Slight oil on the plugs?

[Fred 86 GN]

Plugs 4, 5, and 6 had a slight bit of oil on the threads when I pulled them today. Nothing on the center electrode, just a light film on the outer diameter of the metal shroud and the first few threads. I plan to do a compression test this evening to check for the worst, but the car ran fine when I pulled it in the garage. Wondering why three of the cylinders have this slight oil and the others don't?

No significant oil consumption that I can see -- nothing out the tailpipes, dipstick is not going low...the PCV seems to be sucking a bunch of oil in and coating my intake I have just rigged it to draw from the valve cover near the turbo to see if that cures it.

Any insights?

Thanks,

 

[TurboRegal84]

Valve Covers leaking?

If you leak alittle oil it is normal for it to "well up" near the spark plug holes, and that could plant oil on the plug when you pull it out.....Stick your finger around near where the sparkplug goes into the head, and feel for a little oil.

 

[Fred 86 GN]

Would a leaking valve cover be responsible for the oil that drips off my starter and onto my crossover pipe? Or is that from the rear of the intake or rear main seal?

I looked at the spark plug holes and didn't see any oil...but I will try the finger test too.

Thanks

 

[Fred 86 GN]

Compression test was fine All cylinders were 140-145psi.

The oil on the threads is on the combustion-side of the plugs. It is just a light film. Seems odd that three plugs have it and the other three don't. All plugs looked OK otherwise -- light brown/tan color on the center ceramic and some red powder on the metal OD.

Could the valve seals be leaking a little and leave a deposit like this?

 

[Joe 1320]

Originally posted by Fred 86 GN
Compression test was fine All cylinders were 140-145psi.

The oil on the threads is on the combustion-side of the plugs. It is just a light film. Seems odd that three plugs have it and the other three don't. All plugs looked OK otherwise -- light brown/tan color on the center ceramic and some red powder on the metal OD.

Could the valve seals be leaking a little and leave a deposit like this?

It is indeed possible. I've seen it before.