Bocatrip

My 01 LS430 with 113,000 miles is leaking from the the passenger side valve cover gasket. Has anyone changed theirs and what did it cost you? Did you replace both sides even though one was leaking? Did you change the spark plug tube seals and grommets as well? I'm not changing the spark plugs. Thanks all.

LS430FL

jm lexus did both sides along tube seals and grommets. price was approx $800! called around to a few other local shops and price was $600-$700 so I got it done at dealer for peace of mind.

Bocatrip

I got a price of $275 for one side from an independent, but it doesn't include the tube seals and grommets. Probably a little over $300. JM quoted me over $500 for one side.

LS430FL

not worth just doing one side. The other side is soon to follow and while they are in there might as well do tube seals and grommets.

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

Pretty easy to DIY, need a 10mm swivel head and extensions. The valve cover gaskets themselves are ~20-30 a piece (40-60 for both). Take a look at Sewell for the parts. As previously stated, swap them both out. Its pretty simple. Should be 9 screws on each valve cover and 4 screws for the spark plug tubes. When re-installing dont force anything as you can rip the gasket while re-installing and don't overtighten the screws (I highly suggest using a torque wrench/looking at torque specs). Took me ~ an hour the first time, I think i can have them swapped out in 30-40 minutes now.

Did not replace spark plug tube or gromets.

hms09

I had mine done at ,y Toyota dealer for $319. For me it was NOT a DIY. Lots things in the way.Just my 2cents. Try your Toyota dealer for a quote and do both sides.

Bocatrip

Definitely not a DIY for the layman. Quite extensive. 2 HRs for passenger side.

Bocatrip

After 4 years of ownership, not sure how long I will be keeping the car. At this time, I'm only doing what requires immediate attention. Am looking for 2004+ LS430 at a fair price and then may make a change. All our cars require similar repairs when they get on in years.

tjwashow

i am in the process of doing them DIY as we speak. I will be finishing up tomorrow once the snow disappears. Mine were leaking so bad it filled the drivers side front spark plug tube with oil so that it was misfiring. It isnt too bad. gets a good chance to clean everything.

hardest side i hear is the passenger side. that is the side i almost done with and then on to the next one. the drivers side has some more room.

I am replacing all the coils as they all had cracks in the plastic surrounding the coils. it looked like one had already been reaplced so I ordered 7. I got the ultrapower brand from rockauto,they are favorites with them and :I have never had an issue with rockauto parts. Much cheaper than dealer. I am also replacing all the plugs. Should run great when im done. I also replaced the o2 sensor behind the cat.

Bocatrip

I assume the $319 was for one side. Did they replace the tube seals and grommets?

hms09

no, that was both sides, not sure if seals were replaced. BUT, I had to take it back 4 times for them to get it right. That's another reason I don't recommend DIY. They finally found a piece of the old gasket still attached to the head. Once they cleaned that up, no more leaks.

LS430FL

I had to take mine back to lexus a second time as well!

Bocatrip

What was the problem?

Bocatrip

These horror stories with how extensive and expensive the work is to change the gasket is scaring me. I hope I don't have more issues after I have it done. I don't like oil leaks no matter how minor, but I hate when the job does not come out right either. If Lexus can't do it right the first time, who can?

Bocatrip

I had the passenger side valve cover gasket done today, changing the tube seals and grommets. It was hardly leaking but I like everything just right.. I was told the tube seals were hardened, so it was good that they were replaced. The local Lexus dealership did not have the tube seals and I had to drive 30 miles to pick them up before the job was complete. I'll be looking under my car tomorrow morning to make sure it was a true success. I know almost everyone does both sides, but I was told it was not absolutely necessary until it starts leaking if it does at all. Regardless, it is an easier replacement than the passenger side and and who knows If I'll even own the car by then. The tech told me it was not a big deal as he has done many in the past. It's only a matter of remembering where everything goes when you put it back together!