I had some leaking valve covers about two months ago, and was warned this meant I'd need to have some vaguely defined extra service done during the next tune-up or I'd risk ruining the new spark plugs. I've decided to try replacing the plugs myself, which means figuring out what that service actually is.
So far as I've been able to figure out, leaky valve covers just let oil drip into the depressions around the spark plugs that I'll have to clean up. It seems you're supposed to thoroughly clean the surface of the engine around the plugs anyway though since you don't want any debris falling into the recently vacated holes, so I'm unsure if I'm missing something or the earlier warning was just redundant or an attempt charge me more.
Will I need to do anything special while replacing the spark plugs, in light of the fact that I've had leaky valve covers recently? Or is cleaning around the plugs before I take them out good enough?
If the specific vehicle makes a difference, I'll be working on an '04 Town and Country minivan with the 3.8L engine.