oil in #1 spark plug hole

[anonymous-user]

I swapped the plugs and HT leads tonight and found a small amount of oil in the #1 spark plug hole (the one next to the oil filler cap). The plug's electrode is a nice grey/brown colour and clean and dry.

Is there any way it could get there apart from either 1) I spilled some oil last time I filled it or 2) the cam cover gasket is leaking a bit?

thanks
James

edit : this is a 1992 mk1 1.6 Eunos.

[Digby]

Either or really.Soak it up with a tissue and check it again later.No big deal though.I had a honda once which had all four plug holes full of oil for ages.All it did was degrade the rubber on the leads over time.

[SimonV8ster]

Probably 2. Very common - drive and enjoy !!

[browno]

Agree on the cam cover gasket - might be worth checking the nuts too. I replaced mine a while ago and the first time I changed the oil after, spotted a little oil in the plug holes - almost all the nuts (that were correctly torqued) had worked loose as the gasket compressed, a quick nip up and it's been oil-tight since.

[Riknos]

I had oil in all 4 of mine I think, with the most at the front of the engine and it getting less and less as they went towards the back. I didn't think it was a problem? especially since the plugs have probably been there for 3 years from what I remember.

[anonymous-user]

Excellent, thanks. I'll check the cam cover bolts, otherwise I'll just keep an eye on it and replace the gasket if it carries on.