Drivers side head question

[Silentmdrummer]

so I recently picked up an 01 avant and started a timing belt job because the passenger side cam was 19 degrees off. After getting everything apart I noticed there was some silicone on the front part of the driverside head. It was covering what looks like a ball bearing in between the screw holes. Not really sure what that is or why it would have silicone all over it. Passenger side is bone dry and has none. I haven't seen anything about this in any TB threads. Anyone have any info?

[audacity]

thats how you block off the sai port if you don't get block offs.

[Silentmdrummer]

thats how you block off the sai port if you don't get block offs.

This is the front of the motor. Wouldn't that be on the rear?

[zillarob]

It is how they do it at the factory also. I think the factory usually staked them like the others though.

Both heads are the same casting and can be used on either side.
What makes them different is where they put the plugs.
The front of the dside is the back of the pside, and vice versa.

[Silentmdrummer]

So basically that metal ball I see is a factory plug and there's no need for someone to put silicone there

[zillarob]

Probably.
I dont remember ever seeing one leak, but there might be a reason somebody put the silicone on there.
Odds are it was just somebody that didnt know any better playing it safe though.


Here is one I did myself.

[Mille Bornes]

lol I always wondered what was up with those balls

[Silentmdrummer]

Yeah the plug did have a little crud build up around it but my guess is it came from the leaky valve cover and got trapped by the silicone. Either way we will see because I already started to put it back together without silicone. Thanks for the help