Replace camshaft plugs ?
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Peoria AZ
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Replace camshaft plugs ?
I'm replacing the valve cover gaskets on my 93 3zve this weekend to fix a bad oil leak at the rear of the driver side cover. While looking over posts about the procedure I saw a few people mention that sometimes the leak is from the camshaft plugs.
Looking at the pics it looks like a rubber or plastic piece. My question is, do I remove, clean and reinstall the plugs with rtv or do the plugs need to be replaced? Also what RTV is recommended, black ?
Looking at the pics it looks like a rubber or plastic piece. My question is, do I remove, clean and reinstall the plugs with rtv or do the plugs need to be replaced? Also what RTV is recommended, black ?
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco East Bay
Posts: 8,252
Likes: 0
Received 820 Likes
on
648 Posts
I haven't had problems with the plugs leaking, but it wouldn't hurt to re-set them. They are a hard rubber, so I would just squeeze them. If they squeeze, clean them and put them back in. If they crumble, replace them.
I have a gray RTV that is recommended for wet locations (e.g., coolant), and the others for gasoline or oil. Which includes the blue RTV I used on the valve cover gasket. I'm not sure I know what the difference is between blue and black.
The most important part (in my opinion) is to assure that the sealing surface where the RTV goes is clean enough to eat from. RTV just doesn't like an oily surface, won't stick, and will immediately leak. I use paint thinner with good success; brake cleaner might even work better.
Speaking of rubber; now would be a good time to give some attention to the PCV valve. The valve will last a very long time, but the 21-year old grommet in which it sits won't. If yours is original, it will have the consistency of concrete. Removing it is a whole lot easier with the valve cover off, so that you can turn it upside down and keep the broken bits out of the baffles. Once you have a new grommet, for the next 5-10 years it will probably be soft enough that you might be able to remove the PCV valve without removing the plenum (with long pliers -- still a thankless job).
I have a gray RTV that is recommended for wet locations (e.g., coolant), and the others for gasoline or oil. Which includes the blue RTV I used on the valve cover gasket. I'm not sure I know what the difference is between blue and black.
The most important part (in my opinion) is to assure that the sealing surface where the RTV goes is clean enough to eat from. RTV just doesn't like an oily surface, won't stick, and will immediately leak. I use paint thinner with good success; brake cleaner might even work better.
Speaking of rubber; now would be a good time to give some attention to the PCV valve. The valve will last a very long time, but the 21-year old grommet in which it sits won't. If yours is original, it will have the consistency of concrete. Removing it is a whole lot easier with the valve cover off, so that you can turn it upside down and keep the broken bits out of the baffles. Once you have a new grommet, for the next 5-10 years it will probably be soft enough that you might be able to remove the PCV valve without removing the plenum (with long pliers -- still a thankless job).
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Just want to Highlight Thin Bead and spread it with my finger. I diddn't lay it on where it oozes out from under the gasket, just a good seal. Scope's got a point, We've gotten engines in the test cells here get RTV on so thick chunks tore off and blocked oil passages, Dont do one of those. Should be good to go.
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Peoria AZ
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmm... maybe i'll see how it looks after I clean off the old gaskets before deciding about the RTV. I wish I would have just ordered the cam plugs just in case. The dealer never seems to have anything I need in stock.
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Leesport, PA
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My driver side plug was leaking bad, I re-used the plug.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
steve miller
General Electrical & Lighting Related Topics
2
10-10-2015 01:40 AM
TURBOrunnerNM
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
4
07-22-2015 11:01 AM