1995 Trooper / Oil in spark plugs

This is my first time to these board - I came online trying to find some info on what could be wrong with my car.

1995 Trooper S, 3.2 6 Cylinder, 5 Speed, 155,000k

Engine was running a bit rough. I pulled the spark plug wires off to replace the plugs, and the spark plugs themselves were covered in motor oil (4 out of the 6 were drenched). The shaft that leads down to the plug had oil in it as well. I do not know how long this has been going on - I have had the vehicle about a year and a half and this is the first time I have tried to tune it up.

I wiped out the spark plug shafts as best I could, and replaced the plugs. I did not replace the wires yet due to the cost but will do so as soon as possible. I believe the wires are the original ones, but am not certain.

So, my question is: how on earth did oil get into/onto my plugs? I do not know if that is an indication my engine is completely shot, but I woud like to explore what caused the problem and how I can fix it. Have any of you experienced this before?

Any help/suggestions/insight/comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Josh

No worries. Oil in the spark plug towers is pretty typical on engines of this design. You can pull the valve covers & replace the plug tower seals (O-rings), but some oil in there wont hurt anything.
G/luck
Joel

Thank you very much! I appreciate your fast reply, and I will sleep much better tonight knowing my engine isn't ruined!

Josh