Oil covered spark plugs (16v ABF)

[Boozeano]

Hi All,

I changed my spark plugs at the weekend, the plugs for cylinders 1 and 4 were fine (just a bit of soot), cylinders 2 and 3 we're covered in oil. Engine run sweet, no misfire and pulls well (both before and after changing the plugs).

Does anyone know what could be causing this? Does the rocker cover gasket need changing or could it be the head gasket on its way out?

Any info/advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[tweed]

How many miles has it done?

Most likely be valve seals. What was emissions like at last MOT?

[Boozeano]

I'm in New Zealand and its done 114,000km (72,000 miles). They don't check emission's here for our Warrant of Fitness checks (NZ MOT).

[tweed]

Do you need to top the oil up often?

[Boozeano]

Not that often to be honest, I guess it will use maybe 1/2 litre (ish) between changes (about 6,000 miles) but there is a small leak by the gearbox which doesn't help.

[tweed]

In that case I really wouldn't worry about it. Could just be build up from the breathers

[Boozeano]

Sweet thanks, in that case I leave it for the time being and keep an eye on how often I need to top up the oil.

[supergeeman]

cam cover gasket weeping?

[VW BUSH]

If it was wet then it is 99% the gasket, as you undo the plug the oil runs into the cylinder and over the plug.
The other 1% would be a trail of blue smoke behind you.
Is the end of the lead oily?

[Boozeano]

Yes the lead is oily. When you say it 99% the gasket, you mean the cam cover gasket?