409 - Spark plug threads "oily"

Recently changed my spark plugs and found that most of them had a slight coat of oil on the threads as I removed the old ones. Not nearly enough to drip or anything like that...just enough to run the finger across it and tell that it's oil. Does this mean I may have a head gasket issue (gulp)?

Any advice?
 

Don Jacks

Well Seasoned Member
Supporting Member 3
No,your head gaskets are fine.They can't leak oil there any way.Most likely what you have is a lot of short duration run times.What your experiancing is a result of excess fuel from lack of engine heat for a long enough time for the engine heat to burn it off.This isn't an uncommon complaint.Just make sure you're using good oil and changing it often.
 

El Rat

Well Known Member
Do you know the history? It’s either a recent overhaul with rings not seated or needs rings, valve seals etc.
Maybe start with a new set of plugs.
Old wires can also be a problem.
 

El Rat

Well Known Member
Oops you just put in new plugs me bad! Weak Ignition can also cause problems. I am fond of good ground wires. Show Cars has a ground wire package.
 
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