Oil on spark plug

[Ed H]

I found a lot of oil on plug #3 when installing new 103s. The truck has 157k miles. It appears (below) this is coming from above the plug. It must have been leaking for a while. I found oil on all treads and at the electrodes...

The truck is new to me, so I have no idea how long it's been doing this. It runs perfectly except for CPAS issues that I will be addressing soon.

Appreciate any insight.

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A side question about the new board. Is it cool to post questions like this if there are several similar threads at the old site? I will do some research over there, but assumed we want to build the knowledge / history over here now. If correct, you guys get a TON of credit for answering some of the same questions again..

 

[lint]

Valve Cover Gasket is known to leak on these. you can try to re torque the cover down ''its plastic be careful'' or replaces the gasket ,not the easiest job . Mine leaks some and I torqued them and stopped most ,But still has a little oil on the last plug.

 

[bravad'oh]

I just found the same thing on my truck on #3. I retorqued all the rocker cover bolts I could get at but the ones under the intake I left alone. I don"t believe it is a big problem as there was only about a 1/8 ounce. I sopped it up with a rag before I removed the plug so it would'nt go into the cylinder.
I will keep an eye on it but until leaks substantially more it will be fine.

 

[gmcman]

There are individual rings around each spark plug well along with the gasket.

 

[Ed H]

I don't want to be accused of a ghetto-fix, but back in the day, I would consider cleaning the hell out of this area with degreaser to remove ALL oil residue. Then apply a thin layer of Permatex along the leaking locations to form an 'external' gasket. Am I dreaming, or has anyone tried this?

Bolts would be loosed before Permatex is applied, then tightned after it begins to cure. I am talking 20 years ago, so tell me if I am nuts. If not, I may give it a shot. We'll call it old school.