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

[ruijay]

Thanks for taking the time to write up. It helps a lot to understand the process.
I have however a bad experience replacing the valve gasket on my previous honda accord 4cyl and this looks more complicated. The job made looks easy from this write up but I am too nervous doing it because I just happen to have bad lucks with repairs. I found a mechanic who is willing to do it for $200 including the spark plugs and wires ( i am bringing my own parts). I thought it was a decent price because I just don't want to risk it. However, there is also a risk that the mechanic won't take the proper time to cover the engine holes, clean up the bay from the previous oil leaks etc.. but at least, if it is still leaking, I can take it back.

 

[Troutsrunner]

Did mine today to both of my engines. took me 5 hours to do both. One step closer to forced induction!

 

[HammerHead]

Can you use blue thread lock on the valve cover bolts? Mine keep coming lose.

 

[viceversa]

Can you use blue thread lock on the valve cover bolts? Mine keep coming lose.

Yes.

Reminder of torque specs: 53 in-lbs

 

[CraigC82]

I was able to purchase all parts and even a Tekton Ft Lb torque wrench on Amazon Prime for under $145. Started and completed yesterday in about 6 hours thanks to this write up!

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I will be using this thread to do mine very soon. Thanks.

 

[ocp]

I'm planning on tackling this on Saturday. PO must have also replaced them because the driver's side VC has a cracked lobe. In the pics, you can see the cracked lobe just below the oil fill cap; it's cover in JB weld or something. Fortunately, I found a VC at the local pull-a-part for $11! However, it doesn't have the raised fins, like the VC that is currently on my vehicle. I have a 2000 4Runner and I pulled the new VC off of a 96. I thought maybe it was a pre-99 thing, but in googling around it seems that even the older 3rd gens have the raised fins. However, I did see a pic of 95 Tacoma engine bay (with a 3.4L) and the VC has no fins.

Any thoughts? I'm planning on using the pulled VC unless someone has a strong objection to it.

Also, any objection to using ultra-black RTV?

Thanks,
Oliver

 

[LittleCaesar]

Oliver,

I can't say 100% but it should work. Take off the old VC and not only make sure the holes line up but that the valve covers are the same depth.

Ultra Black takes time to dry but you should be OK. I like Ultra Grey myself.

Torque the bolts to 53 in/lbs.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Oliver,

I can't say 100% but it should work. Take off the old VC and not only make sure the holes line up but that the valve covers are the same depth.

Ultra Black takes time to dry but you should be OK. I like Ultra Grey myself.

Torque the bolts to 53 in/lbs.

Yeah, I agree with LC. I usually use Toyota FIPG or THE RIGHT STUFF. All work good. Just need a couple of drops in each corner of the metal around the cam.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Toyota FIPG is great since it sets in 15 minutes so you can drive it immediately. That's how they repair your car and not have to wait hours for the gasket to set. I've also never had a FIPG fail on me yet.

 

[ocp]

Thanks for the input. I had to go by the dealership to pick up plenum gaskets so I went ahead and got the FIPG. The job's over now and it's doesn't seem to be leaking oil any longer, but time will tell.


Just my two cents... but I was able to swap the spark plug grommets without bending back the tabs on the valve cover. I just used a small screwdriver to apply pressure radially inward on the outside edge of the old grommet. After a few wacks with a mallet on the backside of the screwdriver, the metal ring in the grommet will bend in far enough to grab it with some pliers. The grommet should then lift out (you may have to work it a bit, but eventually it will just slip out). I angled the new Felpro grommets into position and was able to press them in with my fingers. This may or may not be the best way to do it and I'll let you guys know if any leaks develop around the plugs.

Also, here's a pic of the cracked valve cover. PO must have went out thinking he'd stop the leak by tightening the cover bolts. And he must have REALLY tightened them!

 

[19963.4lsr5]

FYI the button seals for the VC bolts were 1.16 each at the dealer. I picked mine up today. Another part that was cheaper at the dealer than anywhere I found on the Internet.

 

[cashmoney]

Because I'm lazy, is there a good kit available that comes with the half moons, intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets, spark plug grommets, and FIPG? My FPR is bad and my oil leak is getting worse so this seems like the perfect opportunity for a top end refresh. Just don't want to go around sourcing parts from 13 different places.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Because I'm lazy, is there a good kit available that comes with the half moons, intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets, spark plug grommets, and FIPG? My FPR is bad and my oil leak is getting worse so this seems like the perfect opportunity for a top end refresh. Just don't want to go around sourcing parts from 13 different places.

No comprehensive kit available. Here's a list of everything you'll need.

FIPG part# is: 00295-00103
2-Valve Cover Gaskets (both the L & R side are the same part), Part #11213-62020
6-Spark Plug Tube Gaskets, Part # 11193-16010
2-Intake Plenum Gaskets (both the upper & lower are the same part), Part # 17176-62040
16-Washer Seals (for the valve cover bolts) Part # 90210-05007
Camshaft housing plug(2): 11188-62010
PCV- 12204-62010
Grommet for PCV- 90480-18001

Included the PCV and Grommet. Replace that grommet while you have the VC off so you don't have to worry about it falling into the motor.
Didn't included the half moons. Just clean the up and put the FIPG on them.
Go to Camelback Toyota. They are the cheapest I could find and all the parts should be over $150 so you'll get free shipping.

 

[cashmoney]

I got all of that plus both half moons minus the PCV (replaced that two months ago) from toyotapartsestore.com for $135.97 plus $20.40 for shipping for a total of $156.37. Not to shabby.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I got all of that plus both half moons minus the PCV (replaced that two months ago) from toyotapartsestore.com for $135.97 plus $20.40 for shipping for a total of $156.37. Not to shabby.

There's 4 half moons. Just want to make sure you're not mixing them up with the camshaft plugs, which are different.

 

[cashmoney]

Yup. 4 half moons part# 1118362010 and 2 camshaft plugs part# 1118862010.

 

[azcat90]

Yes the wire loom does suck. A couple pieces of mine broke and landed in the open head and I spent 15 minutes looking for the pieces until I covered the oil galleys and got some compressed air and blew the pieces away.

I spent an hour fishing all the pieces out of my heads - pieces landed on both sides. Luckily I had towels stuck in the intake.

 

[jmildoc]

Ordered all the parts to do this. Even new intake gaskets and throttle body gasket. Didn't order the half moons cause guy at dealership I usually get parts said he had never had to replace them in 15 years of doing the VC gaskets on these. So I got everything but those.

 

[ThorInc]

Did the valve cover gaskets, plug seals on Tuesday without significant hassle, no leaks or seep since. Did not touch the halfmoons as my Toyota connection has not had to replace or order many of these, and yeah those wire harness plastic looms still suck donkey bollocks.