White stuff near sparkplug leads

[brainhax]

Hey Legends,

Found plenty of this white stuff (powder type) near the ignition lead. I had to blow it away using leaf blower before I took this picture. This one is near the oil cap. Moreover to it, this spark plugs is seized up and won't come out. It was coming lose then got stuck at a point. Now won't spin in both directions.
I was just hoping to do engine compression test but when the first spark plug is stuck. Car is running good.
570,000 KM on the clock.
My question is, what is that white stuff and how can I get the spark plug out. Thanks

 

[jpoole]

Looks like oxidation to me. Perhaps moisture and/or salt spray has worked it's way into that area so that over time it oxidized like that. Preceding the moisture exposure cleaners/degreasers that were acidic may have been used and allowed to stay in that area for long enough to remove the protective coating that was originally there which made the oxidation easier / worse.

I would be careful with that sticky spark plug. The aluminum in the head is relatively soft and easy to damage. You may have luck adding a thin oil to the spark plug tube and then gently working the plug in/out until it can be completely removed without much force. It may be sticking due to galling of the threads and/or because of deposits on the end of the plug. Some relatively thin oil and gentle back and forth movement (take your time) may work wonders on it. If the threads feel sticky with the new plug a well greased (to catch any shavings) thread chase may be a good idea to reduce risk of damaging the threads in the head moving forward. Adding anti-sieze to the spark plugs that you reinstall may also be a good idea. You don't want to strip a spark plug hole's threads!

 

[Rifleman]

Moreover to it, this spark plugs is seized up and won't come out. It was coming lose then got stuck at a point. Now won't spin in both directions.

To help remove that spark plug mix together some acetone and ATF fluid, then drip it into the spark plug hole around the spark plug and let it sit for awhile, That mixture should wick into the threads and help to loosen up that stuck plug, When you go to reinstall your plugs you should use some lube on them, Below you'll find a link to the stuff we used on air cooled aircraft engines, It a liquid graphite made by the Champion spark plug company,

Champion Aerospace 2612 Spark Plug Thread Lubricant - 4 oz Bottle

Champion Aerospace 2612 Spark Plug Thread Lubricant - 4 oz Bottle - Visit and view our entire SkyGeek, Shop Supplies, Anti-Seize, section at SkyGeek!

skygeek.com

 

[Kernal]

How far did the spark plug move before it got stuck, 1/4 turn, full turn, or??

As mentioned above the white power could just be from salt/water exposure causing corrosion of the aluminum but you also might check the spark plug wires for burn marks, pin holes, cracked/damaged insulation. IME if there's been arcing between the spark plug wires (while being close to the aluminum) that can leave a white powder (aluminum oxide dust). Closely check all the wires near the white dust including the lowest wire that's laying directly on the aluminum. Maybe inspect the wire loom hold-down bolt for arcing/burn marks also.

FWIW

 

[brainhax]

How far did the spark plug move before it got stuck, 1/4 turn, full turn, or??

As mentioned above the white power could just be from salt/water exposure causing corrosion of the aluminum but you also might check the spark plug wires for burn marks, pin holes, cracked/damaged insulation. IME if there's been arcing between the spark plug wires (while being close to the aluminum) that can leave a white powder (aluminum oxide dust). Closely check all the wires near the white dust including the lowest wire that's laying directly on the aluminum. Maybe inspect the wire loom hold-down bolt for arcing/burn marks also.

FWIW

The spark plug did turn couple of times but it was getting harder instead of losing up. The spark plug lead also does not sit flush with the aluminum surface now but the car is driving good. No misfire or or rough idle. New picture below.

 

[Kernal]

Do you live near the ocean, drive on the beach, work at a solar salt mine?? If salt and water got down into the spark plug tube that might explain the issue with the plug. Was there any oxidation under the top of the spark plug boot?

Did you get a photo looking down into the spark plug tube?

 

[brainhax]

Do you live near the ocean, drive on the beach, work at a solar salt mine?? If salt and water got down into the spark plug tube that might explain the issue with the plug. Was there any oxidation under the top of the spark plug boot?

Did you get a photo looking down into the spark plug tube?

I went through a river with bonut high water 3 years ago here in Australia but the water was not salty. No beach driving or salt mine work etc. Plug lead looks good and same as everything inside the tube.

 

[Kernal]

Have you tried spraying any Carb/Brake cleaner or penetrating oil down into the spark plug tube? Personally I would do both (remove the spark plug lead first of course). Solvent first to dissolve any varnish/gum followed by a good penetrating oil (whichever is available in Australia) or the Acetone/ATF mixture discussed above, then let it sit awhile. When were the plugs last replaced, by the previous owner? If the plug is cross-threaded those tricks probably won't help much. (Edited for clarity)

 

[brainhax]

Have you tried spraying any Carb/Brake cleaner or penetrating oil down into the spark plug tube? Personally I would do both, solvent first to dissolve any varnish/gum followed by a good penetrating oil, or the Acetone/ATF mixture discussed above, then let it sit awhile. When were the plugs last replaced, by the previous owner? If the plug is cross-threaded those tricks probably won't help much.

Will do that update how it goes. Yes it was changed by last owner not sure when. Thanks

 

[BILT4ME]

If you have sprayed any cleaning agents on the engines and didn't get appropriately rinsed off, it can cause oxidation like that (simple green, OFF Oven cleaner, etc)

Do not use carb cleaner or brake cleaner on any of the spark plug leads, as both will degrade the rubber of those items.

The ATF/Acetone or even PB Blaster dripped down the plug tube is the best option to let it soak without running the engine, as it will burn off.

Then screw it in and out in tiny movements and take it slow, no impact tools. Hand only. Add more oil if you feel it galling again.

 

[azusa]

At this point I would try removing it after the engine warms up for a few minutes, 2 or 3 minutes should do.