I want to replace my cam seal because it is leaking oil down the engine block (gross). Anyway, I took the valve cover off, and started removing my cam cover and found that the 12mm bolts are EXTREMELY tight. So tight I am going to have to go buy a larger wrench for the stud bolts.

I read online these cam cover bolts should only be torqued to 20 ft/lbs, is that incorrect? Or why would these bolts be so tight? I am nervous to take them out with how tight they are.
Should I just crank them out anyways?




Thanks!

 

What size wrench are you using 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 right now? Also make sure your using a 6 point socket. Less of a chance to strip the bolt head.

 

You shouldn't have to remove the camshaft covers to replace that seal. Actually, you didn't even need to take the valve cover off.
If it's leaking from where you have circled in red, all you need to do is replace that plastic plug/cap. Pop it out with a flat blade screwdriver, wipe out the hole, put a bead of HondaBond around the new plug (near or on the o-ring) and push it into the hole.
Wipe of any excess that gets pushed out around the edges and wait about 30 minutes.............you'll be good to go.

I replaced mine a couple of months ago because it was leaking oil. Not a drop since.

 

Your cam seals, are on the timing belt side. Chances are the oil on the passenger side is the distributor seal, and the cap mentioned by the previous person. I used high temp silicone, also no leaks for the last couple years. I also replaced the coolant sensor and put some silicone on the threads. If I remember correctly there's a couple sensors under the distributor, that have potential to leak. Also, the bolts may seem tighter than they are. Heat and vibration has probably just "fused" them a bit. I would also highly recommend a 6 point socket/wrench.