re: filth around plugs

[Dave Conner <conner@cfm.ohio-state.edu>]

Oil?  
In the combustion chamber?
Leaking out past the plugs?  
Doesn't make sense to me.

I have seen this gunk twice where it was only on one plug. 

The first time I found the plug was loose.

The second time I found the plug wire was bad.

I believe gasoline >does< leave a residue when it evaporates.  
Yes, it does evaporate quickly, but it also does leave a residue.

Gerard,
Is your car running poorly?  
I  suppose if there is gunk accumulating at all five plugs this could mean
there is a problem with all five cylinders.   
Dave C.