Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - how hard?
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - how hard?
After 210K my RX has developed some leaks that can't be ignored. They appear to be from the valve cover gaskets. How involved? What else should be done at the same time? TIA.
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Front valve cover is a piece of cake, 30 minute job. Rear valve cover is a bit more work, requires taking off the intake. Although I believe Salim thinks it may be possible to do the rear valve cover by only removing the windshield cowl, but no one has attempted that yet (i don't think anyways).
Spark Plugs should be done at the same time, as well as changing the PCV.
BTW: Congrats on 210k miles!
Spark Plugs should be done at the same time, as well as changing the PCV.
BTW: Congrats on 210k miles!
#3
Rear takes a lot of patience, especially removing the wiring harness. Take your time to get it out of the way. Replace the coolant by-pass hose while you are in there. Spend a few extra bucks to buy Toyota FIPG....that stuff is great. IMO, much better that aftermarket RTV's. You will want to replace the sparkplug tube gaskets too.
#4
Moderator
A related question can be ... how much clearance is needed to replace the gasket ... assuming you have access to the bolts.
Salim
Salim
The following users liked this post:
JBSGROUP (10-12-23)
#6
Moderator
Trending Topics
#8
Lead Lap
iTrader: (10)
I just did this in my ES, and it has far more clearance on the rear bank in the ES than any RX ever will...
Definately have to remove the intake manifold in the ES, so the RX needs it too (it's a two piece, so just remove the top half and replace the gasket) this is good to clean out the intake manifold as well!
Definately have to remove the intake manifold in the ES, so the RX needs it too (it's a two piece, so just remove the top half and replace the gasket) this is good to clean out the intake manifold as well!
#9
The motor is rotated towards the rear of the car I surprised it didn't leak sooner. You may be able to feed a socket, then short extension, then ratchet, and then tighten the bolts under the intake. Similar process to changing the spark plug. "assembling the tool into the hole"
Last edited by varithms; 02-15-13 at 10:56 AM.
The following users liked this post:
JBSGROUP (10-12-23)
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
When the car sits for several days in the garage, there is oil leaking on the floor from both the front of the engine and the rear. From that I conclude that both valve cover gaskets are leaking.
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
I was talking to the parts counter guy at my local Lexus dealer and explained that I was about to replace the valve cover gaskets. I mentioned that I had been advised to also replace the spark plug tube seals. He told me that unless the plugs show obvious signs of oil accumulation in the tubes that I should not replace them; that they rarely go bad; and that in fact they do not even stock them because they are so seldom replaced. Anyone disagree? TIA.
The following users liked this post:
JBSGROUP (10-12-23)
#13
I was talking to the parts counter guy at my local Lexus dealer and explained that I was about to replace the valve cover gaskets. I mentioned that I had been advised to also replace the spark plug tube seals. He told me that unless the plugs show obvious signs of oil accumulation in the tubes that I should not replace them; that they rarely go bad; and that in fact they do not even stock them because they are so seldom replaced. Anyone disagree? TIA.
The following users liked this post:
JBSGROUP (10-12-23)
#14
#15
Pole Position
Also, don't ignore the obvious. Try putting a wrench on the valve cover bolts and make sure they are tight. At least one other poster solved his leaking valve cover gasket problem by simply snugging up the bolts.