Just changed the 2 and 3 spark plug on my 4 cylinder 2008 escape. Watched a few videos to be dangerous. Can someone walk me through as to what is wrong with the vehicle? The oil was only on the 2 and 3 spark plugs. 1 and 4 were clean, thanks for the help in advance.

Moose

 

Its been so long, but if someone sees this let's have an answer:
Oil on a plug can come from 4 directions. Bad head-gasket, failed rings, failed valve seals and excess oil in PCV.
PCV is simplest. Check PCV valve is working correctly. Also over filled oil level can cause issues here. Inspect intake runner or pcv hose where it enter intake plenum for oil.
Failed/stuck rings and Head gasket will show in a leak-down test of the cylinders.
Failed valve seals will be by exclusion of everything else.


To reduce the chance of ring and valve issues can be reduced with regular oil changes. Keeping the oil clean and reducing acid and moisture in the oil. Operating at high revs (near red-line) often can also be detrimental.

 

If this is what I think it is , the gaskets under the valve cover lose their sealing ability and the oil now has a path into the spark plugs. FordtechMakuloco has a good video describing this problem and it's solution.

 

Doh! I knew that spark-plug tube possibility. I've suffered it too but apparently completely forgot about it. gj Hanky.