Is there anyway to "easily" replace the cam plugs on a 2.8L engine WITHOUT removing the valve covers?

I've already replaced my vavle cover gaskets with half moons and cam adjuster seals but I still have burining oil smell. I verified that my cam plugs are leaking.

Anyone?

 

If you can't get them out using a pic then taking off the valve cover is the only way to get them out. If the valve cover gaskets aren't that old it should be ok if you take them off and put them back on. When the gaskets get old they start to fall apart. I would say less than 10k would be ok to take the valve covers off.

 

Yeah, it's been less than 10k miles. So I can resuse but I just need to make sure to re-apply RTV sealant at the 4 corners correct?

 

One more question. When I remove the valve covers someone mentioned loosening the cam bolts to get the cam plugs to fall out. Are these "bolts" the ones that hold the cam adjuster seals in place?

Can you see the cam plugs inside the engine or is it shrouded?