My motor (200 inline 6) will not start or when it does start it only runs for maybe a few seconds and at a very low rpm and runs rough before it dies. I was checking the compression and the spark and as I was taking out the spark plugs there seemed to be what appears to be motor oil on about 4 out of 6 plugs. What does this mean?
I'm going to assume on oil the electrodes. Could be worn valves seals or worn oil control piston rings. The compression test will help determine determine if it's the rings. Are you burning a bit of oil as evident by blue/grey smoke from the exhaust? If it's really bad it would cause the starting problem but normally it's a separate problem. If the compression is low may be time for an overhaul. MD
I noticed you had postings earlier about the hard start issue. Did that ever get resolved for a while? MD