Oil on plugs

I removed my A/C Delco plugs from my car today, they were never gapped correctly, when I measured them they were all at about .40

I replaced them with Motorcraft AWSFA-12C (at .48) just because I had them and wanted to see if I could feel any change in my cars performance.

To my suprise the third cylinder spark plug was full of oil on the thread, Like if you dipped it into oil " Just the thread".
What might cause these types of things?
4 8
* 7
2 6 (I think that's right)
1 5
V

Thank you David

RE: Oil on plugs

Valve cover gaskets.Its not a major problem unless the oil starts fouling the plug.

RE: Oil on plugs

The plug looked fine.

Would the oil cause the plug not to fire, or any other problems?

RE: Oil on plugs

If it gets bad enough it could cause it to not fire.You would be able to tell by a rough idle.If it gets real bad you could also see smoke from the tail pipes and a need to add oil.
Which side of the engine is the leak on?Hopefully its the passenger side.Its much easier to get the valve cover off.

RE: Oil on plugs

Yes, it's the passanger side.

Thanks for your help Unstoppable, any more info would be appreciated

RE: Oil on plugs

I think some people use anti-seize on the threads of the plugs when they install them. Steve mentioned that to me on a thread in here a little ways down. Perhaps that is all it is.




Brent

http://www.eden.rutgers.edu/~brenth/markviii/Brent's-Mark-VIII.jpg

RE: Oil on plugs

I wouldn't worry about it unless it gets real bad.

RE: Oil on plugs

I think some people use anti-seize on the threads of the plugs when they install them. Steve mentioned that to me on a thread in here a little ways down. Perhaps that is all it is.

Brent

http://www.eden.rutgers.edu/~brenth/markviii/Brent's-Mark-VIII.jpg

Click to expand...

Most anti-seize comes in a sort of copper color. I don't think it could easily be confused with oil.