Home Menu

Site Navigation


Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum > > > Cleaning valve covers
User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 09-04-2022, 12:14 PM #1
texadelphia texadelphia is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Texas
Posts: 426
texadelphia will become famous soon enough
texadelphia texadelphia is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Texas
Posts: 426
texadelphia will become famous soon enough
Cleaning valve covers
I'm about to replace my valve cover gaskets and I was wondering what people typically use to clean all the old oil residue off their valve covers. I wanted to use something waterless like brakekleen so I don't have to wait very long for them to dry but I don't want to discolor or stain the aluminum. Maybe brakekleen is safe but I feel like I've heard it can cause weird staining on bare aluminum. Thoughts?
__________________
1997 SR5, 3.4L, Manual
texadelphia is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-04-2022, 12:31 PM #2
connorms's Avatar
connorms connorms is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Posts: 55
connorms will become famous soon enough
connorms connorms is offline
Member
connorms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Posts: 55
connorms will become famous soon enough
I did mine recently and I just took some generic degreaser and a green scotchbrite pad and scrubbed the shit out of it. I wasn’t worried about any discoloration since I was painting it anyways, but after I was done scrubbing it didn’t look scratched up or anything so might be a good option depending how dirty they are. Mine were covered in dirt and grease after a few years of having leaky valve covers, so if they’re not too dirty I’d imagine brakleen would work fine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Long travel '97 Limited - build thread
connorms is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-04-2022, 01:11 PM #3
brillo_76's Avatar
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
brillo_76 brillo_76 is offline
Elite Member
brillo_76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Western PA
Posts: 6,039
Real Name: Jon
brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute brillo_76 has a reputation beyond repute
Quote:
Originally Posted by texadelphia View Post
I'm about to replace my valve cover gaskets and I was wondering what people typically use to clean all the old oil residue off their valve covers. I wanted to use something waterless like brakekleen so I don't have to wait very long for them to dry but I don't want to discolor or stain the aluminum. Maybe brakekleen is safe but I feel like I've heard it can cause weird staining on bare aluminum. Thoughts?
I used brakecleaner to clean my valve covers off.
__________________
7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html
brillo_76 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-04-2022, 03:39 PM #4
Devbot's Avatar
Devbot Devbot is offline
Senior Member
  
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,198
Real Name: Devan
Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold
Devbot Devbot is offline
Senior Member
Devbot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 2,198
Real Name: Devan
Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold Devbot is a splendid one to behold
I just use brake clean and maybe a steel brush, and if it doesn't come off easily then i don't worry about it. You could probably soak them in diesel or something and get them looking awesome if you wanted to spend the time
__________________
Y2K Highlander Millennium Silver 3.4L auto @ 320k and climbing
Toytecs + 5100s / 7.5 wrap + OME spacers + Tokicos / JBA UCAs / Anonymous Fab. LBJs / Total Chaos Gussets / EimKeith PCK + LCAR / Extended Bump Stops; Brake Lines; Rear Diff Breather / True North Fab. Hybrid Bumper / CBI Hybrid Bumper + Tire Carrier / 4xInnovations Hybrid Sliders / Opt Offroad Trailing Arms / Lil Skip Gas Skid / BudBuilt Front Skid / ARB Rear Locker
Devbot is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-04-2022, 05:24 PM #5
RandyBobandy's Avatar
RandyBobandy RandyBobandy is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southwest PA
Posts: 623
RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice
RandyBobandy RandyBobandy is offline
Member
RandyBobandy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southwest PA
Posts: 623
RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice RandyBobandy is just really nice
Grease and wax remover from your local automotive paint store is pretty good stuff that won’t discolor aluminum and is designed to not leave a residue if that’s something you’re after, it’s not cheap though at $50+ a gallon.

I used brake cleaner and various degreasers on mine, but I painted them before and it’s all flaking off so I don’t really care how they look
RandyBobandy is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-04-2022, 06:06 PM #6
19963.4lsr5 19963.4lsr5 is offline
Elite Member
  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,323
19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold
19963.4lsr5 19963.4lsr5 is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,323
19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold
Cleaning valve covers
I have access to a bead blaster and a parts washer. They preformed great. I bead blasted the intake also while I was at it.

You could get a plastic tray with a lid and soak them in mineral spirits after you degrease them to try and soften up the carbon in the PCV baffles.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
19963.4lsr5 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-05-2022, 02:23 AM #7
sbag91 sbag91 is offline
Junior Member
  
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Houston
Posts: 24
Real Name: Carl
sbag91 is on a distinguished road
sbag91 sbag91 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Houston
Posts: 24
Real Name: Carl
sbag91 is on a distinguished road
agree on all these methods
If your not in a huge hurry I would suggest regular dawn dish soap with a scotch bright pad like others have mentioned. Then throw it infront of a fan while you go get food and beer.

If you do use brake/carb clean... got o wallmart. its $1.97 a can there instead of $7.49 a can at the auto parts stores near me (also tx)
sbag91 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-06-2022, 01:31 PM #8
texadelphia texadelphia is offline
Member
  
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Texas
Posts: 426
texadelphia will become famous soon enough
texadelphia texadelphia is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Texas
Posts: 426
texadelphia will become famous soon enough
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
__________________
1997 SR5, 3.4L, Manual
texadelphia is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-06-2022, 01:51 PM #9
spartacus's Avatar
spartacus spartacus is offline
Senior Member
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: denver
Posts: 3,011
spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of
spartacus spartacus is offline
Senior Member
spartacus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: denver
Posts: 3,011
spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of spartacus has much to be proud of
Purple power degreaser.
spartacus is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 10-20-2023, 02:23 PM #10
WARunner WARunner is offline
Junior Member
  
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 10
WARunner is on a distinguished road
WARunner WARunner is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 10
WARunner is on a distinguished road
Non-chlorinated brake cleaner or degreaser and water off the car for me
WARunner is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
brakekleen , covers , dry , long , valve

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
IAC Valve Testing and Cleaning mtbtim 3rd gen T4Rs 15 04-20-2024 04:43 PM
P0171 after Throttle Body and IAC valve cleaning Dezert4Runner 3rd gen T4Rs 13 02-07-2019 07:15 PM
Need help with cleaning/replacing ERG valve on 99 4 cyl 4Runner diddlybo 3rd gen T4Rs 2 04-27-2015 03:23 PM
3.4 valve covers! 01thunder For Sale: T4R Items 0 11-13-2013 03:00 PM
3.0 Valve Covers csrobb007 Classic T4Rs 3 10-03-2011 09:08 AM

» Follow Us!!!
» Log in
User Name:

Password:

Not a member yet?
Register Now!
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:17 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Toyota - 4Runner . org Forum Terms and Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2020