2.2 LT oil in spark plug well
 

Went to change plugs and air filter yesterday discovered 1.4" of oil in the third from left spark plug well. Sopped it up and pulled plug and it looked like all the others; old and need of replacement but about normal for 98k miles on original plugs. BTW, they looked very tired, I would not wait this long again if I had known.
I didn't see much info on this but did find on How To on removing a 2.4 valve cover. Any tips, tricks, things to watch out for on the 2.2? I'm assuming the spark well gasket is bad? What are the small circular o-rings for? Do I need a gasket sealant as well? And, what torque setting for teh valve cover bolts?

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjYzWDUwMA...TTbp8/$_12.JPG

..........

As for the torque specs and need or no need for sealant I will let someone with the service instructions answer that.
But typically round gaskets that protrude from the gasket channels do not require sealant while flat and flush ones do. Sometimes, however, sealant will be helpful over the cam tower humps.

Thank you. Injectors? I'm only familiar with fuel injectors. Can you elaborate on injectors related to this area?

For the earlier 2.2 L - L61 motor: (should be close for the VVT version)
Cam Cover to Cylinder Head Bolt 10 N.m 89 lb in
Cam Cover to Ground Cable Bolt 10 N.m 89 lb in
Cam Cover to Ground Cable Stud 10 N.m 89 lb in

Spark plug 20 N.m 15 lb ft

Someone else may have updated torque values for the VVT engine

Re: injector gaskets - not needed, unless you pull the injectors for some reason.

Thanks whopper. Mines is a 2009. Is it safe to use a screwdriver to pop the valve cover off or is there a better method?

You know what, looking at the little o-rings again, I think they are for the bolts.

I believe there are 11 valve cover bolts so that makes sense. If anyone thinks the cause of the oil in the spark well is form something other than a leaking well gasket, please let me know. I think that must be it tho. Thanks all!

Photo from 2.4 engine, I count eleven bolts, appears to have a washer on bolt.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...1/HPIM0405.JPG

I don't believe there is a difference between 2.2 & 2.4 except internally (size pistons, VVT pre 2009 etc.)

Could this be from a sloppy oil change? just wondering before you get to carried away with changing out that gasket

My thoughts exactly, I'd clean out the plug well and drive it for a while. If the oil returns, then it's gasket time, if not, problem solved.

The small rings are for the bolts. If the originals bolt seals look good you can reuse them. The covers are different from 2.2 to 2.4 but the operation is the same. They have the same number of bolts. But the 2.2 don't have the actuators to unplug.

I just had the cover off my 2.4 and broke the zip tie rasters that hold the wiring harness to the valve cover. Not a big deal but when I find the part number for them I will let you know.

I changed the oil on Saturday and changed the air filter and plugs on Sunday. I wonder if it's from the oil change? I scrubbed off some grime between the plug holes but I didn't see any fresh oil on top of the valve cover. The plug well in question is the 2nd one away from the oil fill. Hmm. Thanks for the heads up.

ON some of the 05-06 heads the casting process would leave voids in the head, and coolant or oil can / could work its way through the head and fill the spark plug holes.

In 03-05 L61s this is becoming very common on engines with 150,000 or more miles on them....not saying that this is dirrectly your issue, just added some more info on the subject.

I would think if it were due to a sloppy oil change then the closest cylinder would have oil in it. Especially if enough oil were spilled to get to the next cylinder over.

2.4 does have bigger pistons + longer stroke crank. (stroker)..(beefier block internally as well..)

"No Replacement for Displacement"....;)