Earlier this afternoon I decided since it was nice I would get some regular maintenance out of the way of my 99 SI. It has 105k on it and was time for new plugs/wires (bought it used so I wasn't sure if the plugs had been changed ever!).

When pulling the plugs I noticed the threads of the plug in cylinder 2 was covered in oil, I mean literally dripping off of it! Plugs 1 and 4 were fine, and plug 3 had a little bit around the threads.

I was preparing for a turbo build but now I'm worried my head is going to need a major overhaul. I haven't performed a compression test/leakdown test yet as I don't readily have access to the proper tools. Question is, what could be the problem? Value seals fubared? and is there an easier way to tell besides compression/leakdown tests?

As always the help/insight is appreciated

 

Valve seals, piston rings, valve cover gasket spark plug tube seals, number of things.

First, I would replace the full valve cover gasket set, $28 for a full brand new Fel-pro set at advanced auto

Then buy a compression tester, do a "Wet" compression test.


That should give you a good idea if it was the VC gaskets and if the wet compression test comes up clean, then you know it isnt the piston rings either, so itd be leaning towards a valve seal

 

Does you car smoke... when it runs... It not.. my guess is

when you pulled the plug out.. there was oil down in the cylinder.. (valve cover seals not sealing well) and you pulled plug thur the oil

look in the cylinder with a flash light.. if the piston is not wet with oil.. and crap .. then i would say .. your fine...

check and make you didnt have oil sitting on TOP of the spark plugs..

 

I have never noticed the car smoking which kinda confused me. Oil level is still good as well. I will try replacing the valve cover gasket. It does look like there is some oil on the transmission side of the block, possibly leaked out through the valve cover gasket like ya'll suggested. I talked with a buddy of mine who has an air compressor and will hopefully be able to get my hands on that and a compression testing tool. Btw, what is a "wet" compression test? I wasn't aware there was more than one type.

Thx again for the replies!

 

First do a compression test and see what the pressure is,

Then put a little bit of oil in the cyclinder and do another compression test (wet) if there is a big difference you most likely have ring problems.

Leakdown test will let you know exactly what the problem is. From what has been said and your car doesnt smoke I think it is just the gaskets on you valve cover to spark plug oils leaking!

How do your plug leads look?

 

If by leads you mean the tip of the spark plug then they were light gray/white. The only problem I noticed with the plugs (other than the oil) was the rounded tips. I have pics I can post up later this evening when I get home from work if it will help.

 

i mean the spark plug wire end that connects to the soark plug. Just change the valve cover gasket set and you will be fine.