How long does it take to... (1 Viewer)

[Clint0511]

1. Replace the valve cover gasket (assume stock 1fzfe), having to remove throttle body, heater valve, and check valve clearances?
2. Change pcv valve?
3. Change radiator?

Let's assume somewhere between "never picked up a wrench" , and "certified mechanic" . If your answer is in beers, make sure the beers are IPAs, and not Lites.

Also, I listed radiator last bcuz I treated them as separate jobs. I am sure the vc gasket would be easier without the radiator to stand on... Looks like the PO leaned on the nice brittle overflow hose on my rad...

 

[Wayne]

When I changed my valve cover gasket I took the air cleaner out and worked from that side of the engine. If you choose to do this be careful to not step on the insulated A/C return line to the compressor. Trying to work over the radiator is a pain and can cause the top plastic portion to crack if to much weight is placed on it (ask me how I know this). It took me about three to four hours to replace the gasket, spark plug tube seals and pcv grommet. I was taking my time and didn't have to do it twice, that's a good thing.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Well I feel this is more of a rhetorical question because once you start doing these items you'll undoubtedly find more stuff to PM. Therefore I estimate your project duration to be about 1.75 years and cost you in the neighborhood of $3,500. Most of which will be parts bought from @beno so best to get to know him well at this stage.

 

[Heckraiser]

PCV takes about 15 seconds, I can't comment on the rest except for you need one of these:

 

[bhicks]

PCV takes about 15 seconds, I can't comment on the rest except for you need one of these:

The wheel step thing is fantastic. Need to find one.

 

[bhicks]

Found it. Ordered it. $25 for that step seems like a great idea. Would have loved to have had this out on the trail many times. Love the fact that it folds flat and is adjustable.
Ironton Truck Service Step — 300-Lb. Capacity | Steps| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[BiggestAUfan]

I just did mine about 3 months ago. I have VERY little knowledge of engine repair (unfortunately) and did it with a friend who is a genius and does all his maintenance but never laid eyes on an LC.

He spent about 4 hours reading this forum and took copius notes of the step by step procedure. Final job took us 9 hours from start to finish with a lunch break added into that and a trip to the local supply store.

Hardest part was removing the spark plug gaskets without marring the side wall, but with the patience of Job it can be done.

 

[inkpot]

Ya gotta pull the cams to adjust the valves so hope you don't find any bad ones. Pretty rare on the 1FZ. Don't need to pull the heater valve to get the VC off, but a good time to che

Found it. Ordered it. $25 for that step seems like a great idea. Would have loved to have had this out on the trail many times. Love the fact that it folds flat and is adjustable.
Ironton Truck Service Step — 300-Lb. Capacity | Steps| Northern Tool + Equipment

Harbor Freight used to carry them. Got mine years ago. Don't know if they still have them?

 

[blkprj80]

Found it. Ordered it. $25 for that step seems like a great idea. Would have loved to have had this out on the trail many times. Love the fact that it folds flat and is adjustable.
Ironton Truck Service Step — 300-Lb. Capacity | Steps| Northern Tool + Equipment

Check out the Extra Large set on amaxon.
https://www.amazon.com/Ironton-Extr...1473731651&sr=8-7&keywords=truck+service+step

 

[samiam09]

Just did the valve cover and spark plug seals on Thursday .took 2 hours or so. That's with scrubbing the valve cover to get it somewhat clean.I just use the kitchen step stool cause i was to lazy to dig out the Tire step

 

[on3i11s]

I also did my valve cover gasket, spark plugs, seals, distributor cap, rotor, wires, heater valve, PHH (while I was at it),betc about 2 months ago. I had the luxury of being able to take my time and spread my work out over multiple days since I was off for the summer. I think I spent three days doing everything, although if I was in a rush or needed to do it quickly it could have been done in a day. First day was disassembly, second was cleaning and painting, and the third day was reassembly. I cleaned the hell out of my valve cover, the throttle body housing, and all the oil/muck all over my engine. I used a pressure washer, degreaser, a metal scrub sponge ball thingy for the inside of valve cover, and wire brushes and TB cleaner for the TB housing.

Also, I'm a lanky, skinny fellow weighing in only at 140 so I climbed my ass right into that engine bay. Stepped on tires and the frame for a firm planting when needed and that was it.

As far as , green flash was the IPA of choice

 

[Mighty690]

A weekend. And I like your IPA tendencies. The PCV valve sits in a grommet that will be so hard you won't recognize the replacement part. (Most guys fail to replace this too.) You'll want to carefully remove the old grommet; I like to do it with the valve cover upside down so the inevitable broken pieces don't fall into the hidden recesses of the valve cover baffling. You'll want to do your spark plugs at this time too, no biggie but the valve cover has seals that go around the spark plug tubes. I'd do those too. With the FSM the valve check is quick and easy, particularly when the radiator is out so you can easily turn that crank bolt (you got a socket that big?). I'd be surprised if they're out of spec. Radiator: do the hoses too. Make sure you've got the OEM hose clamps; they're nice and durable. How is that thermostat? Will you have the correct (OEM) radiator cap? I'd better stop now...

 

[jeffro109]

Whatever people on here say, multiply by 2.5. I seem to spend too much time doing PM projects.

 

[Tools R Us]

The wheel step thing is fantastic. Need to find one.

They are great for adding bloody scabs to your shins!

 

[Overlandeffex]

Like everyone is saying...give extra time...I'm in day 32 of a my build in between work, teaching and life...wait a two week strike team for norcal for fire duty...the valve cover and seals is easy...pan arch seals....

 

[mct75]

How hard is all this on a 3FE?

 

[Clint0511]

Well, rock auto just delivered cover gasket, pcv valve, plug seals and new plugs. I may dig in this weekend while it's supposed to rain on and off this weekend. Looks like somewhere between 2 hours and 32 days...

BTW, bought my rig in July. 1 owner (company vehicle), 257k. Put 2" ome and 17" TRD Sema matte blacks on right away, as well as a new ac compressor condenser and drier. The following week I started a 4k mile trip from Jacksonville to Northern Ontario, Canada and back... Took 1.5 qts of oil each way. But, I love this rig. Fun to drive, lots of space, and it's paid for. No lockers. I also had a lot of maintenance records for fluid changes, which was nice.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Sounds like a good rig! I would avoid rock auto and autozone parts however. You will come to find that there is no replacement for oem quality parts.

 

[Overlandeffex]

Congrats on the purchase and glad your digging in to the fun that comes with being a 80 owner. I got mine and just jumped in with both feet.

 

[Tools R Us]

... I would avoid rock auto ...

Why is that, depending on what is needed, they sell Denso, Aisin, etc.