Valve Cover Gaskets Leaking
09-29-13, 07:20 PM
#16
I just did mine a little while ago, along with a major service and timing belt and water pump, so I don't have and exact time but working at a mellow pace the average person should be able to bang off the job in 2-4hours.
You can get the parts required from places like Rockauto for pretty cheap.
The job is not that involved, it's just about going slowly and not forcing anything. Working on the passenger side is a little tricky if you do not remove the throttle body, and an extra set of hands is suggested.
Having a solvent tank to clean the covers is also a very helpful thing if you, or the previous owner, are not ultra diligent on your oil change intervals. This just takes any caked on varnish, carbon and oil off very easily and also removes most of your stains and gunk off the outside.
I do suggest a dab of some high quality automotive silicone in the corners of the cover and cam caps.
You can get the parts required from places like Rockauto for pretty cheap.
The job is not that involved, it's just about going slowly and not forcing anything. Working on the passenger side is a little tricky if you do not remove the throttle body, and an extra set of hands is suggested.
Having a solvent tank to clean the covers is also a very helpful thing if you, or the previous owner, are not ultra diligent on your oil change intervals. This just takes any caked on varnish, carbon and oil off very easily and also removes most of your stains and gunk off the outside.
I do suggest a dab of some high quality automotive silicone in the corners of the cover and cam caps.
09-30-13, 11:23 AM
#17
Lexus Champion
Honestly, it's not a bad job. I used OEM gaskets and Fel-Pro spark plug tube seals but I will need to redo the job since I'm seeing seepage at the seals. The FIPG is there for the gasket corners - but Permatex black/gray or Hondabond HT will do nicely.
10-02-13, 06:10 AM
#18
Driver
Thread Starter
Because some people are not mechanically inclined. They don't own the service manual or the tools.
Anyway, I would suggest getting all the parts yourself and check out the website called Yelp.com You can search auto repair for your area and see the highest rated businesses in your area and get quotes from them. In general, the higher rated privately owned businesses do good work. I have used Yelp for my tint, sub replacement / grom audio install, windshield replacement, and a few other things and I have been satisfied with the businesses I choose via the high ratings.
Anyway, I would suggest getting all the parts yourself and check out the website called Yelp.com You can search auto repair for your area and see the highest rated businesses in your area and get quotes from them. In general, the higher rated privately owned businesses do good work. I have used Yelp for my tint, sub replacement / grom audio install, windshield replacement, and a few other things and I have been satisfied with the businesses I choose via the high ratings.
I went with a highly rated (Yelp-referred) biz, and got the VC gasket leak fixed at an indie shop at a great price. Had them change the spark plugs and seals as long as they were in there. The car runs beautifully!
You have to be careful with the Yelp raitngs though. I've gotten pretty good at spotting fake write ups. This guy's reviews looked legit.
New indie repair shops are springing up around LA with former Lexus Techs running them. Good deal for those of us who own older Lexus and can't justify dealer prices for repairs.
I was charged four hours labor but had so much other stuff thrown in or done for free that I was totally fine with that.
10-02-13, 06:19 AM
#19
Driver
Thread Starter
I just did mine a little while ago, along with a major service and timing belt and water pump, so I don't have and exact time but working at a mellow pace the average person should be able to bang off the job in 2-4hours.
You can get the parts required from places like Rockauto for pretty cheap.
The job is not that involved, it's just about going slowly and not forcing anything. Working on the passenger side is a little tricky if you do not remove the throttle body, and an extra set of hands is suggested.
Having a solvent tank to clean the covers is also a very helpful thing if you, or the previous owner, are not ultra diligent on your oil change intervals. This just takes any caked on varnish, carbon and oil off very easily and also removes most of your stains and gunk off the outside.
I do suggest a dab of some high quality automotive silicone in the corners of the cover and cam caps.
You can get the parts required from places like Rockauto for pretty cheap.
The job is not that involved, it's just about going slowly and not forcing anything. Working on the passenger side is a little tricky if you do not remove the throttle body, and an extra set of hands is suggested.
Having a solvent tank to clean the covers is also a very helpful thing if you, or the previous owner, are not ultra diligent on your oil change intervals. This just takes any caked on varnish, carbon and oil off very easily and also removes most of your stains and gunk off the outside.
I do suggest a dab of some high quality automotive silicone in the corners of the cover and cam caps.
10-03-13, 08:58 PM
#21
Driver
Thread Starter
10-03-13, 09:01 PM
#22
Driver
Thread Starter
I am not sure what all they did -- whether only steam cleaning or both steam and solvent. Now that you say this, I think I will find out. Thanks.
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