Today I planned to change the spark plugs on my XJR 2002. The first plug came out oily and there was some oil at the bottom of the shaft. The iginition coil was pretty dry and clean.
Should I replace the valve gaskets or not? Are there other explanations for the oil being there?
My Jag has ran over 200km and seems to be running fine. Not sure though if replacing the gaskets is worth it.
I was thinking to change the spark plugs anyway and clean out the oil as much as I can. Then maybe check again after while to see how much oil (if any) is in there. Does that make sense?

 

If it were me I would definitely replace the valve cover gaskets.

 

The only way oil gets to the spark plug well is from leaks in the spark plug gaskets. They come in a new cam cover gasket set and the cam cover has to be removed to change them. Before jumping in there I would clean the Part Load Breather connection on the cam cover. If it is constricted it will cause excess crankcase pressure and cause leaks in the cam covers.
If it was me I would first verify the cam covers are properly torqued ( use a torque wrench) if you over tighten you can crack the cam covers. After that I would check the plug wells for oil at your next oil change. If you find oil then it is time to change the gaskets.

 

Thanks. I will have a go at that. Is the correct torque setting 11 nm?