Ok, so here is the scoop. My 2.4l is leaking oil into the 1st cylinder causing a pretty steady misfire. I'm pretty sure I need to replace the the valve cover seal but not sure if there is anything else I need to worry about.
The car has 239k on it and I'm trying to get it back to good running shape so I con get it past 300k. I've just started replacing parts this week and so far I've replaced the MAP sensor and the coil boots and plugs.
Any thoughts on parts I need to replace would be gratefully appreciated.


Oil around valve cover

Oil on top of intake manifold.

Also looks to be blow by under the oil cap.

Thanks for the help!



99 Sunfire GT

To be certain that oil is in any cylinder you have to take out the cover that says 2.4 and take out each plug and inspect them and the plug boots... if all the plugs look light brown they are probably ok If one of the plugs is blackish or fouled that cylinder is misfiring. Go from there. In my experience most misfires are electrical caused, coils, coil cover and so.

the plug in the first cylinder drips with oil when removed. There is also oil around the boots, on top of the intake manifold, and around the injectors.



99 Sunfire GT

Yes seems you will need a new valve cover gasket they are rubber if I remember right. You may use some degreaser spray and clean everything well, let it dry and start the engine for a minute or so to be sure where is the oil coming from...