I've got a 98 avenger, 2.0 liter DOHC with just over 118,000 miles. I need to replace the valve cover gasket and the spark plug gaskets/seals. I went to change the oil and plugs today and there was a significant amount of oil on the plug wires (1st and last mostly, middle 2 plugs pretty clean) when i went to remove the plugs. So much that there was a "bloop" sound when I inserted the spark plug socket to remove the old plug. The kit is only about 20 bucks and I would like to do it myself if I can find sufficient info. on how to perform the repair. Let me know what you think. I've got a very reasonable mechanic across the street so if i need to have him do it then no biggie. I'd just like to get it fixed fairly quickly. Thanks, Greg

 

Greg, the valve cover gasket and plug tube seals aren't very hard at all. Replacing the valve cover and torque specs are hard either, just go by the book. If all else fails, just DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the valve cover bolts, hand tight is good and start from the inside and work your way out to the ends.
Just know to put gasket maker on any round portion of the cover (if any). That's a general statement because I don't know if your valve cover has any round areas (I don't mean the corners either).

If you don't already have one, a Haynes/Chiltons manual is a good thing to have and is a very cheap investment.

 

Are you saying to put gasket maker on any areas where the gasket/cover is round/tube shaped versus flat?

 

I'm going to take it to the mechanic Saturday. He's got the gasket set in stock and gave me an estimate of 40-45 bucks for labor. I'd love to do it myself if I had a knowledgeable car person to help me but since I'm limited on time I'm just going to have him do it. Thanks for the help. Wish I could have done it myself. Take care,Greg