i recently replaced the starter on my 86 t/a and noticed that the outside of a few plugs were covered in oil. #'s 6,8 and 5 i think i dont remember. but i pulled the plugs and the burn on the inside was a good light brown. waht is going on? the car has only 60,000 miles on the original 305 and i cant imagine the seals going out already, teh car is not abused (bought it from an old lady believe it or not) and i just replaced teh plugs at 55,000. i noticed the plugs i put in are taper sealed tho, could that have something to do with it? please help

 

If the outside is has some oil on it, probably just a leaky valve cover gasket somewhere.

 

I also vote for a 20 year old head gasket leaking if its on the outside of the plug.

 

I think he meant valve cover gasket... I'd agree as well. Either that, or the rear china wall is leaking, but that'd probably only really be noticeable on the starter and the last two plugs or so. My old motor had both those problems as well.