Floutier

Hi Martin and all,

I'm trying to remove my DS (left hand) valve cover to check my valve clearances as I'm getting a "mis-fire" caused by a leaking exhaust valve on No. 1 cylinder.

My LS430 runs on propane (which is implicated in valve seat recession) so I'm wanting to verify this before commencing remedial work.

However I'm having difficulty getting the 2 dipstick bolts removed - to be honest I can't even find them - and wondered if you could guide me through the process. In theory it sounds simple but I'm getting nowhere and I can see from your pics that it can be done.

Many thanks!

Mike

imbvl

The picture by Jac430, above, shows the parts but doesn't tell the whole story. The "spark plug tube gasket" in that picture is the 'tube seal' that's being discussed. The spark plugs are inserted through the holes in the valve cover ("cylinder head cover sub-assembly" in the picture), after the valve covers are installed and torqued down. Use new "seal washers" on the 16 bolts, Then the ignition coils are installed, on top of the spark plugs, obviously going through the same holes. The 'tube seals' seal that gap, between the ignition coil outside, and the hole through the valve cover.

It's not a technically-difficult job, but it takes a long time, because LOTS of stuff, like wiring harnesses and air ducting, have to be removed, first. Take lots of close-up pictures, with a high-resolution digital camera, before you start the job, so you'll know where to hook that stuff back up, again.

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

I have done v/c gaskets on 3 1uz and never seen a tube seal leak. To replace to tube seals on 1/3 uz. you have to flip the cover over you will see a few small metal ears holding the seal in place you have to use screwdriver to bend them back then use a socket and hammer to hammer out the old seals. Make sure you install then new seals correctly the same way you took the old ones out not upside down, carefully use a socket to beat the new seals into place and bend metal ears back to their place and youre done. Its time consuming. I have done these on toyota 3.0/3.3 v6 its the same design on camrys/avalons/sienna ...etc.

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

Sorry for the bump. Anyone have the lexus part number for the tube seal? I've been looking at http://lexus.sewellparts.com/images/...000/111946.jpg and cant seem to figure out the part number.


EDIT: Nevermind found it. For those looking its: 1119350010

Num1cun10d

funcrusher

Sorry for another bump but I purchased the

Spark plugs
Spark plug tube seals
Valve cover gaskets & bolts

Is there another set of valve cover tube seals? Or only the spark plug tube seals? Just making sure I have everything together before I tackle this

bradland

Just the spark plug tube seals which reside inside the valve cover.
This whole job can be much more complex than meets the eye so ask a lot of questions before diving in.
Valve cover removal would be rather straight forward if it weren't for all the wire looms in the way. This may sound counter intuitive but the more surrounding parts you remove the quicker the job will be.
Expect some plastic to break and have replacement vacuum hoses on hand for the drivers side.
Your mileage will dictate how hard the tube seals are. Literally. If you are anywhere near 200k they will be baked in, hard as a rock, and a PITA to remove.

Don't forget half moons.

funcrusher

@bradland I’m at 140k miles so we’ll see how hard it is! I’ll have a friend who’s good with cars helping me out

funcrusher

@bradland I just noticed you mentioned half moons. Do you have the part numbers for those or know the official name Lexus uses so I can order them?

bradland

funcrusher

Going to order 4 today