Leaking Gaskets

[eastbaylc]

Hey

Need some advice here on two things. I’m not a mechanic and slowly building up confidence fixing the truck.

Went to change my spark plugs out and discovered one of the coil packs was cracked and discolored. Decided to order all 8 to be replaced since I am not sure how old they are. Before installing them I noticed some oil (assuming the seals are bad and I do have a small valve cover leak).

1. If I replace the coils and plugs now will the oil damage them and force me to replace again within a week or two? It’s my daily and I don’t have the time or courage to tackle the valve covers this weekend.
2. It’s just a few drops of oil in the plug cylinder, none was on the tip just on the threading and where the coil pack goes.
3. I’ve seen comments to spray brake cleaner then blow it out. Is that ok to do with the plug removed (sorry if this is a dumb question).

Last question the nipple in the photos came off when removing the air box. It looks like it was broken before and glued back on. Anyone know if I can just temporarily glue it back ? Also what the part number/name is for this cover is to try to get a replacement?


Thanks in advance.

 

[2001LC]

First coils (COP), that have cracks. Are a sign of heat. Excessive heat, is the enemy of coils. The excessive heat, is likely from compression gasses escaping past threads of loose spark plugs. This also results in oil on threads and bottom of plugs. Also where COP purchased, and which brand, is important. Manu boot leg Denso and Toyota Denso in the market.

You can blow-out spark plug tubes, before spark plugs removed. Blowing out, when plugs are out of head(s). Risk, blowing dust into cylinders. If spark plug tube, excessively dirty. I use a wire coat hangers. Cut ~12" length of wire. Wrap one end of wire, around a small piece lint free rage. Soak rage in parts/brake cleaning and swab out tube. Rotor as you push swab down tube and as you remove, in only one rotating direction. Best to not reverse direction, which may release grim.

See: Spark plug Alert.

Broken air tube nipples are common. I understand you didn't break. But worth mention, why they break. Number one reason is people pull off, rather than push off from hose's end.

I've used 3 ways to repair.
Glue. One of weakest bonds, even when done very well.
Plastic weld. Strong if done correct. But difficult, if not experienced.
Tap in a brass nipple. MPT to barred end slip. Add glue on threads will even make a better and stronger bond.

Size as needed to your hole. Slip size diameter to same size as crossover pipe hose attaches to. This is a benefit, to OEM which otherwise requires hose with two ID. Now can be hose with only one ID.

Note: Blower is to force plastic particles out as you work past drill bit & tap. Some would say over kill.

A dab of FIPG 103, on threads of nipple. Can be used to help seal in place.

 

[2001LC]

I'll add one more PM I do. When I replace spark plugs and COP boots & seals or COP.

I re-torque head cover 10mm bolts. To 54 INCH-lbf. With a 1/4" drive digital torque wrench. To date, I've stop ~100, valve cover leaks or from leaking. I only have had to replace, valve cover gasket and spark plug tube top seals. That someone had replaced, before my time with engine. This works, until it doesn't.

 

[eastbaylc]

First coils (COP), that have cracks. Are a sign of heat. Excessive heat, is the enemy of coils. The excessive heat, is likely from compression gasses escaping past threads of loose spark plugs. This also results in oil on threads and bottom of plugs. Also where COP purchased, and which brand, is important. Manu boot leg Denso and Toyota Denso in the market.

You can blow-out spark plug tubes, before spark plugs removed. Blowing out, when plugs are out of head(s). Risk, blowing dust into cylinders. If spark plug tube, excessively dirty. I use a wire coat hangers. Cut ~12" length of wire. Wrap one end of wire, around a small piece lint free rage. Soak rage in parts/brake cleaning and swab out tube. Rotor as you push swab down tube and as you remove, in only one rotating direction. Best to not reverse direction, which may release grim.

See: Spark plug Alert.

Broken air tube nipples are common. I understand you didn't break. But worth mention, why they break. Number one reason is people pull off, rather than push off from hose's end.
View attachment 4065844

I've used 3 ways to repair.
Glue. One of weakest bonds, even when done very well.
Plastic weld. Strong if done correct. But difficult, if not experienced.
Tap in a brass nipple. MPT to barred end slip. Add glue on threads will even make a better and stronger bond.

Size as needed to your hole. Slip size diameter to same size as crossover pipe hose attaches to. This is a benefit, to OEM which otherwise requires hose with two ID. Now can be hose with only one ID.
View attachment 4065859View attachment 4065860
Note: Blower is to force plastic particles out as you work past drill bit & tap. Some would say over kill.
View attachment 4065863
View attachment 4065864
A dab of FIPG 103, on threads of nipple. Can be used to help seal in place.

Thank you so much! That is super helpful I’ll try the brass nipple option.

The plugs came from Toyota and the COPs are Denso from Napa (6731303).

Unfortunately I didn’t notice the oil until after the plugs were out, the one with the broken coil was in there super tight almost felt like it was seized in. I’m guessing since you mention the excessive heat it was due to the expansion.

I’ll try torquing down some and see if that temporarily fixes it until I get all the gaskets.


Thanks again I really appreciate the quick response!