I'm pretty sure I need to replace the gasket on my valve cover, as there is a slight amount of oil on the #2 and #3 spark plug, plus I have a small leak. Is there a how-to on how to do it? I'm gonna try to tackle it this week since I'm off for spring break. This is for a 5S.

-Matt

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=48864

this might help

OKay, remove your spark plugs. Then there are 4 huge nuts where the spark plugs plug into. I think they are 30mm. Then just pry it off. Should just pop off. O yeah, don't forget to lossen the harness going over the valve cover.

I think I'm going to tackle this tomorrow, as I have nothing else to do. Can I just pick up the gasket at the local NAPA. Also, are there choices? Like standard gasket or metal?

-Matt

Its a rubber gasket. It fits right into the grooves. Make sure you get that gasket sealant stuff too. Just to be on the safe side. Napa would be fine.

Replacing the gasket [should] solve your leak, but it won't fix the oil in the plug holes.
For that you need to reseal [or possibly replace] the spark plug tubes, which is a PITA.

When you install the new gasket, you ONLY need sealant on the corners of the cam "humps". You don't need to smear it anywhere else.
The Toyota stuff works great, but is expensive.
You can use black Permatex silicone, but you'll have to wait overnight for it to dry [the Toyota stuff drys in like 20 min].
You might want to replace your PCV valve and grommet while you're in there.

PB Blaster works great [better than brake clean for stubborn stuff] to clean the valve cover.
Spray it and let sit for an hour or two, then use brake clean to get rid of any residue on the sealing surfaces.
You want to clean ALL the old silicone off before you reinstall the gasket.

I'll use the sealer all around just to be safe. I have this high temp sealer in my garage, but I'm not sure if it's silicon. Does it need to be?

-Matt

I just finished up the project about 2 hours ago.

Cleaned the valve cover up very well, as well as re-painted it with new black paint. It looks great, and I used high-temp RTV sealant, seems to be working great so far. No leaks!

u think its basically the same for a 7a??

Yeah should be the same.
First you unplug the spark plug wires but make sure you remember which one went into which, and then u unscrew this washer-like thing, and ur gonna have to unplug ur PCV, and ur other vac tube (i forgot the name but its on the right side of the valve cover) and then take off the plastic case thing that pretty much covers ur wire harness, and pretty much take a rubber mallet and hit around to loosen it up and then take a bar with a flat head to pry it out, then u paint, and scrape off the old RTV, then you gotta get some new RTV and fill it in the areas that are like corners kinda where its a 90 degree because when u replace put back on the valve cover, the gasket might not seal that little area, and replace ur gasket too.
I had to replace my pcv tube and valve, and that one vac line that's on the side of ur engine and put everything back.
*edit* you'll have to take ur oil cap too hahah, and also you should replace your spark plug seals.

This post has been edited by _mikeE: Mar 15, 2008 - 10:47 PM