I've been able to fix most of the oil leaks that my 99 Si had. I've now noticed that there is a leak on the cylinder head plug. This is a plastic plug that is located right next to the VTEC solenoid on the passenger side of the head. Does anyone know how to replace this and point me in the right direction? Thank you.

 

Picture?

 

this is commonly known as the b-series cam seal. there are many aftermarket aluminum replacements. or the oem version is plastic

here's a link to the install
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/tech-article-b-series-cam-seal-replacement-2414973/

golden eagle - $23.95
http://www.goldeneaglemfg.com/index....ex&cPath=76_96

oem part# 12513-P72-003 - $5.24
http://www.hondapartsunlimited.com/i...&submit=submit

 

Nice. Link added to FAQs sticky.

 

every b16 ive owned has always leaked.

 

dpetro1 - Thanks a million. Read the write up, just have a question. What should the two bolts from the cam cap be retorqued to?

Also, how much better are the aftermarket items compared to the OEM one? I mean, my car has 130k miles, so that means that this oem seal has lasted this long. So I would assume that replacing it with the OEM once should last another 100k more miles.

 

Get the seal from honda, dont use and aftermarket one. The factory plug just pops in... the ones sold online are like the old style seals, and require taking the valve cover off and removing the cam cradles and all that stuff out to put in the seal.... its not hard at all to do and its like 10 or 15 bucks from honda.

 

AlexBerg- Are you saying that with the OEM one, you can just pop it out and pop in the new one? I don't see how this can be done since the seal is flushed and there is nowhere to grab onto. Can you provide a little more info?

 

this is incorrect. you cannot simply "pop out" the seal. there is a lip on both ends of the seal so it would pretty much be impossible to push it through. if you were able to manage, im sure the seal would be damaged/destroyed completely.

you can see the lip on the oem and aftermarket here


OP, cam caps get torqued to 7.2 ft/pounds

 

Besides not being plastic, what's the difference between the aftermarket and oem one? Also, would the oem one hold up to another 100k+ miles? If so, I don't see a need to go aftermarket. Thanks again dpetro1, I'll buy a small torque wrench and will be doing this myself

 

oem is fine. if the first one lasted this long then a new one should work just as well.

advantage to an aftermarket is that the aluminum doesnt wear over time like plastic. and they can simply be re-o-ringed if needed. for people that have the motor apart often, this may be an advantage. also there is a bit of bling factor with a billet aluminum piece. lastly, its a way for companies to make a quick buck by charging 4-5 times what an oem piece costs.

 

thanks for all the info, OEM it is