My 03 with 159K miles has this oil leak which Lexus dealer told me it's from valve engine cover. They quoted me ~$1300+ tax.
Did some youtube search but unable to find some good info. Most are high level with a lot of missing info IMO. Here is what I would like to know if you have experience on this subject:
1. I plan to get the gasket from Lexus, I think it's around $50 for both right and left side. Sounds right?
2. Is it necessary to replace the sparkplug gasket? Seems like I need to bend the metal clip in order to remove/install the gasket. Just worry if bending the metal is a good idea
3. After removing the coil pack, do I need to remove the spark plugs in order to loosen the valve engine cover?
4. Does anyone know if the service manual call out for using RTV, if so, where should I apply it?
5. Seems like some bolts are in tight space and not sure how to torque it properly'
6. What can go wrong when DIY this job?

 

Regarding point 2 - yes you should replace the spark plug gaskets when the valve covers come off. You are supposed to bend the tabs to remove the old gasket and make sure the new gaskets are in there properly see the video at 11:30 and on from there. .

 

This is fairly common on an LS and it's generally not a failing gasket but old and tired valve cover bolts. The bolts have a rubber washer which becomes hard and brittle over time. This obviously changes the holding pressure on the valve cover and the bolts typically become somewhat loose as well. Try to hand tighten them first and see if that slows or even fixes the leak. It may be all you need to do or you could take it a step further and replace them as you should anyway if you end up replacing VC the gaskets. They have a VERY LOW torque spec (53 Inch lbs which equals 4.4 foot lbs) so just snug them up gently.


9008010330

 

That's the video I watched in the past, at least 4 times lol. Thanks

 

How many are there total?

 

I did this recently myself, 1300$ quoted is a joke.

The valve cover wasn't leaking, one of the spark plugs tube seals needed replacement.

The most important thing - is to make sure that the gasket is still on it's place when you put it back. I ripped the new gasket when installing it and it was leaking from the bottom. I reinstalled the old one more carefully and everything is good.
+ also - I replaced all the bolts with new ones (it was easier to do than to replace the washers).

There are 9 bolts on each side.

 

I think 9 per side. I am not sure the following site sell genuine Lexus/Toyota part or not
90080-10330 Genuine Lexus Bolt (lexuspartsnow.com)

Genuine Lexus LS430 Valve Cover Gasket (lexuspartsnow.com)

 

Lexuspartsnow is 100% legit for oem parts. I’m having my valve cover gaskets done so I’ll get 18 bolts also.

 

are you going to DIY? YouTube video showed it might be a bit difficult to remove the bolts on the driver side front since space is tight there. I ordered a 10mm swivel wrench from Amazon and see if that will help

 

Unfortunately, it won't be of much benefit. You have to access the VC bolts axially not radially. A 1/4" drive ratchet with a 10mm socket on a long extension is ideal for this job. Throw in a swivel socket for the hard to reach bolts and you're good to go. 1/4" is the size of the drive head on the ratchet and has nothing to do with the size of the bolt head. If you have a couple extensions, prob a 6" and a 12", your life will be much easier as the hard to reach bolts each offer a unique challenge.

 

Is this the part we will need for the job?

 

Yes + black RTV gasket maker for re-applying it to the spots that had it from the factory.
And brake cleaner or something similar to clean the edges of the valve cover.

 

Bolts are $0.77 each
First gasket is $10.55
Second gasket is $10.55
Spark plug gaskets are $1.62 each.

All from Partsouq. Just see what shipping is and if you order from them, add a few more things to make the shipping worthwhile. All OEM too.

 

https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/...214-50011.html
Doesn't 11214-50011 give you what you need for a valve cover gasket job? What is 11214-50031 for?

 

11214-50011 is for one side only
Will need 11214-50031 to complete the job based on what I read