467-Ratman

I have checked my spark plugs again and on the threads of each one is oil. My motor has about 1200 miles on since rebuilding, could the rings still not be seated yet? In the past it has been using about a quart every 500 miles.I have been told that the car needs to go for a trip and get more miles on it......

zwede

Oil on the threads wouldn't worry me too much. What does the insulator look like? Still white, or oily? Rings should seat within the first 30 minutes of engine runtime.

First order of business is to pinpoint where the oil is coming from. You have 3 ways into the combustion chamber:

Rings
Valveguides
Intake ports

The most common on a new engine is through the intake ports. Either via an incorrect PCV system (no oil baffles in valve covers) or a leaking intake gasket.

norvalwilhelm

I seem to find the spark plugs threads always seem oily. I never think about it. I feel my motor doesn't use oil, the threads always look oily but the plugs themselves are white.
Just natures way of keeping the plugs form seizing. :lol: :lol:

467-Ratman

The insulator is a dark tan color and is not oily. I did have a set of Merlin valve covers on the motor untill just recentley. I am using the GM aluminum ones and they do have baffels. I am not sure about the PCV valve, what is the best way to check them?

zwede

You can shake it and listen for the ball rattling. If it doesn't, it's bad. But at $3, I don't even bother. I just get a new one every 2 years or so.