big04runner
Member
My 2004 4Runner has 116,000 miles on it. I changed the oil and spark plugs and found that the spark plug on the driver side closest to the driver side firewall had some oil on top of the plug--not on the bottom. There was a smudge of oil on the outside of the coil tube and a small amount of oil at the base of the spark plug hole. A quick search of this Forum (and Youtube) suggested that it is a common issue with our V6 engines and a new valve cover gasket corrects the issue. Ran to Toyota and picked up valve cover gaskets for both sides. May as well replace both since I don't plan on taking the top of the engine apart again if I can help it. $21.10 per gasket.
Since so many of you have helped me find solutions to issues with our 4Runners (...like the dreaded seized calipers and replacement), here's some pictures of what it takes to replace the valve cover gaskets. Its not necessarily a hard job to do, but it does take time undoing those frustrating connectors and unscrewing hard to see bolts holding tubes of wires, etc. I took my time and triple checked my work. This job took me about 4 hours total to take the engine apart, replace the gaskets, and put it back together. This also includes removing and thoroughly cleaning the throttle body.
When I pulled the valve covers off, the gasket stayed behind. Simply peel the old one off and press the new one into the groove on the bottom of the valve cover--it should stay put as you place the valve cover back on the engine.
It was nice to see inside the engine. I have used Mobil 1 (5W-30) for the last 56,000 of 116,000 miles. I have only used Toyota oil filters. Looks clean to me! :hungry:
Started up after putting it back together and it idled high for a while. I test drove it and the throttle was very responsive and it ran real smooth. It idled normal when I got home and after I started it up again.
***See photo; you will need an 8mm hex bit socket to remove part of the air intake on top of the engine.***
Since so many of you have helped me find solutions to issues with our 4Runners (...like the dreaded seized calipers and replacement), here's some pictures of what it takes to replace the valve cover gaskets. Its not necessarily a hard job to do, but it does take time undoing those frustrating connectors and unscrewing hard to see bolts holding tubes of wires, etc. I took my time and triple checked my work. This job took me about 4 hours total to take the engine apart, replace the gaskets, and put it back together. This also includes removing and thoroughly cleaning the throttle body.
When I pulled the valve covers off, the gasket stayed behind. Simply peel the old one off and press the new one into the groove on the bottom of the valve cover--it should stay put as you place the valve cover back on the engine.
It was nice to see inside the engine. I have used Mobil 1 (5W-30) for the last 56,000 of 116,000 miles. I have only used Toyota oil filters. Looks clean to me! :hungry:
Started up after putting it back together and it idled high for a while. I test drove it and the throttle was very responsive and it ran real smooth. It idled normal when I got home and after I started it up again.
***See photo; you will need an 8mm hex bit socket to remove part of the air intake on top of the engine.***
