I recently purchased an APEX VCS558 Includes Gasket link from RockAuto. I went with them since they seemed like a very reputable company
I purchased the valve cover above for my 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL and it fits perfectly, however, it is not fixing the current issue at hand (oil in spark plug well #4). In fact, it made it slightly worse. Everything is torqued to spec as per the Altima's Service Manual (specifically Engine Mechanical EM section) link. The information is under the table of contents Rocker Cover page EM-39. Since the problem actually worsened, I believe that the valve cover I received may be defective and I think I should warranty it for replacement. However, I do wonder what else could cause oil in the spark plug well that I could diagnose prior to warranty-ing it just so I know that it is the valve cover.
There are lots of images below, everything looks okay, but something is definitely wrong as there is oil in the spark plug well when there shouldn't be. No misfires or mileage issues, just noticeable oil in the spark plug well. I did, of course, clean it out with a coat hanger wire stuffing paper towels down there to soak up all of the oil down in the well and around the gasket. I will check again to confirm it wasn't from any leftover oil pre-install.
I could take the RTV Ultras Grey gasket maker and stuff it in between the spark plug well/tube and the gasket, however, that is a bit "janky" but might work if the spark plug well/tube is damaged and I cannot see where. As said before, everything is torqued to spec and everything appears to be seated properly.
Backstory:
I originally replaced the spark plugs as I neared 100,000 miles last year around November/December. I noticed, however, that the fourth spark plug (I will refer to this location as cylinder 4), was covered in oil when I pulled it out images. From left to right in the image is a spark plug from cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively.
I replaced the spark plugs and did some research. I never and still do not have any issues regarding misfires, though I am sure it is only a matter of time. The cylinder well itself had VERY little oil in it at all. The best thing to do I found from hours of research is to replace the rocker/valve cover (I will refer to this as a valve cover from now on). After a month, I checked the cylinder 4 spark plug well and found a small amount of oil in it images, so I pulled the trigger and bought the valve cover to hopefully fix the issue.
I then followed the service manual and installed the valve cover properly. I used the exactly specified gasket maker for the four corners of the valve gasket as well, I even used a razor to clean the entire surface, working from the inside out to not get any debris inside. I was successful in doing so and also cleaned the surface with brake cleaner. As I said earlier, everything was torqued to spec, and instructions were followed to a T. I triple-checked everything upon installation. images of install. Also, you can see on the coil packs, that I labeled everything from left to right as 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively for easier clarification.
I waited a full 24 hours or more for the gasket maker to dry and for the gaskets to seat properly. But, last night I checked all of the spark plug wells, 1, 2, and 3 were bone dry, as they were before. However, well 4 had a good bit of oil, way more than it did originally images. As of right now, I have no idea what to do. I believe, because that the issue has worsened, the valve cover is to blame, which is why I think I should warranty it and get a new one from the company I bought it from.
Any help and advice would be very much appreciated!