ advice.
     


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  2. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I'd just ride it some more and more frequently.... to ensure the rings, etc. are loosened up... it all may go away.
     


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  3. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Maybe the cam cover gasket around the spark plug wells is not seating/sealing properly and that is allowing oil to seep down/around the spark plug? What does the inside of the well look like?

    If there's no engine smoke when running then I would relax and not worry about engine damage.
     


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  4. Retroblue

    Retroblue New Member

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    The wells looked clean, I'm going to give her a good ride out next weekend once new tires have been fitted. I'll pull the plugs again after that, fingers crossed, no oil. Thanks for the help.
     


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