Hi, I have a 2.2l S-10. I was doing the normal maintenance, and changing the spark plugs when i found that one of the plugs was covered wit oil when i pulled it out. the first two were normal, but the third was covered with oil. There is also some oil on the side of the motor in that area, which i do not bthink could berelated, but am not sure.Valve cover gaskets, valve seals, and the pcv valve have been metioned to me, butI am not sure where to look to determine what the problem is and if i will be fixing it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

I would start with the Valve Stem Seals in the Head. They Keep oil from draining into the combustion chamber. If they are bad you will usually get Oil Fauled Plugs. Also the Piston Rings couuld be bad. But i would start with the Valve Stem Seals.

 

Thanks, and is there any way for me to chech this without tearing into the motor.

 

Well... Id start by pulling off the intake duct and checking for oil there before I check anywhere else. that will tell you whether or not its the PCV valve.

 

I finally got to work on it. There is no oil, anywhere and the pcv valve seems fine.To replace the valve stem seals, do i need topull the whole top end off, or will i be able to do it by just pulling the valve covers. Also before i do this i want to be clear that oil is only fouling one of the plugs. Thanks