oxonian

Hi friends,

I hope everyone is doing well and had an enjoyable summer. I have a 2002 RX 300 with about 140,000 miles on it.

I recently went in for an oil change, at a chain automotive service shop where they performed a courtesy check and I was informed that the vehicle needed the following repairs:

1) CS 9201 Valve cover gasket set - remove and replace valve cover gasket both

2) Engine Trans Mount - 8995 Torque Strut. Remove and replace torque rod

They have obviously quoted astronomical prices, including for parts.

I have a friend who is a mechanic, currently not working due to family leave. I take my vehicle to him for odd jobs.

I was wondering if these fixes are needed, and if so, can it be done by my mechanic (he has tools and experience, but not a lift.)

Also, which brand/model of parts do you recommend? Can I buy these at an Autozone or major car parts store?

I have read that if the gaskets are being changed, it might as well be worth changing the spark plugs? Any thoughts on this?

Thanks you so much,
Oxonian

salimshah

None of the items you list require lift or special tools
Listed in order of ease

Torque struts

front valve cover -bank 2]

rear valve cover [bank 1]

Replacing rear may require couple of throttle body gaskets.


Spark plugs need replacement at 110k interval.

Buying OEM is not a must, but make sure you buy OEM spark plugs.

I dont mind paying a bit more for OEM as I DIY and dont have to pay anyone else. I cant take the gamble that the part may not fit. For the vlave cover gaskets make sure you get the rubber type and not the cork type. You would need sealant as well.

Just price all options.

Salim

carguy07

Are the valve covers leaking enough oil to be noticeable? Dripping on the ground? Smoke or stink when the car warms up? If not, then leave them alone. The torque strut may be fine too.

JAB

Have your car examined by someone familiar with Toyota/Lexus V6 engines; it is easy to mistake a leaking cam seal (easy to change) for a leaking valve cover gasket (rear one is very difficult to change.)

fastnoypi

you can buy the torque struts and valve cover gasket kit at rockauto for cheap.

It is possible to remove the intake manifold off complete with the throttle body.

If your mechanic friend has never attempted removing the rear intake manifold bracket bolts to get to the rear plugs/valve cover.., buy him some beer after he figures them out. The passenger side one can be a challenge.

oxonian

Hi friends,

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate it.

There is no visible leak or smell as of now, so maybe I will wait for a bit to have these changed.

Can I go to my lexus dealer to get an OEM spark plug or is there still some resource online that sells OEM parts?

And any suggestions on which brand I need to get for the torque strut and valve cover gasket kit?

Thanks,
Oxonian

fastnoypi

You can order OEM plugs anywhere. SK20R11 Denso. At the time, i found them cheapest on ebay for under $40/set of 6.

I've used the Felpro valve cover gasket kit. The seals are of high quality.

while you can't go wrong with an OEM torque strut. ..if you decide to go aftermarket, pick a big name brand/supplier. The small no name brands may use too soft a durometer rubber in the torque strut and will deteriorate over a shorter period of time.

oxonian

Thank you!

Oxonian