Have an '04 Z. Changed out the plugs @ the 71000 mile marker. When I pulled #3 plug, there was a small amount of oil in the bottom of the tube, approximately 1/2 small spoon; all other plug tubes (is that the correct word-tube?) were dry. The valve cover gaskets are nice and dry; they're not weeping. I did some research here, and it looks like a nightmare to repair, though some members had the oil seepage at all plug tubes. Is this a concern for a small amount of oil on one plug tube? By the way, #3 plug had no oil deposit on the electrode or strap; plug had a nice tan to it.
Thanks
PS-car does not use oil between oil changes (every 7000 miles)

 

Before you become overly concerned about this, consider doing a leakdown and compression check to verify any problems. The oil could have been seepage from an oil change and you don't want to jump to any conclusions.

 

i was going to suggest monitoring it for a bit, see how much and how fast it gets back in there

 

if there was no oil on the electrode I doubt there is an engine problem, sounds like the typical spark plug tube leak which means new valve covers, or DIY with one of those kits from a vendor.

 

Get a set of tube seals and a valve cover gasket. Should cost you less than $30 to fix

 

Do a leakdown, but chances are your spark plug grommets are leaking.

You can do several things:

1) buy new Valve covers ( pricy)
2) buy the R&D seal kit ( hard to get in touch with them)
3) reseal the factory seals using gray RTV ( my way) and you are set.

I made a video of this procedure, and while I was at it, I changed my actual valve cover gasket.

Hope it helps.

 

Z33garage- thanks for the video; helped give me get a perspective on what to look for. The info about replacement seal being too small is the type of pitfalls I need to be aware of. Looks like the easy fix is RVT grey.
I'm going to monitor the situation. Liked the suggestion about waiting to see how long before filling w/ oil again. I'm figuring about 1000 miles, maybe 750.
Thanks for all your help and suggestions!

 

Wanted to get back with you guys about the oil leak. Have put a tick over 500 miles on car since the plug change. Pulled the coil on #3, took a look, and found that the tube is dry. Is it safe to believe that this is a glacially slow oil leak, and do not need to get overly anxious about this situation?
My plan is to keep monitoring the situation and complete repairs as warranted.

 

i suggested it a while back

 

You psychic you