Valve cover gasket leak?

[NathanOfSeattle]

Hey guys I took these pictures today while routinely checking my oil and wanted to see if you think my valve cover gaskets are leaking? If I should get them replaced, could someone recommend a kit of parts I should change while I'm in there? Last summer I changed my spark plugs and spark plug wires so I think they are still good.

Driver's side:

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

Passenger side:

 

[AZTOY]

I did mine last year. I got a felpro gasket kit and it came with spark plug tube seals. I also replaced the pcv valve and grommet, cam plugs and both intake plenum gaskets. Use the Toyota FIPG. Still no leaks.

This link helped me:
5vzfe leaky valve covers fixed (56k beware) - Page 2 - YotaTech Forums

 

[MX4R]

That barely looks like a leak. Mine were considerably worse when I first bought my truck. Cleaned up the engine with degreaser, replaced my Pcv valve, and tightened my valve cover bolts. 4700 miles later and still perfectly clean.

 

[shadow247]

That's just seepage. Tighten the bolts fist, then use some foaming engine cleaner. See if the leak returns. I've got 346k on original gaskets. They we're weeping but I just tighten the bolts and no more weeping.

 

[NachoPitt]

It does look like just seepage. I would use a good engine degreaser (simple green and foamy engine brite are my favorite) and go to town. Once clean, carefully tighten the bolts with just your extension (hand tight) - don't use your socket.

If that doesn't work, I did a write up in my build thread complete with part numbers. The job isn't hard if you go slow, take pics and label everything.

Good luck!

 

[delta265]

I had mine done last year, it was leaking onto the starter which in turn killed it. Its not that big of a job, if it is leaking i'd fix it ASAP.

 

[Shibby!]

Mine are just weeping too. I sometimes follow the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" routine.

Just keep an eye on them. IF you do tighten the bolts, make sure to be very careful. The required torque on them is very low and the do snap often.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

Thanks guys! Regarding the engine cleaning, are you referring to this?

GUNK Foamy Engine Cleaner - How to Clean an Engine - YouTube

If so, I had no idea you could, what seems to me, liberally spray the engine like that (with both the foamy cleaner and a garden hose). Do you guys do this routinely to clean and degrease the engine?