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"....;)