oil with spark plugs

[benlowlew]

Hi, have a 2001 1.8 16v D9. On changing the plugs the other day I removed the 3rd plug (counting from left to right) and noticed this plug had oil coated on it. Where would this oil be leaking from? Which gasket would be recommended to change? Would this oil affect the running as I have noticed every now and then it feels like its missing. Going to remove it at the weekend, clean it up, put it back in and run it for a few days then recheck it. Any ideas? Thanks.

[martint]

head gasket maybe!

[steve_earwig]

Was the plug sitting in a puddle of oil (cover gasket) or was the end of it wet when you pulled it out (:shock: )? Does the car smoke?

[benlowlew]

all i really noticed was the thread of the plug was covered in oil..albeit not much but still not right. no real smoke coming from her at all.

[steve_earwig]

Then it was probably sitting in the plug well and ran down it when you pulled the plug out. Dirty oil around a plug will also encourage the spark to travel down the outside of the plug instead of inside...