Half-moons for valve cover. Do I need new ones?

[ShooterMcGavin]

Eventually, I need to redo the valve cover gaskets. I have a kit with the gaskets and grommets. I have had a hard time finding the part numbers for the half-moons, so I went to a Toyota dealer. The lady behind the counter could order them up, but then she told me she thinks they don't replace them with new ones when they do that work. They are metal, aren't they? Do I need to buy new ones for this job?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Eventually, I need to redo the valve cover gaskets. I have a kit with the gaskets and grommets. I have had a hard time finding the part numbers for the half-moons, so I went to a Toyota dealer. The lady behind the counter could order them up, but then she told me she thinks they don't replace them with new ones when they do that work. They are metal, aren't they? Do I need to buy new ones for this job?

No just clean them up. You'll need the Fipg sealer. You'll also need the 2 cam plugs, the 16 bolt washer seals ( they go around the bolts that hold the VC down) and 2 plenum gaskets (for the upper intake manifold)

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Ok, thanks. I mistakenly thought the half-moons were the same as the cam plugs, so I'll have to research those and the plenum gaskets. I have the 16 washer seals in the VC gasket kit I got, and I think it has spark plug grommets too.

I have RTV sealant at home. Is that good enough or do I need to get the FIPG sealer? What is the difference?

Thanks.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Ok, thanks. I mistakenly thought the half-moons were the same as the cam plugs, so I'll have to research those and the plenum gaskets. I have the 16 washer seals in the VC gasket kit I got, and I think it has spark plug grommets too.

I have RTV sealant at home. Is that good enough or do I need to get the FIPG sealer? What is the difference?

Thanks.

The FIPG is semi hardening. I think it holds up a lot better too. If you've ever gone in to a place where regular RTV is used it almost peels off. Not the FIPG. It definitely stays in place and in tact. There's some other store bought RTV which are pretty good, like the copper stuff.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Ok, thanks. I mistakenly thought the half-moons were the same as the cam plugs, so I'll have to research those and the plenum gaskets. I have the 16 washer seals in the VC gasket kit I got, and I think it has spark plug grommets too.

I have RTV sealant at home. Is that good enough or do I need to get the FIPG sealer? What is the difference?

Thanks.

FIPG is the best gasket making material I've ever used. So much so that I use it for non-automatic uses as well. It's fairly inexpensive considering the quality of the product. The best part is that it sets in 15 min. That's how Toyota mechanics can turn around and give you back your vehicle so fast and not have to wait hours for the stuff to set.

By the way, unless your halfmoons are leaking I wouldn't even bother with them. Mine were stuck in so good I had my pliers on them and tugged with serious force and they wouldn't even budge. If yours are anything like mine you are more likely to score the surface of the valve cover by removing them. They are solid metal anyway, nothing to break down over time. The cam plugs on the rear are must though, those do leak.

Like mentioned before, the only other gasket making stuff I have is the copper RTV for high-heat applications, I had to seal a warped O2 sensor once and FIPG doesn't work well for that. No need for anything else to be honest.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Great! Thanks for all the advice, everyone.

I will find the part numbers for the cam plugs and plenum gaskets.

 

[c0mmon]

Great! Thanks for all the advice, everyone.

I will find the part numbers for the cam plugs and plenum gaskets.

theres a detailed forum post that has all the stuff you need

2-Camshaft Plugs (Toyota pn 11188-62010)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...e-cover-gasket-replacement-part-s-n-pics.html

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Thanks again, c0mmon!

That thread says that the "intake gaskets are reusable". Are those the plenum gaskets? Are they reusable or do I need new ones?

 

[Unner]

I reused my half moons and got new intake gaskets from the Toyota dealer.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Follow this line, except in regards to the half-moon (semi-circular plugs), that new is better. If items are being replaced for the first time, closely adhere to such advice.

As gamefreakgc said, the FIPG is good stuff. I have used it on may different cars and trucks. Buy it.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I'm definitely buying FIPG, now that you guys so highly recommended it. LittleCaesar, I can't argue with you there, especially when dealing with gaskets.

Are the "intake gaskets" the same as "plenum gaskets", or do I need to search out parts for each?

 

[Unner]

I'm almost positive they are both the same part number.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

They are the same. Toyota actually calls them air surge tank gaskets, whatever that means. Need 2 of these.

17176-62040 GASKET, AIR SURGE TA
[4RUNNER,TRUCK | 2000 | 5VZFE | LULI] $8.53

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Great. Thanks so much!

 

[gamefreakgc]

Toyota says they are re-usable? That's odd, considering how cheap they are. They are different than your normal gasket though because they add that rubber lining so maybe that's why.

I would say I have an extra in the garage, but I realize that non-supercharged vehicles need two, so I don't think one would do any good to anyone really.

 

[c0mmon]

Thanks again, c0mmon!

That thread says that the "intake gaskets are reusable". Are those the plenum gaskets? Are they reusable or do I need new ones?

For the cost, I wouldn't

Might pay 20 for both