SL2 - Oil on spark plugs

I have a buddy with a 1994 SL2 with the 4 cylinder 5-speed. He has a problem with oil getting on his spark plugs on the end that is in the combustion chamber. What could this be? I say its the piston rings, it is only on the middle two plugs. His mechanic says it can't be the piston rings. Of course, this is the same mechanic that made him spend 1200 to fix a noise the car made on the bearings, calipers, suspensin, etc when it was actually the engine mounts gone bad. What do you think? Thanks

how old are the plugs/wires/coils?(2 and 3 share the same coil) check the PCV valve, be sure it the OEM saturn peice, not an aftermarket one. it may be blow-by past the rings - goto the how-to forum on saturnfans.com and look for the "MMO soak" posted by the user Wolfman. if it was the top or threaded part of the plug soaked in oil, it would be a bad valve cover gasket.

I had a similar problem - oil was on only one of the plugs - but it was the valve cover gasket that needed to be replaced[]

How much will that cost? How easy is it to do yourself? Thanks

I believe I did it myself and it was an easy fix and couldn't believe I hadn't done it sooner.

The cost of the gasket was realtively cheap. Just took all the bolts out, pryed off the cover from the old gasket, removed the old gasket/sealant, and then put on the new gasket - I think you need a sealant material too.

all you need is some RTV, a T-40 socket, and a steady hand.

can i interest you in a how to?

i would love to know how to replace the valve cover gasket if you dont mind
Thanks, Cory

i wonder why i didn't post it the first time, oh well

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26532&;