99 Legacy 5spd California emissions.

When changing spark plugs, noticed quite a bit fresh oil in the spark plug wells and the long cylindrical rubber part of the wire that actually connects to the plug was quite covered with it. The firing tips of the plugs and the threads were OK. The engine was using oil, but I thought it was due to the external leak (probably crank or cam seals), jusdging by the drips under the car and the smell of buring oil on the exhaust pipe. As for drivability - a bit sluggish, but not markedly different from norm. CEL has been on for a wile (on/off) with codes 1507 and 420. Any recommendations? Very concerned about the oil in the spark plug wells.

 

Thanks, Alex

If I remember right 99 was still a phase 1 DOHC engine, there is a gasket that goes around the wells, between the rocker cover and the head. They are know to leak.

Yes, sounds like a valve cover gasket leak to me not a head gasket. Much cheaper and easier to fix.