Spark plug tube gaskets

F

Forrest97

New member
Im preparing for my valve gasket replacement this weekend and have read through countless articles and watched about 3 videos so far and my concerns are the spark plug tube gaskets.

Im hearing they are the worst to replace and in one video the guy stopped after only doing one stating he didn't think they looked that bad.

So my question is.... Are the absolutely necessary to replace? Is there a way to determine if the existing are OK?

Just seems so much can go wrong by prying, bending and then pounding the new ones in especially since the cover is only alum.

Thanks,
Forrest.
 
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Now you've got me wondering the same thing. I was planning to do these on my dad's '02 this weekend as part of his valve cover gasket job. Didn't realize they were such a PITA.

:popcorn:
 
They arent that bad. The pain the ass is just getting them out. I just used a flathead and destroyed them, getting them back in was simple. I just used a socket that was the size of the outter diameter(because the inner is soft) and tapped it a few times with a hammer. Worked like a charm and they are nice and snug. If you REALLY are having such a difficult time, throw your valve covers in the oven at 250 for 10-20 min and it should soften up the rubbers to get them out.
 
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nor_cal51501 said:
They arent that bad. The pain the ass is just getting then out. I just used a flathead and destroyed them, getting them back in was simple. I just used a socket that was the size of the outter diameter(because the inner is soft) and tapped it a few times with a hammer. Worked like a charm and they are nice and snug. If you REALLY are having such a difficult time, throw your valve covers in the over at 250 for 10-20 min and interior soften up the rubbers to get then out.
Click to expand...

Yeah. It's not a big deal at all. Just pound the old ones out and tap the new ones in.
 
just did mine the other day. pretty simple and i didnt hesitate once. a flathead and few small blows to with a dead blow got the job done in say 30 sec.
 
I did the spark plug tube gasket on the valve cover on my 3RZ. The ones that were in there were very very old and quite stiff, getting them out was a bit of hassle. Getting the new ones in was easier - freeze them before hand, then use the biggest seal driver or socket you can find that'll fit, they should go right in.
 
Jon said:
I replaced all mine no problem. Applying RTV on the contact surfaces served as sealant and lube when driving the new seals in.

Here ya go, post 5 gets into the specifics
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/116069-3-4-valve-cover-gasket-replacement-part-s-n-pics.html
Click to expand...

Ok good. I just got back from picking up all my parts and a few will be in tomorrow morning. I bought the same gasket set so I took one of the plugs into Harbor Freight and found a single 32MM socket that fits it great.

Side note: i noticed in the first post you have some semi-circular plugs in a picture but not in your parts list. Are those the half-moons that you mention are reusable?

Great write up btw, I have it printed out.
 
the tube seals are probably the easiest part of this job. the half moons are aluminum and re-useable, although I purchased them new anyhow.
 
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Was able to get the valve cover gaskets replaced over the weekend. Also replaced the cam shaft plugs, spark plugs and wires, pcv and grommet and the spark plug gaskets (which were easier to take out then to put in).

Never saw any half moons or semicircular plugs.

Glad I did this because the old seal was trashed and could pretty much take out the valve cover bolts with my hand they were so loose.

The write up was very useful.

Thanks,
Forrest.
 
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