While changing my spark plugs, I discovered oil on the plugs in cylinders 1 and 2. This was not from a leaking oil cap, as there was no oil anywhere else under the plastic "Volvo" cover; only on the plug tips. I know what this means (bad rings, walls, or valve guides), but I want to know if anyone has any idea of how long the engine has left. The plugs, especially #2, were drenched in oil, but it does seem to run smoothly. I've been losing a lot of fuel economy, down from 32 mpy hwy, to 28.5, even with new plugs and an air filter. It has about 146700 miles on it, and I drive 100 hwy miles 4 days a week. Any ideas of how long I have left? Thanks.

 

Chances are, that was fuel. You can do a compression test to see what condition the cylinders are in.

 

Thanks! I really hope that was just fuel. I'll have to do that test sometime in the future.