Time for Valve Cover Gaskets...

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GaFJC

GaFJC

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jan 17, 2009
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21
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553
Location
Southern Mountains
I'll be replacing my VCG this weekend. Tired of smelling burnt oil on the exhaust manifolds and thought I would do before my DT headers come in from the 3rd group buy.

Any hints or tips? Anything else I should do when I'm in there?

Thanks in advance.
 
PCV is a good thing to do. It's not a hard job overall... just time consuming. You might buy some extra VC bolts in case you drop one like I did and the dealership is closed by the time you drop it. Also, buy the toyota pooky for the corners.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/189097-leaky-rh-cylinder-head-cover.html

Here is the thread where I recently discussed. I also changed my fuel filter b/c you need to disconnect the fuel line anyway. Spark plugs would be ideal at this time if you haven't done them already.

Oh yeah, post some pics to the above thread of you covers and camshafts if you have a chance.
 
jasonbraswell said:
PCV is a good thing to do. It's not a hard job overall... just time consuming. You might buy some extra VC bolts in case you drop one like I did and the dealership is closed by the time you drop it. Also, buy the toyota pooky for the corners.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/189097-leaky-rh-cylinder-head-cover.html

Here is the thread where I recently discussed. I also changed my fuel filter b/c you need to disconnect the fuel line anyway. Spark plugs would be ideal at this time if you haven't done them already.

Oh yeah, post some pics to the above thread of you covers and camshafts if you have a chance.
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Thanks, this helps a lot! I'll also attempt to take photos and post
 
I started to smell a bit of oil the other day and opened the hood to find the PS VC gasket had a small leak. I broke out the ratchet just to see if the cover was loose and it turns out the bolts were not even hand tight. I tightened up the bolts I could see and have no more leak. Got to do an oil change this weekend and will check the others. Ya might want to give that t try before you rip into it.
 
Just for clarification, the bolts do not loosen over time. The gasket material shrinks over time instead.
 
Gottagetone said:
I started to smell a bit of oil the other day and opened the hood to find the PS VC gasket had a small leak. I broke out the ratchet just to see if the cover was loose and it turns out the bolts were not even hand tight. I tightened up the bolts I could see and have no more leak. Got to do an oil change this weekend and will check the others. Ya might want to give that t try before you rip into it.
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A great idea. I've ordered my pcv, gaskets, fuel filter and plugs from the dealership and will pick them up but may wait until things are less hectic in January or Feb to install them. Just tighten them down for now.

agaisin said:
Gottagetone - how many miles on your rig? just want a reference point.
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FYI, mine has 124k on the odometer.



Is it just me or does it seem as if it's the PS VCB that leaks first?
 
I have 125k on mine and I don't think there is any way that the gaskets could have shrunk to loosen the bolts as much as they were but I guess anything is possible. What I do know is that I don't smell oil burning any more. I'll be changing my oil tomorrow and checking my valve covers in the process.
 
Gottagetone said:
I have 125k on mine and I don't think there is any way that the gaskets could have shrunk to loosen the bolts as much as they were but I guess anything is possible. What I do know is that I don't smell oil burning any more. I'll be changing my oil tomorrow and checking my valve covers in the process.
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The torque spec on those bolts is 4 measly lbs if I recall correctly. They will seem loose even coming out of the factory on a brand new vehicle.
 
^ Good to know. I just checked all mine and they all seemed extremely loose. I tightened them but certainly didnt crank down on em.
 
jasonbraswell said:
. I also changed my fuel filter b/c you need to disconnect the fuel line anyway.

.
Click to expand...

Word of caution when changing the fuel filter. I found out first hand this morning that the green clip on the output side breaks easily as it gets brittle. Typical of À la carte Toyota parts; the new $40 fuel filter doesn't come with the vital clip and the dealership didn't stock it. 2 day order time. Thankfully I was able to safely jury rig it until then.

Make sure you order it with your filter.

Tightened the VC and will replace the VCG after the holidays.
 
Those lessons are not fun, glad it worked out and thanks for the clip tip.
 
Good to know about the clip, thanks for the heads up.
 
Its a $3 part. Will post part # when i pick it up Tuesday.
 
GaFJC said:
Its a $3 part. Will post part # when i pick it up Tuesday.
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I forgot to post the part #, it is 90923-07002 FUEL TUBE CONNECTOR. I'd suggesting ordering this part with your $40+ fuel filter at the same time. If the $3 part breaks upon removal it can render the $40 fuel filter and your LC with all its great mods useless at the most inconvenient time:mad:
 
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