Cylinder head cam plug

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Dec 11, 2017

Justin04

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Cylinder head cam plug

Hi guys i got a 04 civic that the cylinder head cam plug leaks oil can i just change the O ring on the plug or i have to buy a new plug.? Thanks

Dec 11, 2017

Wankenstein

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

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Originally Posted by Justin04

Hi guys i got a 04 civic that the cylinder head cam plug leaks oil can i just change the O ring on the plug or i have to buy a new plug.? Thanks

The O-ring hardens and flattens over time due to engine heat. Can just replace the O-ring if the cap's legs are not torn or worn out.

I just did one on mine a few days ago and added a thin coat of Hondabond (RTV) over the flattened O-ring and cap rim..it stopped the oil leak.

Dec 11, 2017

Justin04

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

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Originally Posted by Megalodong

The O-ring hardens and flattens over time due to engine heat. Can just replace the O-ring if the cap's legs are not torn or worn out.

thanks and do i need to put a gasket maker/sealant.?

Dec 11, 2017

Justin04

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

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Originally Posted by Justin04

thanks and do i need to put a gasket maker/sealant.?

i only got an ultra black gasket maker will that work.?

Dec 11, 2017

ezone

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

Honda sells the plug complete for only $10

Honda part #
12513-P72-003

Dec 11, 2017

Wankenstein

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

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Originally Posted by Justin04

i only got an ultra black gasket maker will that work.?

Yes. Black RTV is recommended for use with oil.
Thin coat of RTV is best and I prefer installing the cap with the valve cover off so I can ensure none of the cap's plastic legs broke off inside the engine during removal or installation.

Or as Ezone replied $10 for OEM cap that should last years.

Last edited by Wankenstein; Dec 12, 2017 at 06:49 AM.

Dec 11, 2017

Justin04

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezone

Honda sells the plug complete for only $10

Honda part #
12513-P72-003

thanks but the closest honda dealership is 3hrs away from me. I who'd love to use an OEM but 4 now just looking for a temporary fix till i got an OEM one

Dec 11, 2017

ezone

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin04

thanks but the closest honda dealership is 3hrs away from me. I who'd love to use an OEM but 4 now just looking for a temporary fix till i got an OEM one

Mail order!

Dec 20, 2017

D17VTECPOWER

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

I use an aftermarket billet aluminium one in my Civic. It was around $8 on Amazon. It has 3 O rings, it doesn't leak, and it is pretty.

Dec 27, 2017

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GusBuz

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

Quote:

Originally Posted by D17VTECPOWER

I use an aftermarket billet aluminium one in my Civic. It was around $8 on Amazon. It has 3 O rings, it doesn't leak, and it is pretty.

How did you get around installing this billet plug? When I removed the cover i see that the rockers are all connected with long pipe looking rods. I tried to remove just the end cap but it would not come off because it is all connected.

Dec 27, 2017

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D17VTECPOWER

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

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Originally Posted by GusBuz

What I did is I unscrewed all the cam bolts about 1/8 to 1/4 inch and I removed the bolts for both caps so I could gently pry the whole assembly up a little. It's not at all hard, the whole process took me no more than 45 minutes from hood up to hood down. I can take some pictures if that would help you. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Dec 27, 2017

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GusBuz

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

cool thanks! I kinda knew I would have to remove the end caps/cam bolts but i had not thought of just loosening them to get the plug off. now I have a project on my hands and also gonna help a friend do it on his sedan.

Last edited by GusBuz; Dec 27, 2017 at 03:00 PM. Reason: additional info

Dec 27, 2017

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D17VTECPOWER

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Re: Cylinder head cam plug

Quote:

Originally Posted by GusBuz

cool thanks! I kinda knew I would have to remove the end caps but i had not thought of just loosening them to get the plug off. now I have a project on my hands and also gonna help a friend do it on his sedan.

You don't actually have to remove the end caps, just the bolts that hold it down.