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I started to change the spark plugs on a 1998 Ford Contour LX with a 2.0L Zetec (4-Cylinder) recently. It's got just over 100,000 miles on it. According to the service schedule, they're due at 100,000 miles. I removed the plastic cover on the valve cover and pulled the plug wires to access the plugs and was surprised to find oil pooled around two of the plugs.

I suspect this is not normal /expected. Where is the oil coming from and what do I do to stop that leak?

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The most likely cause is the valve cover gasket. You can try to tighten the bolts that hold the cover, but most likely the gasket or seal needs to be replaced.

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  • Be careful retightening... Some valve covers are quite low torque. I was used to higher torque valve covers but ran across a low torque one once and accidently tried to torque it to 11 ft-lbs instead of the indicated 11 in-lbs!.
    – Brian Knoblauch
    Commented Apr 3, 2012 at 17:23
  • stage1 1.4ftlbs stage2 5.75ftlbs start in the center and work toward the ends.
    – mikes
    Commented Apr 6, 2012 at 1:45

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