What's on the threads came from the combustion chamber. Spark plug gaskets were still well seated and sealed, so they did not leak... Residue is somewhat oily, mostly on #1 and #2 spark plug threads. Does it consume a bit of engine oil? Have you been running on 0W-16 instead of 0W-20 or 5W-30, and at how many miles between oil change intervals?

 

Doesn’t burn a drop. I purchased certified with 42k and according to Carfax they did every 10. Since owning I have done every 5k with oem 0w-16 and filter. Just hit 100. Also those plugs are not in order

 

Everything is fine, and you can enjoy your new plugs... You may however consider switching to 0W-20 engine oil.

 

Best part is they're all burning nicely!

 

A little oil or gasoline or both mixed with carbon and combustion varnish crept up the threads over time, not abnormal.

 

Wipe out the spark plug tubes to see how much oil is getting past the tube seals. If it was combustion chamber oil, it would be a crusty deposit on the insulator and electrode. Oil collecting in the spark plug tube will seep onto the plug threads as the spark plug is unscrewed.

 

I’m not planning on taking them back out at this point. The coils were bone dry. No oil on my socket either

 

The boot doesn't go to the very bottom of the spark plug and would be dry even if a small amount of oil has seeped from the valve cover. Poke a rag down the tube with a stick while you hold the end of the rag so you can pull it out after wiping the bottom of the sparkplug tube....only if you want to know why oil got on the spark plug threads. If it was from the combustion chamber, the oil would be burned up.

 

What is your opinion on running 5w-30?

Some Camry owners down south and in Australia already use synthetic 5W-30... Which state are you in?

I have a 2020 le Camry a25a engine I have used 5w30 Motull oil since I have had 250 miles on the car. Engine runs much quieter. I no issues with any check engine lights coming on. Except for when I had experienced the bad fuel injector 28000 miles approximately.
corrected spelling error 5/14/2024
Thanks
CJ

I've used Mobil 1 5W-30 in my 2018 LE 4 cyl for 33,000 miles during the spring, summer and fall in central interior California. No hint of trouble at all and I was really surprised I still get 42-43 MPG at a steady 70 MPH on level ground just like I did with 0W-16 factory fill. I use Toyota 0W-20 Nov. - March since we have quite a few mornings when temps are in the 30's.

Camry Owner's Manual (Feb 21 - Current) - Toyota Australia

540 RAT - Tech Facts, NOT Myths (wordpress.com)

 

I am in Washington, it would be extremely rare for it to get to 0'F or below here. May try some 5W-30 next time. Even 10W would probably work based off your images.

 

if there was oil leaking from the top wouldn't there be oil above the crush washer on the plug then? this is only on the threads

 

Yeah, maybe...add a little STP to try and prevent seal leakage and ask again in another 60,000 miles. Those gaps look pretty good, by the way. Oil is very tough. Could be an application by whoever installed the plugs. Once I tried to set fire to a puddle of motor oil on the ground with a propane torch and it only soaked into the concrete without burning. Nothing to worry about, OK.