Valve cover spark plug grommets/gaskets need help :(
- Thread starter MuddyButt
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gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Bottom one is correct, if I'm remembering correctly.
Two ways to check:
1. Look at the other valve cover if you left the gaskets on
2. Fit a grommet over the exposed spark plug tube in the engine. It will only fit on one way
Two ways to check:
1. Look at the other valve cover if you left the gaskets on
2. Fit a grommet over the exposed spark plug tube in the engine. It will only fit on one way
LittleCaesar
New member
The top one is correct. Add some grease to the hole to help guide the valve cover down over the spark plug tube.
That is nice and clean underneath. Let's see a pic or two of the cams.
That is nice and clean underneath. Let's see a pic or two of the cams.
MuddyButt
New member
Compared to the old it looks like it would go like the top one. And also fits on this way. But it makes sense for it to go the other way as well
MuddyButt
New member
Im not doing anything but the gaskets. And its that clean because i cleaned it up a little. I also need a oil change...
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MuddyButt
New member
Ok. But i was able to get it over the spark plug tube both ways. After comparing it to the old one it does look like the top is the correct way even though these non oem gaskets are Slightly different than the oem ones.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Lol, that's why I added the "if I'm remembering correctly". Sometimes my memory betrays me.
OP, you want to follow how the old ones are installed if it seems like to you it fits either way.
LittleCaesar
New member
Looks very nice. Keep using the same oil and time/distance interval between changes.
Yep, the top one. I'd send ya a link to mine but I am at the airport at the moment.
Just hope a leak doesn't appear down the road where you have to remove the valve covers again.
Yep, the top one. I'd send ya a link to mine but I am at the airport at the moment.
Just hope a leak doesn't appear down the road where you have to remove the valve covers again.
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
Sorry guys, it's the bottom way. I know it makes sense the other way because it slides on easier, but you put it on and take a small pick or screwdriver and guide it around between the tube and seal lip. I've done this repair twice on original gaskets and both engines had the open part of the seal inward on the engine.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/124960-spark-plug-tube-gaskets-how-do-they-fit.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/124960-spark-plug-tube-gaskets-how-do-they-fit.html
Last edited:
CdaleR4000si
New member
[MENTION=111256]MuddyButt[/MENTION]
You mentioned that you cleaned the heads up a bit. How did you do it, they look really great. I've got to do my valve covers soon, I'm sure that I'll need to do a little cleaning too.
You mentioned that you cleaned the heads up a bit. How did you do it, they look really great. I've got to do my valve covers soon, I'm sure that I'll need to do a little cleaning too.
MuddyButt
New member
I sprayed it down with engine degreaser and let it soak. That got most of it off. But then i sprayed it again and scrubbed it down with an old toothbrush.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Mean Green is what I used, hardly had to scrub at all! Made mine look brand new. It's dirty again from other repairs I've done though...
I'm guessing I am remembering correctly, I did install them like you had on the bottom. Seems as though others did it the other way but none of us are complaining about leaks so I guess it works! BTW the service manual is useless for this one, doesn't say which way. Rare.
MuddyButt
New member
Update
Just wanted to say i ended up doing it like the TOP because that looked closer to how the original was. To me the other way makes more sense because it seems like it would seal better. I just drove around and it doesn't appear to be leaking however it threw a code a little down the road scanguage read(po330, po325) i quickly found out that I hadnt plugged in a wire that had ended up behind the timing belt cover (i dunno how) plugged it in and code went away. I'm still doubting myself which sucks because I am driving 4 hours to college tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Just wanted to say i ended up doing it like the TOP because that looked closer to how the original was. To me the other way makes more sense because it seems like it would seal better. I just drove around and it doesn't appear to be leaking however it threw a code a little down the road scanguage read(po330, po325) i quickly found out that I hadnt plugged in a wire that had ended up behind the timing belt cover (i dunno how) plugged it in and code went away. I'm still doubting myself which sucks because I am driving 4 hours to college tomorrow. Wish me luck.
MuddyButt
New member
haha thanks for causing me to get no sleep tonight. Hopefully it doesn't matter. God forbid instructions come with the gasket kit...
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
You'll be fine. Worse thing that'll happen is that you'll have a few drops on your shiny new valve covers or down the spark plug tube. Sleep well.
MuddyButt
New member
DOWN THE SPARK PLUG TUBES? NOOOOO. Ill check after the 4 hour drive if everything is well (if i make it)
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
I'll keep an eye out tomorrow for a silver 4Runner with NC plates engulfed in flames. Once the spark hits that drop of oil, it's game over man. :flame:
