Wondering what else I should service replace (opportunistically) while I am in replacing the rear valve cover gasket (besides the rear spark plugs). Thanks.

 

Depends on how much further you want to dismantle the engine. There is a coolant bypass hose under the intake manifold which tends to go bad and knock sensor harnesses. Don't forget to replace the PCV valve and grommet and possibly the connecting hose depending on condition.

 

Is it the knock sensor harness that tends to go bad or the knock sensor itself (or both)? Do you have any part numbers for any of these items? Really hoping the oil drops on my driveway are solely from VCG leaks and not a crank seal (or RMS).

 

Knock sensors are usually age/mileage failures they get cooked. Or sometimes they just randomly fail either way it's a judgement call to replace. They are expensive from the dealer but be very careful when buying I'd say most on Ebay are fakes. Part number for the harness is 82219-07010. BTW when doing the valve cover gaskets the bolts have built in crush washers that will be flattened so you can't reuse the bolts they won't tighten enough before bottoming out to solve add a washer or two to each bolt. Or buy new bolts if you don't mind spending the money.

Cam seals tend to go bad long before the front crank seal they are something you can deal with when doing a timing belt job. For looking up any parts use this site
http://www.japan-parts.eu/

 

Super helpful. Thank you.