I started this thread for a friend who had encountered a problem with his motor. I searched and found a thread similar to this but not exactly what we were looking for. We found that oil was getting into the spark plugs. I've heard about replacing the valve cover gasket, but he's missing three nuts that go on the valve cover. Shown below is what I'm talking about. Can this be the reason for the oil getting in?

 

It's more likely that the tube seals are **** housed. They usually will come in a set with the valve cover gasket. I'm sure the broken studs don't help though.

 

yes that could easily be your problem since the valve cover is not mounted on tight enough to hold the seals properly

 

never over torque 10mm.

 

okay so then what would you guys recommend? I replace the seals, gasket, and studs?

 

LOL those are double-sided bolts. One end holds the cam holders and the other holds the VC on. Yeah, not having nuts on those bolts will cause the VC to leak, which is letting oil into the spark plug holes -- but that's not the biggest problem if those studs are missing. It's pretty important that the holders are tight and keep the camshafts from wiggling around. I'd pull of the VC, replace the VC & spark plug 'gaskets' (they're really just rubber seals), and make sure the valvetrain is in OK shape. Get those studs replaced ASAP.

 

Thanks for all the help guys I'll go ahead and give my friend the heads up