Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - how hard?
03-11-13, 10:08 AM
#16
I agree. When I removed my front valve cover, those spark plug channel rubber seals were so hard that several of them shattered. One needs a seal puller and it helps to have a seal installer to replace them with a new set. It took a bit of work to remove the old seals as they were really pressed into the valve cover. Don't just buy a new valve cover gasket. Buy the whole valve cover gasket and seal replacement kit and save a trip back to the parts store.
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JBSGROUP (10-12-23)
03-11-13, 12:45 PM
#18
You do not need special tools. You have to carefully pry back the retaining tabs with screwdriver and then knock them out with a punch. Make sure you adequately support the VC. I made a press with a carriage bolt and a few large washers but you can drive them in with a hammer and large socket or piece of wood. Again, make sure you supportnthe VC. Observe the depth of the original seals because they do not go all the way in. If you drive them all the way home, you may not have enough engagement with the tubes. Lube them well before installing the VC.
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JBSGROUP (10-12-23)
04-17-13, 02:08 PM
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
On the rear valve cover, rear-most edge, how do you remove the bolt that is towards the passenger side?
Last edited by JAB; 04-17-13 at 02:40 PM. Reason: typo
04-17-13, 07:55 PM
#21
Moderator
04-18-13, 03:49 PM
#22
Instructor
Thread Starter
Two questions: (1) what is the torque setting for the spark plugs? (2) on the rearmost edge of the rear valve cover, how do you remove the bolt on the passenger side?
04-18-13, 05:46 PM
#23
http://www.wjowsa.com/carstuff/toyot...lve-cover-job/
04-18-13, 06:51 PM
#24
Moderator
04-18-13, 10:57 PM
#26
Moderator
No - Way! it must be in in-lbs. You would need the 1/4 in torque wrench
I will try to get the value for you, but it will have to wait till morning.
fyi: you can convert x in-lbs = x/12 lb-ft.
You will need iow range torque wrench for such low values.
Salim
I will try to get the value for you, but it will have to wait till morning.
fyi: you can convert x in-lbs = x/12 lb-ft.
You will need iow range torque wrench for such low values.
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; 04-18-13 at 11:20 PM.
04-19-13, 12:52 PM
#28
Moderator
FYI ,,,
I would not expect a 'cheap' torque wrench to be well calibrated at the extreme ends of scale.
So make sure you have access to low range torque wrench.
Problem with pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets is that they need to be squeezed just right. Too little, the will leak and too much, they will leak.
Also if you need conversions and not sure about the formula .. google does a fine job.
Salim
I would not expect a 'cheap' torque wrench to be well calibrated at the extreme ends of scale.
So make sure you have access to low range torque wrench.
Problem with pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets is that they need to be squeezed just right. Too little, the will leak and too much, they will leak.
Also if you need conversions and not sure about the formula .. google does a fine job.
Salim
04-19-13, 01:41 PM
#29
Pole Position
According to the following diagram, the valve covers are attached with shoulder bolts and the pressure exerted by the cover on the gasket is determined by the sandwich of rubber and aluminum washers. This design was to specifically prevent over tightening of the valve cover gasket. So, the correct torque spec is 69 in-lbs but I wouldn't be too concerned with the tolerance on that torque as long as the bolts don't come loose.
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JBSGROUP (10-12-23)