i need some help guys...i went to change my spark plugs today, and at the top of the plugs of all four cylinders was covered with oil....what kind of damage do i have...
could it be my piston rings r gone. The car seems to be working fine btw...it is a VW Golf GTI
Most likely is piston rings, then check for worn piston walls and valve guides and seals. You may also want to ensure the functionability of your PCV valve as this is what vents the crankase pressure and can lead to problems after you fix the busted parts.
Where exactly was the oil located?
Was it on the ceramic (white) part of the plug? - This could be loose valve cover screws. The gasket may also need changing.
Burnt oil or clean oil? If clean, probably some overspill from the last oil change. If burnt, probably a leak.
Piston trouble that severe, enough to wet the plugs, would be very noticeable -- you'd be smoking up the place and the car would feel very underpowered.
Check your valve cover and gaskets as suggested. After a while, the oil will fill up and start causing misfiring.
lol...no oily mechanic's hands..
the car was not smoking up the place btw, so i am partially ruling out severe cylinder or piston trouble.
i cleaned out the area with carb cleaner and changed the plugs, so i am monitoring it for now..i will get my valve guides and the cover seals checked...
thnk for the info guys.
