Maybe its time to do those valve covers; suggestions?

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ToyotaGuy88

ToyotaGuy88

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Nov 23, 2007
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Cornelius, NC
My truck has been leaking oil since it had 120,000 on it and now im sitting at 270,000. I left it sitting overnight and theres an oil puddle about the size of a dinner plate under it. I have good mechanical knowledge but little to no mechanical experience, and I have a steep driveway. Should I even attempt? It looks like a PITA. How much should I expect to pay someone to do this? Any suggestions? Thanks to all who reply...

Andy
 
If it's just the valve cover gaskets, it'll take about 3-4 hours (maybe more if you aren't used to this engine...), and it's a pain on the V6... And unfortunately they are of a design where you can't just tighten the bolts down....
 
WarDamnEagle said:
I know that the title mentioned valve covers but how do you get a puddle the size of a pie plate from valve cover gaskets?
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ditto that. i'm no expert (that should be my sig), but I would think more likely head gasket (ur f'd!), rear main seal (good time for a new clutch), or oil pan (hope so, easiest fix). maybe in that order.

as master of the obvious, the 3.0L is notorious for head gasket failure. i believe Toyota is still authorizing the recall through your local dealership. if you havent had this done, i would start there.
 
It appears to be leaking along the back side of the valve cover and around the side, it is burning off the exhaust manifold. I have had no troubles with head gaskets as far as coolant in the oil or anything of that nature; just oil leakage. I did the clutch just recently when I had the tranny rebuilt and the rear main was not leaking. I hope it hasnt sprung since cause it was not fun pulling the tranny. Actually the plate size puddle is one of three puddles:D. It just happened to be the largest. Thank you for your replies.
 
Actually the semicircular plugs will let your engine lose 2qts in 15miles, and pour another out when you shut it off. Trust me, i know. I found it was easiest (if you have 2people) to remove the hood, then tackle it from there. I dont know if its different on the 22RE but it took me 45minutes to do the 22r valve cover gaskets
 
45 mins to do a valve cover gasket on a 22R? Seriously? Were you blindfolded? One arm in a cast?

There are no half-moon gaskets on the V6 valve covers. The driver's side isn't too bad, but you have to remove the air plenum to get to the other one, huge pain and another gasket to buy. Since you'll be there, you might as well adjust the valves. Search on here on tips, it's been discussed. If you can afford the down time, you could also pull the injectors and send them out for cleaning and balancing.

I H8 working on that engine.
 
KLF said:
45 mins to do a valve cover gasket on a 22R? Seriously? Were you blindfolded? One arm in a cast?

I H8 working on that engine (3.slow).
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Long live the 22re!
 
Yeah those valves make some noise from time to time. Probably not a bad idea to adjust them while im there. I just cant figure out out why I always decide to do something big in the flippin winter time. Thanks for the input!:)
 
KLF said:
The driver's side isn't too bad, but you have to remove the air plenum to get to the other one, huge pain and another gasket to buy. Since you'll be there, you might as well adjust the valves. Search on here on tips, it's been discussed.
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X2 on the valve adjustment. The most common issue with the 3.0 and often overlooked. It's also a good idea to check your compression before you make any adjustments. If you have 1 or 2 low cylinders, you will know if the valve adjustment has an effect when the number increases. Of course, if the compression readings are still low, you may have a burnt valve.

KLF said:
I H8 working on that engine.
Click to expand...

The beast can be loved with time spent close to its heart.
 
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