My recently rebuilt 3.0 has developed a pretty good leak at the driverside rear cam plug. Ive searched through all the threads I could find on this and found some contradicting info.

1. Can the driverside plug be replaced without removing valve covers? I know its in a tough spot with it being close to the firewall, but can it be done, or does the valve cover need to come off for the plug to be removed?

2. Is the use of sealant needed when replacing the plug?

3. Ive seen a couple different torque specs, the fsm says 43 in-lbf, is this correct?

Thanks

 

I just did the driver side cam plug. Its very doable without removing anything. Its a little tight getting a wrench in there but a ratcheting 10mm box wrench worked well for me.

Getting the plug out after removing the plate was no easy feat. While at a walmart, I looked around the bathroom section and found some suction cups that looked like they would work. Clean the old plug real well and slowly work it out with the suction cup. It took me like an hour because I was pulling too hard and popping it off.

Pull slow and firmly and mine eventually popped out. I put a small film off black rtv and reinstalled. No leaks yet, still gotta do the pass side. Good luck.

Heres a pic of the suction cup I used, I forget the exact size.

 

Great info! When you bolted the cover plate back on did you torque it to specs or just tighten it up? How can you get a torque wrench in such a tight spot anyway??

 

Honestly, I just snugged them down. They're small bolts so I didn't go crazy. The more important part I think is getting the plug in correctly and flush.

 

Ok great thanks. What puzzles me is it's a recently rebuilt motor (800 miles on it) so the plugs are new, and it's gooped up pretty good with sealant. I did put a box wrench on one of the bolts and it was loose, I tightened it snug and it slowed the leak but didnt stop it.

 

If the surface wasn't completely clean then the rtv wont work. I used a rag soaked in brake cleaner on my finger and wiped it down real good. Don't forget to let it dry for a few hours before starting it up.

 

When you popped the plug out did residual oil that was around the cam drip out the plug hole for awhile?

 

No. Just the oil that was on the plug. After I wiped it down it stayed dry.

 

Ok so I put a bead of rtv around the plug and popped it in, seems like alot of the rtv pushed out around the edges when I pushed it in so I'm not sure what kind of seal I achieved.