oil on spark plug

[TorontoJohn]

pulled out 2 spark plugs, the 1st one in each bank. The passenger side plug is nice and clean but the driver side is not; it has oil on it. Not on the threads or on the firing part but above the threads. How would oil get there and is it a sign of a head gasket problem?

 

[bill302]

valve cover leak.

 

[TorontoJohn]

ok, I belive it since another person told me that aswell.

How would a valve cover leak allow the oil to get above the threads though?

 

[bill302]

oil leaks out valve cover and flows down into sparkplug area and penetrates into the top of the sparkplug threads heat and wind turbulance from movement and cooling fan helps oil flow everywhere depending on the size of the leak although yours dont seem too bad after a hard run you should be able to lift the hood and smell oil burning.

 

[TorontoJohn]

ya there is sometimes a strange smell inside the car. It doesn't quite have the acrid smell of burnt oil but it could just be mixed with other smells.

I have edelbrock valve covers and they look like a bitch to get off(because the bolts are really close to the covers). What gaskets would I use for this?

 

[bill302]

i would use fel-pro or mr. gasket rubber gasket (not cork) call a auto parts store it will use same as stock.and torque valve cover bolts in proper tightning sequence to 10-15 ft lbs. what year model do you have and any mods?

 

[TorontoJohn]

I have a 91 gt motor but I swapped it for carb(i know sacrilgious). It has a b303 cam and, prfrmr rpm intake, msd coil, dist. and ignition and ud pulleys. Nothing too crazy.

 

[bill302]

cool ya my info is accurate according to your mods. make yourself a signature like i have at the bottom of my post it will help people help you if you don't know how to do it post questions in 5.0 talk and we can help you there.

 

[mbsprinks281]

I agree. Sounds like a valve cover leak. Get the new rubber gaskets and torque accordingly.

 

[TorontoJohn]

excellent...thanks

 

[90mustangGT]

I know they cost more, but the rubberized gaskets with the metal core inside them are worth it, not only are the better but they are reusable. When you retorque, just past snug is all you need, any more will distort or even split the new gasket. While your in there, check the PCV and screen, PCV's being clogged up will lead to oil leaks.