I have a 1997 LS400 with 150K miles on it.

I have an oil leak that I feel is high on the engine because I can see some oil on the firewall and the car smokes in the engine bay from oil reaching the exhaust.

I am thinking that I need to replace both the valve cover gaskets and my question is that while I am in there changing those out, are there any other relatively easy gaskets that I could also replace while I am at it?

Thanks.

 

Not sure about gaskets but consider replacing any hoses that look brittle when you remove the intake assembly. I broke a couple pulling it off to change the leads. Age is terrible for rubber. Mine is a 1990 tho so yours may be better.

Not sure when you last changed plugs and leads but if it's due, you might as well while you are down that far

 

The valve cover bolts have special self-sealing washers (with rubber inserts)

Replace those as well.

 

and the half-moon cam cover gaskets.
Colin

 

These use FIPG. Purchase Toyota FIPG (engine oil rated). The aftermarket stuff is not as good.

Acquire a shop manual so you know exactly what points to apply FIPG when replacing valve cover gaskets...

 

Thanks. I'll have to look up FIPG as I don't know what it is.

I assume a rubberized liquid sealant that is much like Permatex?

 

I've actually been replacing those old brittle hoses with new OEM parts. I've also replaced some of the coolant hoses as well.

 

No, not exactly like permatex.

Avoid permatex in favor of Toyota FIPG (form in place gasket)

Sold by the tube at Toyota or Lexus