Getting ready for valve cover gaskets and have some questions

blonde1boarder

blonde1boarder

New member
I've got some free time so I'm getting ready to tackle the valve cover gaskets. Currently this is the parts list I've come up with:

1) 2 Valve Cover Gaskets, 6 Spark Plug Tube Gaskets, 16 Grommets from this kit Valve Cover Gasket Toyota Lexus 3 4L V6 5VZFE DOHC 24V | eBay . Has anyone used this kit? Seems like a solid price for what you get

2) 2 Camshaft plugs from here Felpro/Camshaft Seal (TCS45979) | AutoZone.com


I'm wanting to confirm that these parts are what I'm looking for. Right now saving money is the name of the game otherwise I would look to OEM.

Anything else I should do while I'm in there? I just recently replaced the PCV so that should be good to go. Thanks
 
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I'd at least spring for the Fel-Pro kit instead of the Ebay special. This is a job you want to do once and that is it.

If $$$ is a real issue, tighten down the bolts just a little and save up more $$$ for better quality parts in the future.

I'd get some toyota FIPG, pull all the half moons, and reseal them while you are in there.
 
Ya I will probably spring for the Felpro gaskets. I'll definitely be pulling the half moons and throwing some FIPG on them. I saw a Felpro reference on the EBAY page and just assumed it was Felpro. Too bad
 
I use that exact same e-bay gasket kit on my own 4 runner as well as 2 customers all of which are leak free even after many many miles it is on par with oem in terms of quality.

You can buy with confidence!
 
xspsi6 said:
I use that exact same e-bay gasket kit on my own 4 runner as well as 2 customers all of which are leak free even after many many miles it is on par with oem in terms of quality.

You can buy with confidence!
Click to expand...

How many miles are we talking? And using synthetic oil?
 
Check and adjust valves. I don't understand why so many people skip this area of maintenance. IMO valve cover gaskets should come 2nd to properly adjusted valves. People say it isn't required but everytime I have checked mine a few were out of spec.
 
Cleanliness! Can't stress it enough, make your surface sure clean when you install the gasket for best results. My 3rd gen had new gaskets installed and it leaks like crazy, even 4 years later. Really crappy job done, and it was done with OEM gaskets too (have receipt).

So the type of gasket, while important, I am convinced isn't as important as how well the job was done in terms of prepping and cleaning. I used to drive a Chinese built car in Southeast Asia that had the valve cover gasket go at 40,000 miles. People always say "get OEM parts" but when the OEM part is $8 and made in China, well...

Anyway, point is that I used a cheap Chinese gasket obviously, but the key points are to really really clean the mating surface of the gasket and valve cover and then use RTV. Many mechanics in my area never bothered and the cars often leaked months after the repair. Meanwhile my car (sold to brother in law) is still leak free after 2 years.

Cleanliness on the mating surfaces is MOST IMPORTANT.
 
I got the same kit on ebay, just installed it the other day. Seemed like quality parts, and I kinda figured that since its just a rubber seal, that as Ask10 said, the install and surface prep was more important then the brand and price of the gasket.

Havent installed the motor yet, so I cant tell you if they leaked at all but they seemed good to me.
 
use Acetone to clean the mating surfaces. you may want to wrap some tape around the plastic conduit that houses the wiring that runs on top of the outer edge of the VC it likes to crumble and fall in the head and then you will have to use tweezers to pull it all out, ask me how I know...LOL
 
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