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 ?

 

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 ordered the PCV valve and grommet as well. I'm pretty sure they are original

 

I just did my valve covers. My first 3.0 I used High temp Red, LEAKED, Re did it with Ultra black RTV and coat the rubber gaskets in the RTV as well. New Valve cover gaskets do not seal very well and need RTV.

 

Did you coat the entire gasket with RTV or just the corners ? The manual says just the corners, but I guess a little overkill is ok ?

 

The whole sha-bam. Thin bead then spread it with my finger and tightened it up. I wasnt taking ANY chances after oil leaks with brandnew gaskets and only 50 miles

 

I didn't, and I wouldn't. It's not called overkill for nothing. But if crazytexan got away with it, maybe you will too.

 

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.

 

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.

 

My driver side plug was leaking bad, I re-used the plug.