1997 Buick Lesabre - oil on spark plugs

I have a 1997 buick Lesabre with the 3800 series 2 V6 engine. The car wouldn't start, and I noticed there was oil on the spark plugs in the front 3 cylinders. I know I've heard of replacing the seals inside the valve covers for this problem on other cars, but I'm not sure, I've been told it was a cracked head. Any Ideas as to what could cause oil to get on the plugs and cause it not to start?

Thanks,

Jason T.

I would be more suspicious of a leaking valve cover.....a cracked head? Who came up with that one?

I assume the vehicle is cranking over ok, and just not firing?

I seriously doubt, oil on the plugs is causing a no start......

Have you checked fuel pressure? Have you tried to start the car by spraying carb cleaner into the intake?

Have you tried starting the car with the MAF disconnected?

Pull the vac line off the fuel pressure regulator and look for fuel in the line.....

Have you checked for spark and injector pulse?

Have you checked for codes?

I'll admit even my 97' burns some oil but it still cranks over. When you turn the key right before you turn it to crank the motor over, can you hear the fuel pump kick on? It will sound like a humming noise for about 3 seconds then stop. Then if you go to the fuel rails (take off the 3800 plastic cover on top of the motor) and take off the cap to one of the rail and push the relief stem inside, fuel should shoot out. This means the injectors are getting enough pressure. I'm assuming it cranks but does not start? Follow the air cleaner on the left side of the engine. You will see a wire on the intake hose. This is the MAF sensor. Disconnect it and see if it starts. Nothing? You can always do the mechanics no no step, spray starting fluid in the intake. Now some people are really against starting fluid. But maybe it just needs a quick fire in the cylinders to clean out everything. Make sure when you put the plug wires back on they *clicked* onto the spark plugs. I know my car didn't want to start for the longest time because the EGR was bad. Weird right? Well I got a code for a bad one so I replaced it and wola!

How about cleaning the spark plugs? That will tell you if the problem is dirty plugs or something else.

Elvis has left the building....