1999 4runner Passenger Side Valve Cover Stuck

[blarblarjosh]

So trying to do the valve cover gasket replacement and have all 8 bolts removed on the the valve cover but I can't seem to be able to pull it off. I know there's a bracket near the firewall but I don't believe it is attached to the cover. I can't see anything else that needs to be removed and when looking at the other guides I don't see anything else to be removed. Do I just need to pry harder or is there something other than the 8 bolts that need to be removed?

Thank you.

 

[DaMonkey]

Well I would like to be the first one to say bravo for not prying harder and getting into real trouble before asking the question.

I don’t know the answer, but I have a feeling you will be told to pry harder.

 

[HiLife]

The bind could be between the 3 spark plug tubes gasket meets the spark plug tube gaskets.

 

[LittleCaesar]

A big rubber mallet should do the trick.

I have seen one tack welded onto a head before but it wasn’t on a 4runner. A dish of revenge best served cold, so to speak.....

 

[pokeyman]

just tap it on the side with a rubber hammer

 

[Joelzy]

I had some stubborn spark plug tube seals that were hardened and stuck as well as someone adding RTV all the way around instead of just those corners.
just pried on it little by little all the way around and it eventually started easing up. If everything is out of the way there shouldn't be anything else holding it down i dont think.

 

[blarblarjosh]

I had some stubborn spark plug tube seals that were hardened and stuck as well as someone adding RTV all the way around instead of just those corners.
just pried on it little by little all the way around and it eventually started easing up. If everything is out of the way there shouldn't be anything else holding it down i dont think.

Joelzy, did you pry with any tools or just pulling by hand? I have a feeling the PO applied RTV all the way around.

I've attempted lightly tapping with a rubber mallet as I've seen that mentioned for other vehicles that have valve covers stuck on to no avail. Maybe I just need to put in a bit more elbow grease.

 

[Joelzy]

Joelzy, did you pry with any tools or just pulling by hand? I have a feeling the PO applied RTV all the way around.

I've attempted lightly tapping with a rubber mallet as I've seen that mentioned for other vehicles that have valve covers stuck on to no avail. Maybe I just need to put in a bit more elbow grease.

I used a big flathead but be sure to only pry on the outer tabs, never into anything that could scar the seal area. this kind of gives you an idea if you're not sure where is safe.

 

[blarblarjosh]

I used a big flathead but be sure to only pry on the outer tabs, never into anything that could scar the seal area. this kind of gives you an idea if you're not sure where is safe.

Awesome, thanks Joelzy! I'll give that a whirl after work. Hopefully I can get mine off and make it look remotely as clean as yours.

 

[Joelzy]

Awesome, thanks Joelzy! I'll give that a whirl after work. Hopefully I can get mine off and make it look remotely as clean as yours.

I wish that was mine! just a pic i pulled from the web for reference. Even after a hot tank mine weren't that clean. :redbrick: