97 sc2 oil in spark plugs

[analogfire]

I have a 97 sc2, acouple months ago I found oil in the spark plug hole on top of the valve cover I think its just on top of the spark plug but I can't really tell if its in the cylinder too. I clean it out when I change the oil but it fills right back up afterwards, also theres oil that seeps out under the valve cover. also I added that restore stuff from walmart awhile back thinking maybe it would help, but now I've got this white stuff that clogs up my pvc valve all the time and I have to clean it out all the time. my service light has been on for awhile too I'm not sure if that related to the oil leaking out or not. I was told by a friend it could be some ecu software update that saturn has to install. I'm thinking my head gasket is going bad but I just wanted some advise on it.
other than that my car is running fine so if anyone has any ideas whats causing the leaking and the service light I would be very grateful.

[sierrap615]

the leaking oil is most likey caused by a bad valve cover gasket, and may be causing the SES light(or a million other things can cause it) the white stuff i would need to see but it is surely a bad sign. i also advise limiting the use of restore and other such fixes in a can(my old engine is an example why)

[saturnspeed_12]

well it does sound like the valve cover is leaking. also have you replaced the pcv valve? the white sludge could just be moisture. once you take the valve cover off, if you notice the white down on the head, or all over the back of the valve cover, your head gasket probably is shot. dont use the restore stuff either or any oil additive. restore is a bit thinner then most but most all oil additives just foam up and cause the engine to loose oil pressure. id say first clean up the valve cover and seal it back up. check for white sludge, or creamy sludge, in the head.

but now go get the ses light checked out. then come back with the code.

[analogfire]

So now I've got the valve cover gasket and I'm starting to replace it. I found alot of that white creamy stuff in the top of the valve cover and I cleaned it out, the question I have is there are two plates on the top of the valve cover which I took off with 8 torq screws there seemed to be some sort of gasket or sealant on it, I wondering if I need to get a gasket for those as well or if I can put some of that spray on sealant stuff.