sbtots

Greetings All,

I'm thinking of changing my valve cover gaskes (99 RX 1MZ) and would like to know if any one here had tackled this job by themselves before, any special things to look out for etc.

Is this one best left to the pros? I searched and could not find the customary lovely DIY write-up. Links anyone?

hypervish

The front is a piece of cake. The rear is a pain, it takes a lot of time and effort.

Honestly, I would leave it to the pro's. I did mine by myself, but in the end I needed to ask my uncle (he's a mechanic) for help. lol

artbuc

Yes, the #1 VC is a PITA primarily because of the wiring harness that sits right on top and wraps around both ends. The key is to be patient and fully disconnect harness and tie it off out of the way. Pay a few extra bucks and get the Toyota FIPG. It is vastly superior to any RTV product. Make sure you have a 1/4" torque wrench. The half moon plugs are cast aluminum and reusable. Clean the mating surfaces completely using alcohol or acetone.

artbuc

Oh, don't forget to replace your sparkplug tube seals.

sbtots

Thank you all for your feed back. I've decided to tackle the job at a friend's garage, that way I will be able to get the best of both worlds. Get a change to get to know the vehicle a litle better (bragging rights) and get help when I need it.

Thanks again everyone

sbtots

Hello Artbuc,

I will be changing the plug seal as you recommended but what is FIPG? I suspect it might be Toyota's gasket maker, if so, is it to be used along with the gasket or in stead of? I'm planning on using the gasket alone.

artbuc

Form In Place Gasket. Some say it is far superior to standard RTV products and others say it is the same. I have used many different RTV products over the years and I have never seen anything perform like Toyota FIPG. You only need a fraction of a standard 3 oz tube for the semi-circular plugs and where the head gasket surface makes 90 degree turns. I also added some on #1 VC at the back corner where oil pools against the VC. I also recommend removing and resealing the end bearing caps. NOTE: when reinstalling bearing end caps, specified torque is for oiled bolts. When I get home this weekend I'll send you pics from a Factory Service Manual. Take your time and carefully clean the gasket surfaces with alcohol or acetone. The semi-circular plugs are held tightly with the original FIPG so you will need to give them a little tap. The old FIPG is brittle so try to capture it before it drops down into the head.

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/s...ia-valve-cover

PS You may want to Google research the special shoulder bolts. They have special compression washers which presumably can be used only once. I did buy new ones and discovered they were just 15 thou thicker than the used ones. Many folks just add a stainless washer to ensure the bolt doesn't bottom out. They snap off easily. Because of this unique (some would say Rube Goldberg) design, I recommend using factory gaskets.

code58

Hi Art,
When i replaced the front gasket on my DIL's RX I used Fel Pro and was very happy with the quality and fit of it. (comes 2 in the kit as well as all spark plug seals) Fel pro is considered the gold standard in aftermarket gaskets. I have never used Toyotas FIPG, but having removed it, I'd say it's head and shoulders above our US product.

artbuc

Yep, I have never heard any negatives re FelPro but the on- line discount price for OEM is so good I figured why not get them? A lot of turns and I wanted a perfect fit.

PS to OP. make sure you install spark plug tube seals to the same depth as originals. If you drive them all the way home you will not have enough engagement between the seal and tube.

RXdriver11

If you are doing it at a friends garage ask he/she if they can check your valve clearance since you will be in there.

code58

I understand. I needed them on short order or I'd have done the same.

sbtots

Thanks again one and all. Solid assistance.