Oil on spark plug threads?

Alright guys, first thread for me so be gentle. I searched Google and the forums for 3rds gens that have this issue (or non issue, idk) and didnt find anything. I just replaced my spark plugs at 59,364 miles, and I noticed what looks like oil on the threads of all the plugs. The the outside plugs had a more on them then the two "middle" plugs did. I'm not extremely mechanical, but I can fumble my way through regular maintenance with the help of service manuals/internet/friends. So is this something I should be concerned about? My 2016 TRD sport was bought used and is toyota certified, so I have 100k warranty, I'm just wondering if I need to bring this to the dealers attention or not.

Any thoughts?

 

I assume this is the V6? I would guess that your valve cover seal(s) are leaking.

 

That is not something to be concerned with. It is the metal changing color due to heat. The gas burning causes that typically. To check if you are losing oil, have you been adding any? Here's a pic of sparks from my T4R.

 

Yes it is the v6.

It has not been loosing any oil. I check probably every 2 weeks or so. I see what you're talking about with the discoloration, but your picture the threads appear dry, and my plug threads looked wet. Not sopping or anything, just like a thin coat of oil on them

 

I haven't touched my sparkplugs, but on other vehicles, they come out looking like that if you use antiseize when installing them.

 

That's why you need an oil catch can.

 

Notice the little metal ring on the plug between the hex bolt pattern and the threads? That's the gasket. If oil was leaking through the valve covers, you'd have oil past the gasket. You don't. The threaded area is actually threaded into the combustion chamber putting that spark as close to the center of the combustion chamber as possible. The residue you are seeing is likely a combination of gas (from the injectors) and oil (from some blowby and the PCV system). It's pretty normal.

While I don't think a catch can really makes a hill of beans in the longevity of the engine, I am curios to see @Dacon 's plugs for comparison.

 

Oh, I forgot. I'm going to be doing my plugs in a few weeks. I'll see about taking pics for comparison.

 

Really. Catch can is going to catch heat discolorization lol. That's what pretty much any spark plug is going to look like after some miles.
OP, should be easy to check, just wipe plug with tissue paper. Is it wet?

 

Good point on the heat discolorization. I imagine that there is some residue though. I don't think I've ever taken an engine apart without some residue on the combustion chamber or piston top...... Of course, that's usually at many more miles too.

 

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Not touching mines for a long time. I only have 176XX on truck now.

 

Well get out there and drive around!

 

Looks like you need a new engine, should have changed the oil every 500 miles.

 

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Should we ask for part-out now?
Can I have the 4th piston please?

 

It also might actually be the anti-seize on the plug liquefying from the extreme heat. The post and ground don't look fouled at all so I wouldn't worry one bit about it.

 

Thanks for the replies. Like I stated earlier, they are not dry, it's not saturated, but a thin layer of oil on the threads.

I guess I wont worry about it and just check them in 10k and see if there is any change.

 

No you don’t, people get bored and start adding things to their cars. And yes I’ve seen pictures of condensation and oil particulates caught in it, still catch can is not warranted in stock na application. Unless you have excessive blow by and don’t change oil often.
To each their own

 

have 33k on mine and I won't be changing mine for awhile...

 

Your plug color is normal. Nothing to worry about. You'll see it again the next time you pull them.

 

@Amanelot