Help! Oil on Spark Plug!

[LKM77]

I changed my spark plugs today and on the number 1 spark plug, there was oil all over it. I figure I need to change the valve cover. Question is, where is it located? Thanks in advance for any help.

[BigDaddy75051]

If the oil is located on the spark plug threads, or where the spark ignites then you have a bad piston ring. Propably #1 piston. I don't think it would have anything to do with the valve cover..good luck!

[Huney1]

Any good garage can do a compression test on that cylinder to determine if the rings have gone bad letting oil creep up the cylinder walls to wet the plug.
Ask them to test just that one cylinder so you won't have to pay for the whole test and maybe save you a few bucks.

Another thing cound be that ignition wire is bad and not carrying the electricity to the plug so it doesn't fire. Have a compression test then check ignition wire and I believe you'll find the problem. If it is an old car and high mileage engine you might want to get all the cylinders compression tested.

If you post again please give year, make, model, wihch engine you have and mileage on the engine. Brief maintenance history always helps.