Thanks for the reply, fglaustin. I do suspect the valve cover is warped. I remembered that when I was putting the plug wires back on after putting in new seals, the number 1 plug wire (the one whose plug well was full of oil) didn't click down like the others did, though it was apparently close enough to get the spark.

Does anyone know if these can be straightened, or if they need to be replaced?

If I decide to do the ring job, I'll take care of this at the same time.

Thanks.

 

the haynes manual talks about checking the oil pan for straighness, and using a hammer on a flat surface to correct. but that is referring to the lip of the oil pan.
i don't know how the entire valve cover would be warped (?); or is it that just the lip has to be put on a flat surface and made level. well, thinking about it, if you did that, then you would be taking the warpness out of it.

with the head off, you will be able to see how the valves are. i wouldn't be surprised if there is not a bad valve to two.