Are there any 4runner mechanics near Chicago who want to help out?

[hawkcharmer]

Hey guys,

It recently dropped to about 16 degrees here in Chicago and now my valve covers started to leak much worse towards the rear of the engine.. I can do the work myself but do not have a garage. Is there anyone in the area with a garage who would like to help out one weekend? Ill pick up some good food and drink.

If not, can someone recommend a toyota truck guy, maybe a toyota mechanic who does side work that is near Chicago or surrounding suburbs?

I would like to replace the following..
valve cover gaskets, plenum gasket, half moon gaskets
plugs & wires and whatever else is easily accessible while under there the plenum.

Thanks guys.. Much appreciated!

 

[nissanh]

For the time being, I think you can simply tight the valve cover bolts by using a 10 mm box socket and an extension and DEFINITELY by using hand to turn the extension. Do not use any ratchet, as this might over tight the bolts and potentially crack the valve cover.

I had some oil seeping out between the head and valve cover. After tightening the bolts problem is solved.

 

[hour]

Yeah, that. I'm so lucky mine let go when we were still getting a mix of fall weather a couple weeks ago. Maybe the cold snaps were enough to make it seep extra - I of course tightened with a wrench and cracked the valve cover.

So in short, do what nissanh says and tighten by hand, gently snugging them up but not tight. My leak got way worse when I cracked mine because the crack ran down to where the already problematic gasket was, dripping directly on the exhaust - literally could not drive it due to smell.

The back bolts suck to get at but you can use a small socket extension (~4") and a swivel socket adapter to lock on and then spin by hand, awkwardly. Otherwise, good luck and hope someone can lend you a hand/garage. I would have done even more damage trying to knock it out with frozen hands/extra brittle pieces.

 

[hawkcharmer]

Thanks guys! I will definitely do this as soon as I find a warm place with good light. Temperature is now 14 degrees.! Its so cold that the door seals were frozen and stuck to the doors preventing and easy entry. Any recommendations on a door seal lube used for extreme winters? I siliconed them in fall but I guess this not help too much.


Thanks again

 

[nissanh]

Try to get in through one of the 5 doors and turn the heater on. I will caution you, not to pull hard from the door handles. These are plastic and will break easily.

 

[cmiller90]

4runner help

I'm in valparaiso indiana. Not to far from
Chicago. I'm off all month I've got a 30x40 heated barn. I'm
Planning on doing a lot of work on my truck. I can fit another. I need to do my valve covers too

 

[hawkcharmer]

Sounds good.. Still waiting on some parts to come in, but I will definitely be contacting you shortly.. Valpo not far at all..

Thanks man!