Valve cover gasket change question!

[fblainen11]

I am planning on changing mine soon. Don't really notice a leak, but it does slowly. I'd like to prolong the life of my engine as much as possible and not take any chances by being proactive. I plan on going by this write up:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...e-cover-gasket-replacement-part-s-n-pics.html
But I wanted to see if anyone has any other recommendations on anything else I can change or check while I'm in there. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ape Runner]

When I did mine, the plastic casing for the injector wires (I think that's what they were) all cracked. They're very brittle. I bought some anti abrasion Velcro wrap from McMaster Carr and used that to protect the wires for reassembly. Otherwise straight forward. The spark plus guide rings are a PIA to get out. Be patient, you will be cursing.

 

[gamefreakgc]

You won't need to remove the half moons. They are very hard to remove if not already leaking and will probably damage the soft aluminum if you try. Definitely replace the rear cam seals though.

Buy a new PCV valve and grommet while you are at it. Much easier to remove the brittle grommet with the valve cover off.

Great time to clean your throttle body as well.

Also check your valve clearances. Use the FSM for the specs on how tight the clearances. If I remember correctly, it's .006-.009 for intake and .011-.014 in. for exhaust. Take a feeler gauge and slip it between the camshaft (pointed upwards) and the shim and measure the distance. Rotate the crank pulley with a wrench/breaker bar to check each valve. Any that are out of spec will need to be removed and replaced. Search for write-ups if you find one out of spec on how to remove, there's a set of Toyota Valve Tools/Shim tools that make it much easier.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Pull the semi circular plugs (half moons), clean them and where they fit in the head with acetone, reseal them using toyota FIPG (part #00295-00103).
5vzfe leaky valve covers fixed (56k beware) - Page 2 - YotaTech Forums

I'd also change out the air intake plenum gaskets if they are original: #17176-62040. Need 2.

 

[fblainen11]

One more question: What do Toyota OEM parts typically run on this?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Pull the semi circular plugs (half moons), clean them and where they fit in the head with acetone, reseal them using toyota FIPG (part #00295-00103).
5vzfe leaky valve covers fixed (56k beware) - Page 2 - YotaTech Forums

I'd also change out the air intake plenum gaskets if they are original: #17176-62040. Need 2.

Haha looks like you and I have very different opinions! I couldn't get mine out with any unreasonable force (and they weren't leaking) so I let them be.

Toyota parts for gaskets and such with be considerable more. I don't drink the OEM kool-aid as much as others and have had great experiences with Fel-Pro gaskets. In my honest opinion, there's no difference between an OEM gasket and aftermarket as long as the shape is consistent. Rubber is rubber, not like Toyota has some secret formula that no one else knows about.