Howdy,

This very afternoon (11-08-08), I am replacing the valve cover gaskets. I am also planning on replacing the rear cam seal/plugs, but can't easily figure how to get them off or out. There is a metal half-moon retainer over the top of the plug that doesn't seem to budge. Does that half-moon come off? Do the plugs get pryed out? Yes the little brackets are off. Does the rear top cam journal/cap need to be removed?

The FSM isn't real clear, unless you're pulling the cams.

Any immediate help would be greatly appreciated. Will periodically check this.

 

Yes, the top cam journal/cap needs to be removed to get the plug out. When you install the cap back on you can put some gasket eliminator between it and the head. I found mine leaking there on both heads, so I did the valve covers and the cam caps.