Spark Plug Change

My truck started misfiring so I changed the plugs. Obviously they were way past their date for a change. After the change I had time for a short drive; it started up right away, idled smoothly and seems to be running fine with no misfires.
My question is about plug number three and all the oil and gunk on the plug. The tube for the coil was oily also. There was some small disfigurement from heat and the plug broke lose easily when I went to remove it so I am wondering if that was the cause. I also checked the PCV and there was a strong rattle so that was left as is.

Looking for insight on #3.

Thanks in advance.

 

It's likely just your spark plug tube seals need replaced (or at least the one for cylinder #3 does), and it's allowing oil to seep in from the cam area into the spark plug tube.

Any signs of oil seepage on the top of the valve cover around the spark plug tube?

Any history of overheating? Ever change your water pump/thermostat? Seems like the spark plug tube seal may not explain what looks like some excessive heat building up around that #3 plug.

 

Those plugs have a huge gap. What do you guys think. Looks like 50

 

Spec is .040. That looks closer to .070 to me, crikey

 

Yeh Crikey

 

Sparkplug tube seal is leaking.
It happens eventually.

But WOW......those plugs were way passed due.
Better late then never I guess.
I but you gain back 2-3 more mpg.

 

@Red_03Taco - I did not look for seepage when I swapped that plug, I was in a hurry. No overheating and no changes to the cooling system.
@Everyone else. Oh yeah, those plugs are way past needing to be replaced. And I am embarrassed as I usually take better care of my machines. On #3 there is signs of excessive heat. The plug came out real easy, am hoping it was not seated tight enough and nothing else. And I agree the oil is probably the tube seal.

 

@TnShooter - First tank, gas mileage up 2 miles per gallon to 20.5

 

I was going to ask if the plug (#3) seemed loose. Some of that looks like combustion blow-by which occurs when the plug gasket isn't tightened and compressed to the proper torque specs. Re: the PCV: How many miles are on the truck? I change the PCV and check the hose every 60,000 miles. The hose had a small crack on both ends at 100k and I replaced it as well. The PCV may still rattle when you shake it, but it will probably sound a lot worse than a new one if it has been in there for 100,000 miles.