Semi-Circular Plugs

[DanMan4142]

Hey guys,

This is my first post here on MUD, but i've been lurking and learning on and off for about the last year. I picked up a '97 80 series anniversary edition last summer and am finally getting around to digging into it for a good baseline. I've been trying to track down a couple of oil leaks, and in the process pulled the valve cover to replace the gasket and the spark plug seals since i was getting oil around the plug wires.

In the process, I also noticed that it appears I may be leaking a bit around the "semi-circular plugs" on the front of the head just below where the valve cover gasket seals. I cant tell whether it actually came through the sealant on the plugs, or passed along the seams where the valve gasket sits.

In any case, it seems like it would be a good idea to re-seal these plugs. I searched but didnt find much discussion on them. Is it normal to pull them out and re-seal during a valve cover gasket change? Anyone know of a good writeup on the easiest way to do it? I havent tried prying on them yet so i dont know how well they are stuck in there.

Thanks in advance.

-Dan

 

[breathed]

Yes, it is normal to pull them and re-seal them. I normally use a pair of pliers with rubber tape wrapped on the jaws to pull them straight up. Clean off all the old FIPG and use Toyota black FIPG for oil to re-seal them 00295-00103.

 

[davework]

If you break them getting them off, they aren't that expensive to replace.

 

[DanMan4142]

Great, thanks for the help.

What about the seams along the top of the plugs? Will the valve cover gasket fill those adequately or should i put down a thin layer of FIPG across those areas before putting the valve cover back on?

Thanks.

 

[george_tlc]

Great, thanks for the help.

What about the seams along the top of the plugs? Will the valve cover gasket fill those adequately or should i put down a thin layer of FIPG across those areas before putting the valve cover back on?

Thanks.

I doubt the 1/2 moons are leaking - more likely just coming from above via a rock hard valve cover gasket.

Valve cover gasket will do just fine without fipg. You can see some pics & some info when I did mine while replacing a dead injector ->

http://www.george4wd.taskled.com/injectors.html

cheers,
george.

 

[blkprj80]

I used a piece of aluminum plate stock to set ny half moons flush with the top surface. I wouldn't fipg there as the valve cover will stick if you ever want to remove it.
Mine doesn't leak.