Replacing rear CAM seal plug

Originally there was no sealer on it, but if you use a silicone gasket sealer, that will make it slide in easier and will "glue" it in to prevent it from falling out again. Let the sealer set up overnight because if it slides in easier, it can be forced out easier too.

I use the sealers from the Dodge dealer because that's what I'm most familiar with. The black stuff stays a little more rubbery, but it is critical there is no oil film. If there is, the sealer won't bond and seal. The gray stuff gets a little harder but it will still bond if there is a little oil film. It's still best to wash the area first with brake parts cleaner or carburetor cleaner.

I don't recall ever seeing that plate and I don't know what it's for. I resealed a lot of valve covers in my first couple of years at the dealership starting in 1990 and I don't believe I ever saw one of those. If I had to guess, I would suggest it was probably to mount an air pump for the emissions system.

There is really no oil pressure acting on that seal so it shouldn't be popping out very easily. If you do use sealer on it, put the sealer on the plug, not the head. If you put a layer on the head, then push the plug into it, some of that sealer will get pushed in further and could block the oil drain area.