So I found oil on my old spark plugs when I was replacing them. Does anyone know what the cause of this could be? Do I have to change the valve cover gasket? I have A 2002 1500 ram 5.9l v8 thanks for your help!!!!!

 

Depends. Have you been checking your oil and seeing it a little low here and there or any smoke out the tail pipe? The oil ring on the pistons could be bad and not wiping the cylinder of oil on the way down and thus it getting on the plug. Or it could be the valve seat seals. I dont think Im saying that last part right but I cant think of the right verbage. Someone else will come in and say the correct name for it....Sry....Its still early.

 

If it was rings, it would be burning off. It's probably a valve continuing to leak after the engine is shut down.

 

Yeah, prob just your valve guide seals. They aren't that difficult to change. They just take time is all.
A box of seals can't cost more than $20. But you'll need to have specific tools to get the job done.

 

How would I go about replacing the valve seals. I'm pretty mechanic savvy so I'm pretty sure I could get it done myself. Thank your for your responses.

 

Pick up either a Haynes or a Chiltons book and it will show you in there along with the tools needed. I think the books are in the area of $15-$25 Well worth it for doing anything else. A good investment.

 

I am guessing that the oil is on the end of the plugs and not on the outside?
If outside, then yes, valve cover gaskets.
If inside, then it could be the valve guide seals. You have to remove the valve springs to access them. Not real difficult, you must remove the valve covers and rocker arms to access the retainers and keepers to remove the springs. You will need an air fitting to pump compressed air into the cylinders as you remove the springs or the valves will drop and you will have to pull the head to get them out. You will also need a valve spring compressor.