1998 sl2- oil where the spark plug boot meets the spark plug in 1st cylender

[scrapmedallord]

oil leaks into the first cylinder where the spark plug meets the boot of the plug wire. pretty sure its not leaking into the cylinder but not 100%.. i think it is a valve gasket around the first cylinder.. wondering if anyone has attempted this project. if so would it be worth it just to take it to a shop, or is it simple enough to do it in my garage.

[iiibbb]

Originally Posted by scrapmedallord

oil leaks into the first cylinder where the spark plug meets the boot of the plug wire. pretty sure its not leaking into the cylinder but not 100%.. i think it is a valve gasket around the first cylinder.. wondering if anyone has attempted this project. if so would it be worth it just to take it to a shop, or is it simple enough to do it in my garage.

Valve cover gasket is a pretty easy job.

Although I'm not sure people would recommend it or not I did use the replacement gasket and the high-temp silicone between the gasket and the metal. I did this 9 years ago, and have not had a single issue with it.

Most important thing is correctly torquing the bolts. They are easy to break. If you have a dealership nearby you might want to buy a couple just to have on hand (but I am notorious for over-torquing stuff). Do a dry fit first so you get the hang of putting the valve cover down without unseating the gaskets.

[scrapmedallord]

alrighty, thanks for the response. in theory seems like an easy job.

[iiibbb]

Also, I just thought of this, if you use the silicone, don't get any in with the valves... there is a risk it'll dry and potentially block one of the oil return channels...

[scrapmedallord]

okay thanks for the tip.

[alordofchaos]

The torque value for the bolts is 89 INCH pounds

Most important thing is clean all the surfaces using acetone or something that does not leave a residue.

Torque evenly in steps (ie. 25 , 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 89 INCH lbs -below is for the DOHC):

INTAKE SIDE
9 - 5 - 6 -10
3 - 1 - 2
8 - 4 - 7 - 11
EXHAUST SIDE

For the SOHC, JerryHughes did a very nice writeup. Search for a post under his name

[hholbein]

Pretty easy job, 80% cleaning, 20% Removal and reinstallation.
Allot 2 -3 hrs if you haven't done it before and want to thoroughly clean/soak the plastic valve cover (simple green worked for me).

The GM OEM gasket set fits well, although it comes in a cheesy baggie and makes you wonder. Costs ~$40 from GetSaturnParts.com.

While waiting for it to arrive, you can always just let the oil drain from #1 into the cylinder occasionally to keep it from fouling by removing, cleaning, and replacing spark plug #1.

[alordofchaos]

I got a felpro gasket from this ebay seller for about $31 shipped, but I just now realized the kit I got didn't have the grommets. Very fast shipping.

Oh well, I didn't realize it at the time I replaced it - I reused the grommets and they were fine. If you buy this, may want to have the seller make sure the grommets are in there if that worries you. Gasket fits well and works fine so far, was the cheapest i could find.