Looking for part numbers for valve cover gaskets for a 2003 Lexus LS430. Valve cover gaskets are leaking.
Also looking for instructions on how to change gaskets.

Harvey

 

Sorry I dont have the part number. I ordered from mylparts. That job is quite a pita. Make sure you do everything you can while you are in there. Pcv, plugs, plug tube seals. Be careful because there are a lot of old parts that can break. Good luck.

 

The valve cover gasket part numbers are 11213 and 11214



Valve cover removal instructions...



Consider replacing the 8 spark plug tube gaskets...



Reinstall valve cover...

 

Full part # for 11213 for a 2003 is 11213-50031 (GASKET, CYLINDER HEAD COVER. GASKET, CYLINDER HEA; (J))
Full part # for 11214 for a 2003 is 11214-50011 (GASKET, CYLINDER HEAD COVER, No.2. GASKET, CYLINDER HEA; (J))

 

Thanks!!! Awesome!!

 

Thank you sir! I looked everywhere for this, especially the exact spot FIPG needs to be applied to and couldn't find anything for the 3 uzfe. lexls.com has a tutorial but the 1uzfe is a little different, theres also a couple of you tube videos for the 2uzfe (gx470 and 100 series among others that are a little more similar)
For those who don't mind using aftermarket you can get FELPRO kit for a little less money, the actual gasket is made in japan, tube seals and washers are chinese. Seems to be a decent quality part. Best price I found for it is here, especially if you have a prime account :
https://www.amazon.com/Fel-Pro-VS505...ype=automotive
I will be doing mine shortly, will take some pics if anybody wants. I have a small slow leak on the DS firewall that burns up on the catalyst directly below and stinks under heavy acceleration. Tightening the bolts and cleaning the area is just a bandaid.

 

have you retorqued the bolts on the valve cover? i'd snug those down first before changing the gasket, that sometimes seems to stop leaks...

 

I was just going to say the same thing... I was getting the smell of oil hitting the manifold. Checked the bolts on the valve covers, they were finger tight... I tightened mine up guessing almost 20,000 miles ago. No issues today, I have 232,000 miles on the 2001 now... If they start leaking again maybe it will be time to do something more.

 

Gasket materials are subject to thermal fatigue and harden/shrink as they age. If you take the re-torque route, avoid doing so when the engine is cold; tighten the bolts slowly and uniformly; and do not over-torque above 53 in-lbf (or 4.4 ft-lbf),

 

Thanks very much for all the information you shared guys.
Unfortunately from time to time i smell burnt oil and noticed both valve cover gaskets are leaking.
I've a GS430 but it has the same engine as the lovely LS430.
I'm thinking on taking the re-torque approach. What I noticed is that there're a couple of bolts that are really hard to reach. Any advice on how to reach all the bolts with a torque wrench?

 

Swivel sockets and various length extensions worked for me. Be careful when putting the valve cover back on, its easy to cut the gasket in half, lol. Dont ask me how I know.

 

I use 1/4" socket set with extensions and swivel.

 

I retorqued mine but it didn't last. Back cover was leaking on catalyst, bought complete felpro gasket kit from Amazon and used Toyota fipg 103 per fsm and 4 hours later no more smell. 155k 15 year old gasket had some cracks and the bolts would back out with cold/hot cycling over time

 

It's not an easy 123 replacement. Be prepared to spend some time and replace every grommet, and spark plug tube seal. It's easy to pinch the seals if not careful installing.

 

I had to have mine replaced on my 2001 LS430 with only 82,000 miles last year. The gaskets are made of rubber and over the years with the heating and cooling of the engine they developed cracks that allowed oil to seep out.