I was glad to find this old thread as my question involved the use of FIPG. Questions to the mechs. at the dealership revealed that some use the sealant and some don't. I'm going to use it just to be sure as what I thought was a leaking valve cover gasket was actually the plug. (Sure does create a lot of smoke when that leaking oil hits the crossover pipe.) EG2-75 page 27 of the .pdf (FSM web reference) doesn't mention using FIPG.
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...68cylinder.pdf

Anyway, after pulling the plenum, valve cover, RH delivery pipe, no.2 fuel pipe, I could reach the cam cap, housing plug, and rear plate with no problem.

One of the two longer cam cap bolts was really tight and I cracked two 10 mm sockets trying to loosen it. The third try/socket worked and I got the bolt out even though the bolt head became so rounded as to be unusable for re-install. Note: the washer for this bolt is a separate piece. The original bolt had a washer included.

I ensured that the oil return hole underneath the cam near the bottom of the housing plug was clear.

I'm waiting for few parts to come in before putting all this stuff back together. Hope this info. helps someone.

Part numbers:
Plug, camshaft housing 11188-65010
Bolt, washer based H 90105-08230
Washer, seal 90210-08033

 

As a "dealership mechanic" we almost always reuse the plugs themselves, cleaned up and just a smear of FIPG around the outside sealing surface. The only time I replace the plugs is if they look damaged or if they've been previously FIPG'd with too much excitement. I'm sure some dealerships and technicians have different standard procedures though...nothing wrong with replacing the plugs.

As for the guys not pulling the plenum and valve covers...how good do you really think your valve cover gaskets are? Is your PCV system ok? I think it's worth the effort but hey, just my opinion.

 

Hello Yota brothers!
Hey Gsolo, I had already replaced the valve cover gaskets and PCV before I thought about the cam plugs. Hindsight... The suction cup trick saved me the hassle of doing it all over again. BTW I didn't use any silicone on the plugs either cause

 

I kept getting two opinions on the matter. I agree that it's a preference thing. This forum is great! Thanks everyone

 

Thats great the suction cup idea worked. I've had some that I've had to use a punch and hammer to get out, with the bracket and cam cap off