good info. when i did mine a while back i just took the one off to replace the seal, but too be safe it can be done your way. more work but be safer than sorry. also while there you might as well replace the v-tec solenoid gasket. just did mine not too long ago and it is $20.00 from honda, get it for the 2000 civic si. also can eliminate other leak factors such as the dizzy seal if you choose, but some will say if it is not broke do not fix it. anyway good info.