I pulled the spark plugs and there was oil on them. Checked the compression and down 20 psi from spec. Recently went to Death Valley, and happen to over heat out there intermittently maybe for only a few minutes and would return back to normal. Only option is to make it back. Any suggestions would that be the head gasket rather than worn valves?

 

it could be your valve cover gasket, theres rubber o-rings under the spark plug holes and when they go bad they fill your plug holes up with oil, happened to my f3, its also a common car problem.

 

Okay, I read also the low compression could allow oil past the ring and cause the oil to burn that way too. Ordered a new engine with 190psi compression compared to this 150-155psi. Less expensive than buying a used motorcycle as they have been difficult to come across.

 

Good luck with the new engine, fingers crossed it sorts your issues out.