Oil/Mystery Substance Covered Spark Plugs

[IronCamel]

Was changing out the spark plugs and wires on my 94 XLT and found that 2 and 6 were covered in oil (6 had semi solid crud in it as well). I also found that 2 and 3 had a weird slimy substance that looked similar to silver model paint in those little jars at a hobby shop. My Haynes guide says the oil is is getting in (gee, thanks ), but it doesn't give a lot of indication on where to start looking for the issue. My first inclination is the valve seals are breaking down, but I'm by no means an authority on that.

Anyone have anything to help me go in the right direction? Is it even possible it's the valve seals, or am I just grasping at straws?


Edit:

Forgot to mention, all of the others showed signs of overheating. They had a thick white ashy glaze on them.

 

[StryctNy9e]

How many miles on your first gen? Oil usually comes from the piston rings if im not mistaken. It is a common occurance onolder vehicals. I would not worry about it too much unless you are fouling spark plugs. Also when was the spark plugs changed last? The hard crud is probably carbon build up and is common on old plugs, it just builds up over time. Hope this helped answer your questions. Now for the silver stuff all I can think of is anti sieze.

 

[Tbars4]

...Sounds like cracked heads or at least head gaskets..

..Pull the heads and you will find your answers..

 

[IronCamel]

How many miles on your first gen? Oil usually comes from the piston rings if im not mistaken. It is a common occurance onolder vehicals. I would not worry about it too much unless you are fouling spark plugs. Also when was the spark plugs changed last? The hard crud is probably carbon build up and is common on old plugs, it just builds up over time. Hope this helped answer your questions. Now for the silver stuff all I can think of is anti sieze.

It's either 144K or 244K, but I've never been able to confirm which one for sure. Based on the issues I've had with it over the years, I'm pretty sure it's 244K.

I'm fouling spark plugs. The ones with oil on them didn't have carbon on them, it was more like overheated oil like what you find as build-up in cars that weren't cared for. The full set was changed in February, and before that in November. Both times, the same two cylinders were the issue. I just put in a new coil, new wires, and new plugs (all motorcraft) and am going to run it for now and then check the plugs in a few days and see how things look.

I know I'm getting close to having to bite the bullet on an engine rebuild, but I'd like to avoid it for financial reasons right now. I realize putting a band-aid on it isn't ideal, but if it can get me 16 miles round trip to work and back every day it will have to do for now.

 

[StryctNy9e]

If you cant afford a rebuild right now I say keep your fingers crossed and drive it till it dies. Maybe it will last you till you can get a used/new motor or a rebuild.Gool luck

 

[Roadrunner777]

A hotter plug may help get you through the night... try Autolite 766. I know of anti-fouling adapters too, not sure if or how they work, but they are not expensive, may be worth a try.

 

[Roadrunner777]

A hotter plug may help get you through the night... try Autolite 766. I know of anti-fouling adapters too, not sure if or how they work, but they are not expensive, may be worth a try.

 

[runningred92]

If you are going to rebuild/replace eventually why not try an oil additive/ stop leak to maybe buy some more time to save the funds for the rebuild/replace. I have never used them before but know some that have and swear by them. It cant hurt to try worst case you have to rebuild the engine.

 

[Roadrunner777]

I was just thinking about the crud on #6, and how blind that plug is to install.

As a kid, I was helping my dad tune up our car and after I put in the plugs, it didn't run right. Somehow, I tapped the end of the electrode and closed the gap when I was trying to thread it.

Maybe the installer of #6 accidently ran the tip across some goop as he was installing it, and it has been there all this time.

(yes, I have duplicate threads above. there is some glitch, I can't change or delete either of them.)

 

[IronCamel]

Maybe I have my cylinders backwards in my head. The ones I'm having problem with are the one closest to the cabin on the drivers side, and the center one on the passenger side.