S54 leak at back of head

[tlow98]

I believe that plug allows removal of the follower shafts.

It does. They’re put in with red thread sealer from the factory.

[bigjae46]

I believe that plug allows removal of the follower shafts.

[Cubieman]

You can also hammer the hex portion out of the socket itself, get a wrench on it and when done hammer the socket back together.

[IMOLA3]

^ Funny enough I ended up just using a dremel to cut half the length off the bit. Worked like a charm

[heinzboehmer]

That's your solution to everything

Well, it's pretty effective

[Slideways]

..

That's your solution to everything

[heinzboehmer]

Thanks for the reply. I discovered its an 8mm hex, but the standard length socket I have is much too long to fit both the wrench and the socket down there. So I'm off to the store to try to score a shorter hex socket set.

..

[IMOLA3]

It’s big. Iirc it’s a 10mm.

Engjne is back in the car otherwise I could tell you for sure.

Thanks for the reply. I discovered its an 8mm hex, but the standard length socket I have is much too long to fit both the wrench and the socket down there. So I'm off to the store to try to score a shorter hex socket set.

[tlow98]

It’s big. Iirc it’s a 10mm.

Engjne is back in the car otherwise I could tell you for sure.

[IMOLA3]

I am chasing down a small oil leak that I narrowed to the back of the head where both cam sensors are and also a few allen and freeze plugs are located. Anyone familiar with this kind of leak?

I've already changed out the valve cover gasket and confirmed it's sealing correctly. Also the CPV o-ring was replaced (though the leak is higher than that so I ruled it out anyway). Lastly I am changing the oil filter housing gasket as that's leaking also but on the other side of the motor. I did confirm some oil present using a mirror on the bottom of those allen plugs (red).

Not my pic, pulled from a recent fb post.

Does anyone know the hex size for these circled bolts? I have a leak coming from the passenger side one and am having a hard time getting anything back there without dropping it down into the engine. Going at it from underneath doesn't seem any better. Any tips are much appreciated.

[natty99]

The o-ring for the exhaust CPS is notorious for hardening and leaking over time. May be mistaken for a leaky VCG

[MathewM3]

I tried aftermarket vcg gaskets a couple of times, Reinz and something else that I don't remember the name of. Both times ended up with leaks. Use Oem and you will not have a problem.

[trigtm]

I replaced the o-ring on the exhaust cam sensor and that seems to have stopped the leak. I’ve only put about 25mi on it but I’m going to an auto-x tomorrow. I replaced the oil housing gasket too...and that was definitely blown. ECS sells a bit on one that I went with for longer life.


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[BubbaTree]

I've replaced numerous VCGs on my car, and only once did I use a Reinz product. Only once did a VCG leak, and it was the Reinz. I always put a dab of rtv on the gasket half-moons before installation, and never had a problem except the Reinz.

[SteelGreyM]

FWIW my super blown-between-all-cylinders head gasket caused my engine to have this exact same look. Looked like a head gasket leak. Not sure if that’s possible or whatnot just sharing my experience.