Is this a sign of broken headstuds?

[Hotwatermusic]

Lots of issues with the car lately!! Clutch cable, pedal cluster, now this.

Nothing fell out of the valve covers when I opened them up. But I understand this black discoloration to be a distinct sign of broken headstuds. None of the other cylinders look like this. If it's not headstuds, what's causing this oily goo? Thanks!

[Flat6pac]

In the area that youre showing, #6 cylinder, there is an idiot light switch and an oil galley thermostat above on top of the engine. The light switch is under pump pressure and break down between the plastic and metal. On the thermostat, the O ring seal becomes brittle and leaks.
Very difficult to repair in the car, especially the O ring on thermostat because you have to open the main oil galley and there is dirt galore under the fuel injection, so everything must be cleaned before opening.
Oh, and you cant see what youre doing...
Bruce

[andster]

I agree with Bruce's assessment. I was also getting some oil leaking down from my oil breather tube I believe where it connects to the case. Again, in the area where Bruce was referring to. See if you can remove a few things and get a mirror back there and see it.

To confirm its not the head studs I think you can check the tightness of the barrel nuts for the head studs.

[wildcat077]

I have the same oil leakage on my 89,it comes from the top of the engine... In my case the oil pressure sender switch ($ 5.00) item was cracked and was letting oil run down to the R/H side exaust.
Do a search on the triangle of death ,there are three leaking culprits that need to be adressed on top of the engine !

Cheers!
phil