valve cover/rear plug -05 legacy gt

So during an up-pipe install today I noticed the passenger side valve cover was leaking from the back, near the bottom.

when i started the installation and removed the passenger side heat shield there was burnt and fresh oil on the inside of the manifold heat shield. there was a small amount on the up-pipe as well. :ugh:

I noticed the oil and moved on...couldn't tell how bad due to the amount of PB blaster I sprayed all over to free up the bolts. didn't think it was that bad at the time.

Well i installed the pipes and went to start the car I decided to look at the valve cover. Turns out the leak was a small drip. I don't know how the owner never noticed this, but whatever. However, he did state he never drives in town or stop and go traffic.

Anyways, the leak is coming from the black plastic plug that I'm pointing to in the picture. Turns out that plug's seal was very iffy.

so, being the idiot I am I tried the clean the area and put gasket maker around the seal. Not good. while doing so I noticed the plug is loose.

I've ony seen this once before so forgive the ignorance....

The plug is loose, sealent probably won't seal it. And my concern is that if he continues to drive the car the plug will eventually fall out OR WORSE, fall in.

Thoughts?

Drain oil, remove valve cover, replace plug, re-seal?

I've never done that on a 2.5L

I feel bad for the guy. He came over for an install and finds out his motor been leaking

 

needs vc gasket on that side, fairly common

 

That black plug is loose though, I've only seen that once on a 2.0L. I think it's cracked

Any chance that could fall into the cylinder head? It's so loose I think it could...and that would be VERY VERY BAD



When I showed the owner where the leak was he mentioned the car was using up to 2 quarts of oil for every oil change and his mom stated she has smelt burnt oil for awhile now:ugh:

 

needs to be fixed asat. I dont think it could fall backwards, unless its really chewed up. but if it came all the way out that would be a very bad thing.

 

I can't tell how bad it's cracked, but it think it is.

I advised him to NOT drive the car until it's fixed.

Do you stock those plugs? And can the vc gasket be replaced with the motor still in the car? (enough room to remove the bolts?)

 

yes we do, and yes it can be.

 

3rik, thanks for the quick replys!! I do appreciate it.

damn car is in my garage

vc gasket in stock too?

 

They should be, we try to stock them.

 

Thanks again....and I'll see ya tomorrow i guess