Valve cover gasket
Greetings All,
I'm thinking of changing my valve cover gaskes (99 RX 1MZ) and would like to know if any one here had tackled this job by themselves before, any special things to look out for etc. Is this one best left to the pros? I searched and could not find the customary lovely DIY write-up. Links anyone? |
The front is a piece of cake. The rear is a pain, it takes a lot of time and effort.
Honestly, I would leave it to the pro's. I did mine by myself, but in the end I needed to ask my uncle (he's a mechanic) for help. lol |
Yes, the #1 VC is a PITA primarily because of the wiring harness that sits right on top and wraps around both ends. The key is to be patient and fully disconnect harness and tie it off out of the way. Pay a few extra bucks and get the Toyota FIPG. It is vastly superior to any RTV product. Make sure you have a 1/4" torque wrench. The half moon plugs are cast aluminum and reusable. Clean the mating surfaces completely using alcohol or acetone.
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Oh, don't forget to replace your sparkplug tube seals.
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Thank you all for your feed back. I've decided to tackle the job at a friend's garage, that way I will be able to get the best of both worlds. Get a change to get to know the vehicle a litle better (bragging rights:)) and get help when I need it.
Thanks again everyone:thumbup: |
Hello Artbuc,
I will be changing the plug seal as you recommended but what is FIPG? I suspect it might be Toyota's gasket maker, if so, is it to be used along with the gasket or in stead of? I'm planning on using the gasket alone. |
Originally Posted by sbtots
(Post 7324012)
Hello Artbuc,
I will be changing the plug seal as you recommended but what is FIPG? I suspect it might be Toyota's gasket maker, if so, is it to be used along with the gasket or in stead of? I'm planning on using the gasket alone. http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/s...ia-valve-cover PS You may want to Google research the special shoulder bolts. They have special compression washers which presumably can be used only once. I did buy new ones and discovered they were just 15 thou thicker than the used ones. Many folks just add a stainless washer to ensure the bolt doesn't bottom out. They snap off easily. Because of this unique (some would say Rube Goldberg) design, I recommend using factory gaskets. |
Hi Art,
When i replaced the front gasket on my DIL's RX I used Fel Pro and was very happy with the quality and fit of it. (comes 2 in the kit as well as all spark plug seals) Fel pro is considered the gold standard in aftermarket gaskets. I have never used Toyotas FIPG, but having removed it, I'd say it's head and shoulders above our US product. |
Originally Posted by code58
(Post 7324852)
Hi Art,
When i replaced the front gasket on my DIL's RX I used Fel Pro and was very happy with the quality and fit of it. (comes 2 in the kit as well as all spark plug seals) Fel pro is considered the gold standard in aftermarket gaskets. I have never used Toyotas FIPG, but having removed it, I'd say it's head and shoulders above our US product. PS to OP. make sure you install spark plug tube seals to the same depth as originals. If you drive them all the way home you will not have enough engagement between the seal and tube. |
If you are doing it at a friends garage ask he/she if they can check your valve clearance since you will be in there.
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=artbuc;7324983]Yep, I have never heard any negatives re FelPro but the on- line discount price for OEM is so good I figured why not get them? A lot of turns and I wanted a perfect fit. I understand. I needed them on short order or I'd have done the same. |
Thanks again one and all. Solid assistance.
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