Hotter Plugs? Foulin' out - 91 K1500 plug help...

1991 K1500 5.7 Auto.

I have a little oil burnt on the #2 cylinder spark plug. I've been told it was either blow by around the ring -or- could be a valve seatage issue above. Two questions:.........

#1 - If I am hearing a little bit of rocker noise that wasn't there before around the #2 cylinder, is that a sign of an issue above?

and #2 - If I should get a "hotter" plug like a buddy suggested, could anyone recommend the best one by part number? The guys at the counter want one in hand as their books don't cross back to my year. What about those "non-foulers"... any good?

Thanks for your help either way.

Most likely the intake valve stem seal on #2 hole, the rest probably aren't far behind. There are two band-aids you can try: One heat range hotter spark plug or a non-fouler. Keep in mind, the root cause will continue to get worse until it's repaired properly.

how easy a fix is the repair of that seal?

Remove both rocker arm covers, remove all 8 intake rocker arms, remove the spark plugs. Apply compressed air to each cylinder, (one at a time) to hold the valves shut, compress the valve spring, remove the keepers, remove the spring, replace the seal, install the spring and keepers. Repeat for each cylinder, install the rocker arm covers and spark plugs. Should take about 3 hours.

Another way to hold the valves up is to stuff some nylon cord (just small enough to go in the spark plug hole) into the cylinder at bottom center on the intake stroke (watch the valves) and continue turning the crank until the cord is tight against the valve faces.Replace the seals, then back off the crank until the cord can be removed.