Removing engine cover

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Feb 16, 2015 | 02:09 PM

toytrain13

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Joined: May 2012

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From: California

Removing engine cover

I'm feeling like a dummy here. From another thread: (to remove engine cover) "remove three hex nuts." Looking into the three engine cover recesses (wells), I see a tiny hex head deep down in each , but I don't know how to remove them. Is a special tool needed?
My car is a 2002 ES300. I intend to replace the PCV valve (I have the necessary deep socket).

Feb 16, 2015 | 03:52 PM

toytrain13

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Rookie

Joined: May 2012

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From: California

Removing engine cover

I'm a real dumb-***! I finally figured out that a rather large allen wrench would remove the little cylindrical "nuts."
Then I found that I had bought the wrong PCV valve (#12204-20040). This is the screw in type, but it looks like the PCV valve on the engine is the push-in type (w/rubber gasket).

Feb 16, 2015 | 03:54 PM

ES300NZ

Lead Lap

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 662

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From: New Zealand

Quote:

Originally Posted by toytrain13

I'm feeling like a dummy here.

- not dumb, just inexperianced.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toytrain13

I see a tiny hex head deep down in each , but I don't know how to remove them. Is a special tool needed?

or similar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toytrain13

I intend to replace the PCV valve (I have the necessary deep socket).

um ... I read this and got concerned. I'm not sure why you'd need a specific socket for that, (having done it), or why you're replacing that valve (there is a reason right???). You basically have to take the inlet system & upper engine manifold off, and rear cam cover to do this job. perhaps it might be best if you get some help before you run into real trouble.

- note, people often replace alot of things while doing this job.

Feb 16, 2015 | 04:17 PM

hypervish

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 5,723

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From: NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by ES300NZ

snip... You basically have to take the inlet system & upper engine manifold off, and rear cam cover to do this job snip..

No, you don't need to do any of that. It's a simple job.

But, I'm not sure why the OP is removing the engine cover. Because it's not necessary to remove it.

Feb 17, 2015 | 01:10 AM

artbuc

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 1,090

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From: pa

Replace the rubber grommet too. That will be much harder than the PCV valve itself. The grommet will likely be hard and break-up as you remove it. Take your time using a screwdriver and needle nose pliers.

Feb 17, 2015 | 05:30 AM

hypervish

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 5,723

Likes: 114

From: NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by artbuc

OP says he has an 2002, so there shouldn't be a rubber grommet. But, he said he apparently has the wrong part and it's not the metal PCV.

Which is highly unlikely, unless he got the year of his ES wrong, and it's an 2001 or older.