I'm a huge OEM part advocate, but has anyone used the Beck-Arnley valve cover gasket set? The OEM set for just the 2 gasket's is $28 and the complete Beck-Arnley set is $34. Seems like a no brainer for the OEM until you add plug seals and bolt grommets. That adds $90 to the $28. The semi-circular plugs are like $9 each so I'll probably just reseal those with Toyota FIPG.

For those who have used the Beck-Arnley set do you recall where it was made? Sometimes you can find aftermarket packaged parts that are sourced from the OE. I sort of doubt that is the case here but who knows.

PS I meant to say 'valve cover gaskets' but cannot edit the title.

 

Yes, a year ago I bought and put in a set of BECK/ARNLEY (0361725) and 'Made in Japan' is written on the package. It's holding up so far....;o)....

PS: BECK/ARNLEY 1032486 drive flex shaft joint I can recommend too.

 

Sounds good. I also found an Amazon review saying the contents were made in Japan. Good enough for me. With an OEM set costing $120 I think this is a good compromise.

 

Two sets here.Both "made in Japan" No problems.

 

I've said it before elsewhere on here, its a world market now, OEM does not always mean made in Japan, and isn't Toyota building cars here in the us? OEM could be parts from any place on this planet. The cheapest of cheapest parts could be the same as the OEM parts you pay top dollar for.

Just look at this post for where parts are made and thinking one brand is best etc.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...er-pulley.html

 

Yes, there is a difference between OE and OEM. There is no relying on 'Made in Japan'.

 

The difference is the box its in and the label in some cases. Both parts can be from the same factory, same materials, etc.

 

I installed the complete gasket kit including the spark plug tubes and rubber washers a few weeks ago and no problems so far. Great value / quality.

 

There you have it. I can only assume the spark plug tube seals currently in the car are original. If that is the case they are not identical to the Beck-Arnley ones. The originals are red and the BA's are black. Although, after just looking up the p/n 11193-15010 in an image search, I see photos of black ones in Toyota package. OEM's do change suppliers while keeping the same p/n often.

 

I have to reel in my previous comment... I actually purchased and installed the fel-pro gaskets, not the b.a. ones.
The spark plug seals are blue in this kit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I used Beck Arnley valve cover gaskets 3 years ago in my 1uz Cressida that sees significant track time drifting. no leaks so far. I would highly recommend them.

 

The pursuit of perfection failed when it comes to valve covers and the gaskets on the 1UZFE.