3.4 Valve Cover Gasket Replacement (part#s n pics)

Here is the list if you want to go the ALL - OEM parts route...

These are for a 3.4L V6 3rd Generation 4Runner. I put in my year to get the exact one (1998), if there were multiple options for the same part number (i.e. Tacoma versus 4Runner).

Note: ALL part numbers are for ONE part, the number in parentheses is how many of that part number you need to order.

Valve Cover gaskets:
11213-62020 (2)
Spark plug seals (NOT included with valve cover gaskets): spark gasket: 11193-70010 (6)
PCV valve: 12204-62010 (1)
Grommet: 90480-18001 (1)
Semicircular plug: 11183-62010 (4)
Washer seals: 90210-05007 (16)

My total, not including shipping for this list, as of 4/22/13 at Camelback Toyota Parts is $97.55.

[MENTION=56529]Jon[/MENTION]: hope this helps out! For reference!

My 1000th post! Cheers all!
 
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A year has passed. Still nice and dry. I'd rather do 10 of these than the valve covers on my Forester XT! Stupid Boxer engine! That was a beoch and a half. Never again.
 
Here is the list if you want to go the ALL - OEM parts route...

These are for a 3.4L V6 3rd Generation 4Runner. I put in my year to get the exact one (1998), if there were multiple options for the same part number (i.e. Tacoma versus 4Runner).

Note: ALL part numbers are for ONE part, the number in parentheses is how many of that part number you need to order.

Valve Cover gaskets: 11213-62020 (2)
Spark plug seals (NOT included with valve cover gaskets): spark gasket: 11193-70010 (6)
PCV valve: 12204-62010 (1)
Grommet: 90480-18001 (1)
Semicircular plug: 11183-62010 (4)
Washer seals: 90210-05007 (16)

My total, not including shipping for this list, as of 4/22/13 at Camelback Toyota Parts is $97.55.

thanks!
 
Is there a certain pattern to use when tightening the valve cover bolts, like inside out first?

Yes there is a tightening sequence. There are several more write ups for valve cover gaskets, when I did them on my 97 I followed one, I'll see if I still have a link for it. I need to find it because my 99 is leaking now.
 
My valve covers have been leaking since I bought the 4Runner at 333K miles and I was able to get by with tightening the accessible bolts every few months. Now at 344K and a long road trip ahead of me, it's time to fix them.

My leaks were at the back of both heads at the cam plugs. The cam plugs are circular metal plugs (similar to freeze plugs) with a rubber coating. There is one in each head. But these are NO simple matter to replace unless you are mechanically inclined. The upper/center intake manifold must be removed to gain access to the driver's side which includes disconnection of several vacuum, electrical and coolant lines. I'm not trying to scare you, I encourage everyone to do their own maintenance.

Required Parts
2-Valve cover gaskets Buy Felpro Valve Cover Gasket Set VS 50422 R at Advance Auto Parts
6-Spark Plug Grommets (included in above kit)
16-Washer seals (Toyota pn 90210-05007)
2-Camshaft Plugs (Toyota pn 11188-62010)
The 4 half moon pieces are aluminum and should not require replacement, only removal and reseal. If you need them (Toyota pn 11183-62010)
PCV Valve Buy Beck/Arnley PCV Valve 045-0297 at Advance Auto Parts
PCV Valve grommet Buy Beck/Arnley PCV Valve Grommet 039-6428 at Advance Auto Parts
The intake gaskets are reusable.

Bumping this thread to update information. Per the Toyota service manual, the intake gaskets are *NOT* reusable. Just giving others a heads up
 
Bumping this thread to update information. Per the Toyota service manual, the intake gaskets are *NOT* reusable. Just giving others a heads up

Found this kit on ebay, looks pretty good:

Toyota 4Runner Tacoma 3 4L V6 5VZFE Spark Plugs Wires Tune Up Kit Genuine OE | eBay

Includes the following:

  • Toyota Spark Plugs 90919-01192 x 6
  • Toyota Spark Plug Wire 19037-62010
  • Toyota Positive Crank Ventilation pcv 12204-62010
  • Toyota Valve Cover Gaskets 11213-62020 x 2
  • Toyota Spark Plug Tube Seals 11193-70010 x 6
  • Toyota Plenum Gasket 17176-62040 x 2
 
Thanks for the great write-up, I'll use this a my guide when I tackle this soon. Also, thanks for the eBay link. I called the dealership directly and ordered the kit, and they were great to work with - knowledgable, patient, and very helpful.

I decided to replace all 16 valve cover bolts when I do mine. It seems I am retorquing mine ever few months! When I install the new bolts, I was thinking about using Loctite 242 (blue) to help prevent what seems to be the inevitable loosening that I've experienced. What are your experiences and/or opinions on using Loctite on the valve cover bolts?
 
since i haven't done this yet, what is the purpose of draining coolant?

There are a few coolant lines that run through the throttle body. Draining the coolant first keeps it dry up there.

I wanna give a huge thanks to jon for this writeup. Did this today and it took me 7 hours from start to finish in my driveway with hand tools.

Replaced the valve gaskets, bolt washers, upper intake gaskets (2), cam plugs, spark plugs, wireset, and pcv valve+grommet. All OEM parts. ~$220 from the local dealer.
 
did this yesterday. no coolant came out; great. i was surprised on how clean the inside was. very clean just like the photo. was a pita but got it done.
 
just curious, but where exactly are the half moons located? It's hard to see from the pics.

head.jpg
 

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