How to replace valve cover gasket and plug rings?

Tiny
KATIEISREBEL
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SATURN VUE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 243,000 MILES
Doing some tune-up stuff on my car and discovered oil in two of my spark plug wells. I know that the best-case scenario is that I need to replace the valve cover gasket and the plug o-rings (the worst-case scenario being much more complicated and, well, much worse).
I am not exactly a stranger to working on cars, but I am completely self-taught (with much needed assistance from you guys more than a few times too!), But I know when it comes to even minor engine disassembly that things can get pretty complicated! I have replaced a head gasket before, but it was many, many, many years ago and on a cavalier. I was successful, but this car is much different and I at least had an actual physical manual for the cavalier - I have been unable to find such a thing for this Saturn except for some very basic and vague stuff.
So, I am reaching out to those who have helped me with my tough auto problems in the past and hoping that you might have some resources that could either put a detailed manual or some kind of in-depth step-by-step guide in my hands to better prepare me for the task at hand? And also, any tips, tricks-of-the-trade, images or just experienced knowledge that you might have would also be very much appreciated! Thank you!
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 AT 10:12 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hello Katie,

Yep, I can help you on this, here is a guide to show the tips of the trade and instructions below for your car, also you are correct when you get oil inside the spark plugs wells you need a new valve cover gasket. Here are the main steps to do the job. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Sunday, September 14th, 2025 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
KATIEISREBEL
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I appreciate your time and your response! Do you have any other resources for me that break it down a bit more detailed than what the images you provided show? I have obviously succeeded in accomplishing the task in the first image, but I know getting to and accomplishing the second image is not nearly as simple as what is shown. I am not exactly sure what all needs to be disconnected or removed or loosened (don't think I spelled that right) or what shouldn't be disturbed, or whatever else that goes along with the process. If you are able to provide a little more detail, that would be wonderful!
Also, I noticed one of the spark plug wells is really dirty - where the other three are really clean in comparison. This also applies to the terminal on the coil (if I am getting my terminology correct) - that one is super corroded, but the other three look super clean. I have attached a few images so you can see what I mean. In the images of the spark plug wells, you see only two - one of the wells you can actually see down inside it, and the other one just looks black (no matter what angle I take the photo, you cant see in side like you can the other one). Any feedback on that situation would also be appreciated since it is all part of the same issue I got going on.
Thank you for your time.
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Sunday, September 14th, 2025 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Thanks for the images. I would use compressed air to blow any dirt out of the spark plugs holes before you remove the spark plugs, also, you are on the right track on getting the valve cover off to replace the gasket, did you go over the guide link? Just remove the remainder of the hold down bolts and the valve cover will pop off with a little prying. If you pry and it does not come off, look for more bolts, or if you take a picture of the valve cover I can look for you. As far as the corrosion I would use a little sand paper to clean off the coil terminal and get a new extender boot for the spark plug. Also, replace all of the spark plugs which I believe is what you want to do anyway, you might have a bad ignition coil assembly. If the engine misfires we will know which cylinder it is. Let me know how it goes.
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Monday, September 15th, 2025 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
KATIEISREBEL
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Thank you. It's good to have my thought process verified that I'm on the right track. Guess all I can do now is take a deep breath and dive in! Thank you for your time. I will let you know if I sink or swim.
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Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, give it a try if you get stuck I can help, just upload an image so I can see what is going on.
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Thursday, September 18th, 2025 AT 10:29 AM

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