96 Saturn SC2 - SES Light Help Please

[ick2316]

I went to AutoZone and read the code, it only found one P0300, multiple misfire, so I replaced the plugs and wires. The old plugs were corroded. I cleaned the terminals, they were free of rust and pretty clean. I used Bosch Wires, and Delco Plat plugs that were pregapped. But the light is still on. Any suggestions, I am going back tonight to see if there is any new codes. The car has 127,000 miles. Also I forgot to add on plug #1 there was oil on the threads.

[ksion15]

you have to have the code cleared from the pcm. it will clear on it's own, but it will take a certain amount (not sure how many) of ignition switch cycles to do it.

[ick2316]

So you think that has resolved the issue? Last night after a auto wash and dry the light was off. Today it flashed a little bit then stayed on. Are you saying not to re-read the code until I have hit that magic number of ignitions that will clear the pcm?

What about the oil on the #1 plug? Is that a cause for grave concern? I gotta tell you this car runs like a champ. No misfires, hauls ass. Not a single leak, nothing. I love it and would like to keep it in tip top shape. Any recommendations when it comes to oil? Worth the price to pay for Synthetic or go with standard 10/30?

Thanks again!

[whoareyou4]

You have a leak in your cam cover gasket and oil is getting into the spark plug well.
I just discovered oil in one of my wells also, you can try to tighten the bolts but don't give them too much torque or you can strip the threads.

If you get too much oil in there it will cause misfires, and that may be happpening now, you may need to replace the gasket.

[ick2316]

I am not a mechanic but I am not car stupid either. I knew my way around the engines of lore (My fav was my 66 Dodge with a 318) but these new motors give me pause. The cam cover gasket, something I can easily replace myself, with the help of the people here? I have replaced plenty of head gaskets in my time, but working on the Saturn is new to me. Any suggestions, oh, and FYI, the SES light went off, was off all day yesterday, and has yet to come back on. With the oil on the #1 plug, I thought I had two fold problem, 1 the plugs were bad, the second, evidently is a leak in the cam cover gasket.
I will try to tighten the bolts, any one have Torque specs?

[whoareyou4]

The torque is 8 ft-lbs
What I do is I use my stubby ratchet and just twist them a hair, not much at all. So be careful not to strip the threads

[whoareyou4]

I forgot checkout "saturnfans.com" they have a wonderful site similiar to this one with an extensive "how to" library.

[sickcallawayc12]

Originally Posted by ick2316

I am not a mechanic but I am not car stupid either. I knew my way around the engines of lore (My fav was my 66 Dodge with a 318) but these new motors give me pause. The cam cover gasket, something I can easily replace myself, with the help of the people here? I have replaced plenty of head gaskets in my time, but working on the Saturn is new to me.

Saturns are one of the cars that are easier to work on under the hood. Saturnfans.com should have a how-to on changing the cam cover gasket (you need to) but putting on a new gasket isn't easy, even for a good mechanic. Can't remember if the 96 got the black plastic cover or aluminum one but the black one you're supposed to use RTV to attatch the gasket to the cover, though my mechanic just made a gasket from RTV for the cover on my 97 sl2 when i had it and worked well.

[whoareyou4]

96 saturns do have the black plastic cam cover and do check out "saturnfans.com" they have an excellent "how to" on replacing the camcover gasket.

[ick2316]

Thank you for all the wonderful help!