Scary Valve Cover

[Virtual TWiT]

One of the previous three owners of my 2007 6cyl SR5 4WD blew out the right valve cover gasket. From what I can see the repair was to use liquid gasket. I can see just a little bit of silver sealer. I'm considering replacing the gasket entirely. But one of the bolts was stripped. :yell:
I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a tiny bit of a slow ooze. I'll scrub everything clean and keep an eye on it.
My dilemma is, it's not really leaking but I don't know how well the repair was done. And If I do decide to replace the gasket, what kind of trouble am I getting myself into with a tapped and studded bolt?
Opinions and advice? Basically I'm a shade-tree guy with a decent socket set and a brain.

Long time lurker. Love hanging out here.

 

[mikebontoft]

it's not bad at all... took me less than 20 minutes to figure out what to take off and get it done. looks like it's seeping a bit.

 

[CookieRoe]

I would go ahead and replace them with an OEM gasket. Looks like a simple job. If one of the bolt is stripped, pay a garage to undo it. Can't remember what tool you will use to do it yourself.

 

[awdjunkies]

A little late to the party but what was the outcome?

For future reference, when bolts are stripped, I use an invaluable Extractor tool set :

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Valve cover gasket is easy to replace, make sure you use a dab of sealant where the timing cover and cylinder head meet (that's where the factory puts it as well).