I was just changing my spark plugs and found the #1 (I think) spark plug literally bathed in oil. I can't believe the car has been running at all like this, though it has definitely been doing great. There are a ton of threads on oil and spark plugs, I'm not sure where to begin. Of course I am hoping it is something simple since I have the car completely apart in my garage right now for a Supercharger oil service (which I did just fine, no issues yet).

If I have to do a leakdown or compression test, where is an inexpensive source for these tools?

My mechanic said about a year ago that he suspected I might have a blown headgasket based on some stuff he found in the coolant, but that "stuff" never showed up again so I thought maybe that wasn't the problem. The car has been burning oil, which I thought was typical for the car -- about 1 quart every 2,000 miles.

 

Which end of the plug is covered in oil? The one inside the engine or the end outside of the engine?

 

It is hard to tell because when I pulled the spark plug out I think all the oil dripped down the threads before I could get a good look at the electrodes. There was a ton of it!

I've put the car back together with a new spark plug in #1 and will see how it goes while I wait for a valve cover gasket and the spark plug gaskets. Crossing my fingers that is all it is!

 

sounds like the valve cover spark plug seal, especially if your socket looked like it was dipped in oil.
expect it to smoke as it burns that extra oil in the cylinder once you start it up.