need some advice on removing spark plugs

I have changed spark plugs before and have never come across these two small setbacks I'm having now.

I removed the wires from the spark plugs, and noticed that on two of them, there is an awful lot of black greasy gunk around them. Before removing them, I would like to get that cleaned up, to ensure that nothing falls in the combustion chamber. I bought carburetor cleaner for to use, and was planning on scrubbing around them with a small brush, then wiping it clean with a shop rag. Would that be a good thing to do?

I did try to remove one of the ones that didn't have so much gunk around them, but that one was in TIGHT. I tried using a little more force than usual to take it out, but it wouldnt budge, and I'm scared of breaking it or something. Is there something I can do or should I attempt to muscle it?

is that black greasey gunk motor oil? if so you are going to need a new valve cover gasket.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=292296

I think it might be, hadnt thought about that (obviously a newbie here). Another weird thing that I just noticed, the inside of the hood has a thin layer of that same stuff, right above the engine, about the size of both my hands. Any ideas how that got there?

I would like to be 100% sure it is the valve cover gasket, before i try changing it. I'd like to get that cleaned up and change the spark plugs and wires, then see if that mess comes back.

Why are you concerned about breaking a spark plug if you're replacing it anyway?

How old is the car and or how many miles are on it. Generally when that layer is on the hood something is leaking. (Whether its a PCV valve or a gasket).

As long as you're running the correct size socket for the plug (generally 5/8) then there shouldn't be too many worries about turning them too hard. (Just be sure you're going counter clockwise ;) ) If the deposits/oil is around the spark plugs, 99/100 its a leaking valve cover gasket.

Why are you concerned about breaking a spark plug if you're replacing it anyway?

I wasnt sure if breaking one would cause any consequences, like making it even more difficult to remove if it was broken and still in there.


How old is the car and or how many miles are on it. Generally when that layer is on the hood something is leaking. (Whether its a PCV valve or a gasket).

As long as you're running the correct size socket for the plug (generally 5/8) then there shouldn't be too many worries about turning them too hard. (Just be sure you're going counter clockwise ) If the deposits/oil is around the spark plugs, 99/100 its a leaking valve cover gasket.

It is a 99 Cavalier with 71,000 miles. Yes, the deposits are around the spark plugs and also the hood.

What can go around if I dont replace the valve cover gasket immediately?

I didnt have the car here for a couple days, but now that its back, I can tell you that there is quite a bit of oil around the valve cover.

the oil from the valve cover can coat the hood with a oil film. check to see if the dipstick pops up after 10/15 of driving just enough to let air out of the crankcase? also inspect the PVC system/hoses for clogging.

You kind of lost me on the dipstick pops up part. I assume youre talking about the oil dipstick? I didnt know something was supposed to make it pop.

its not supposed too, if it does, a rebuild is in your future. it means your crank case pressure is too high, most likely from ring blow-by, or less likey clogged oil passiges or a clogged PCV system