Replacing Valve Cover Gaskets - A True Write Up - **PICTURES**

I will add this DIY thread to the 3rd Gen FAQ, Tutorials, & Documentation Reference v2

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...documentation-reference-v2-4.html#post2761917

Friendly reminder folks .... the Tutorial & Documentation Reference thread works best when the community nominates threads as a new post. I don't always see nice write ups like this, in fact I probably miss about 90% of the new ones. Please be sure to go to the Tutorial & Doc thread an nominate worthy write ups.

:)
 
ladywolf said:
uggg.......this does not look fun. Im mechanically inclined but GEEEZZZZ......:fear:

possibly picking up a 00' limited with 201k with the drivers side valve cover leaking.

maybe i'll just pay the shop:behindsofa:


question: someone said they replaced the passenger side valve cover in 15 minutes.....should i run scared?
Click to expand...

If you have a basic set of tools and some patience, you can do this job. Much earlier in this thread I posted a link to a video [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I made for this job that you could use as a another reference.

The passenger side valve cover is much easier to get out but I call bullshit for 15 minutes to do the job right. You can be leaking from 4 different areas on each head. The valve cover gasket could be leaking. The cam plug on the rear of the head could be leaking. The front half moon could be leaking. And finally, the rear half moon could be leaking. To do this job right, you should not only replace the valve cover gaskets, but you should replace the cam plugs and reseal the 2 half moons on each head. What I have found is people exaggerate when they talk about how long something actually took them.

The first time I did this job on my own, I took my sweet time taking pictures, making notes and labeling all the hose and electrical connections I took apart. I probably spent 7 hours doing it. Did I care how long it took me? No. It's my rig and I wanted to do it right. It's not a race.

Use this write-up and our video as a reference and you can do this job. If you're still a little intimidated, ask a friend with some wrenching experience to help you. Friends usually work for lunch and beers so it will cost you a lot less than getting bent over at a shop for this job.

Good luck!
 
mtbtim said:
If you have a basic set of tools and some patience, you can do this job. Much earlier in this thread I posted a link to a video [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I made for this job that you could use as a another reference.

The passenger side valve cover is much easier to get out but I call bullshit for 15 minutes to do the job right. You can be leaking from 4 different areas on each head. The valve cover gasket could be leaking. The cam plug on the rear of the head could be leaking. The front half moon could be leaking. And finally, the rear half moon could be leaking. To do this job right, you should not only replace the valve cover gaskets, but you should replace the cam plugs and reseal the 2 half moons on each head. What I have found is people exaggerate when they talk about how long something actually took them.

The first time I did this job on my own, I took my sweet time taking pictures, making notes and labeling all the hose and electrical connections I took apart. I probably spent 7 hours doing it. Did I care how long it took me? No. It's my rig and I wanted to do it right. It's not a race.

Use this write-up and our video as a reference and you can do this job. If you're still a little intimidated, ask a friend with some wrenching experience to help you. Friends usually work for lunch and beers so it will cost you a lot less than getting bent over at a shop for this job.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thats why I didnt buy it. I ended up picking up a 99' SR5 with maintenance records at recorded mileage intervals. My sensitive meter for the distinct smell of male bovine excrement was pinging.
 
ladywolf said:
Thats why I didnt buy it. I ended up picking up a 99' SR5 with maintenance records at recorded mileage intervals. My sensitive meter for the distinct smell of male bovine excrement was pinging.
Click to expand...

I do really think you should challenge yourself with doing your own repairs. You'll learn a ton about your rig, you'll save money, and the sense of accomplishment you get repairing and modding your own rig is pretty rewarding. Then, with all the wrenching knowledge you gain, you can help out others. Harness your girl power and get dirty.
 
mtbtim said:
I do really think you should challenge yourself with doing your own repairs. You'll learn a ton about your rig, you'll save money, and the sense of accomplishment you get repairing and modding your own rig is pretty rewarding. Then, with all the wrenching knowledge you gain, you can help out others. Harness your girl power and get dirty.
Click to expand...

Thats the plan and the goal. Hit the junkyard yesterday and found a couple of parts I needed. The garnish for the tailgate, a good set of struts for the tailgate, as mine are dying, and the 4runner emblem for the back. Grand total: 13 bucks and change, not including the entry fee.
 
Amazing writeup!

Quick question, I had this job done about a week ago, and my oil leak has gotten worse. The shadetree guy who did the job is no longer answering his phone, and I suspect he did not remove and reseal the half moons.

I am going to tackle this soon, but want to know what parts I need to reorder. Everything I bought previously was OEM and I really dont want to have to order it all again. Can the VCG and Cam Plug be reused? How about the 16x bolt gaskets, PCV and spark plug gaskets? I have FIPG on order and am looking forward to doing the job, but I would like to minimize the impact to my wallet.
 
campben said:
Amazing writeup!

Quick question, I had this job done about a week ago, and my oil leak has gotten worse. The shadetree guy who did the job is no longer answering his phone, and I suspect he did not remove and reseal the half moons.

I am going to tackle this soon, but want to know what parts I need to reorder. Everything I bought previously was OEM and I really dont want to have to order it all again. Can the VCG and Cam Plug be reused? How about the 16x bolt gaskets, PCV and spark plug gaskets? I have FIPG on order and am looking forward to doing the job, but I would like to minimize the impact to my wallet.
Click to expand...

if your careful with removing them, yes re-use it. a week after doing mine, i re-did it because i found a crack in the valve cover.
 
t4rFL said:
if your careful with removing them, yes re-use it. a week after doing mine, i re-did it because i found a crack in the valve cover.
Click to expand...

Roger, I just bought a used driver side VCG since I found a small crack in mine. Gotta buy the spark plug gaskets, then should be ready to go.
 
:cheers:Nice, thanks!!!


7 hrs x2 = 14 beer job... With a friend, 6.5 hours x2x2 = 26 beer job!

Friend just cleans stuff and hands you beers mostly, thats what saves the 1/2 hour.



Jon
 
Last edited:
Many thanks for this....finished this job a few days ago and meant to circle back and let you know your write up was spot on...and I used the parts list to order everything needed for the job.

Mine was a bit easier since the engine was out of the truck however :)
 
rkymtnman said:
Many thanks for this....finished this job a few days ago and meant to circle back and let you know your write up was spot on...and I used the parts list to order everything needed for the job.

Mine was a bit easier since the engine was out of the truck however :)
Click to expand...

THAT'S CHEATING!! Not looking forward to dealing with the 18 year old wiring harness on mine...
 
I used this thread as a reference when I did my valve covers the other weekend, thanks for documenting everything so well OP!
 
Thanks for sharing this [MENTION=122940]ramonortiz55[/MENTION] This is really going to help me out for replacing my VC gaskets. :cheers:
 
Damn nice job! Where would you like me to send the check? My dealer wants $650 for this. [emoji33]

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
 
Question Where Can we Find the Manual?

Hi,

Nice write up. Where can I find the manual?
Nobody has one, not Toyota, not helm, no one
that has one will part with it.

I have 2001 4 Runner with leaky valve cover gasket.

always seeping oil that ends up on exhaust.

Thanks,
 
USMC_Spike said:
Hi,

Nice write up. Where can I find the manual?
Nobody has one, not Toyota, not helm, no one
that has one will part with it.

I have 2001 4 Runner with leaky valve cover gasket.

always seeping oil that ends up on exhaust.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Just do a Google search for the 2 volume set for your year. You'll eventually find a set for sale most likely on EBay.

As for this repair, the video [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I made for this repair has all the torque values you need.
https://youtu.be/N5fAXAuGozI
 
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