Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Question

[mtbtim]

Howdy Everyone,

I'm a new owner of a 2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 3.4 liter V6. I've done a lot of work so far fixing it up and my next project is replacing the valve cover gaskets because I have a leak, mainly on the passenger side. I've researched on the many different Toyota forums on how to do a valve cover gasket replacement. I pretty much now know how to tackle the job but there's one area of confusion I want to clear up. I plan on replacing the cam plugs, and according to the FSM (page EM-52), you only put FIPG on the the camshaft bearing cap where it meets the head. My confusion I have is there have been write-ups on this job where the person said they used FIPG on the cam plug itself. So, is it advisable to put FIPG around the cam plug before installing it or not? I read one guy accidentally plugged an oil port with FIPG because he used it on the cam plug.

Advice from an experienced Toyota owner or mechanic would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[omegatek]

I put Toyota FIPG on the 2 top corners of camshaft bearing cap as shown in the FSM. But I too had a concern about whether or not to put FIPG on the cam plugs. Fortunately, my neighbor is a Toyota mechanic and my go to for any issues/diagnostics on my 2002 4runner. He told me to put a very thin layer of FIPG around the cam plug. It's been a month and no problems and no leaks.

 

[fordota]

The cam plug has a rubber seal around the outside of it, so there is no need to put FIPG on the plug itself, just on the corners of the cam bearing cap.

 

[mtbtim]

I've ordered the parts but haven't received them yet so I didn't know the cam plugs are rubber coated. So, that explains why the FSM doesn't mention putting FIPG on the plugs before installation. However, I'm wondering if putting a little FIPG around the plugs will increase the longevity of them being leak-free? Are the cam plugs a common area of leakage and maybe that's why experienced owners and certified mechanics are using FIPG for the installation? Thanks for input so far.

 

[LittleCaesar]

No need for FIPG on cam seals themselves. Don't over think it. Just at the bearing cap, which you will see when you remove them.

When you remove the semi circular plugs, clean them and apply new FIPG on them.

 

[sterbenlicht]

I've always smeared a very thin layer around them exactly like omegatek's neighbor suggested, but I think it would probably be fine just like these other guys have said too. I was initially taught to spread that very thin layer on them from the start, and because I never had a problem, I've never changed a thing. The person who clogged oil passages most likely ran a full bead around them so it really spread around and squeezed out.

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll most likely be tackling the job next week provided the parts have arrived and I have the time. My plan is to follow the FSM and install the cam plugs without any FIPG.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Can't go wrong if you follow the FSM! Those engineers really do know what they are talking/writing about. After all, they did design the engine from top to bottom.