This morning i took the car to AutoZone and they hooked the computer up; it indicated a bad 02 [oxygen] sensor; there are 2 in my car, and they run about $90/each. [I found them online for $61 and $95 each- a little cheaper, but the online ones come with OEM cable fittings- the ones at AutoZone are generic and i would need to splice them into the existing connections].
Came back and changed the back [cylinders 1-3] exhaust valve cover- it looked more hopeful that that was the cause of the leak- it was saturated under the edge of the cover with oil.
I need to go to Home Depot and get some weather stripping for the back door; and I need to decode if I am going to order the 02 sensors online or take it to a mechanic… i may also run out to Wally-World [WalMart] and see if the have the QuickCam Orbit for less than $130…
I need to get them fixed as I definitely will NOT pass an emissions test if they are not working! And I have to have that done before my birthday to get a tag renewal for my car!