Valve cover gasket

Is it a big job to change the valve cover gasket. How long would it take. I want to change it because my engine has a minor leak.

 

https://youtu.be/N5fAXAuGozI

https://youtu.be/xD5XEnvnyPg

Probably a day and some basic knowledge of tool use and precision to get it done right.

Research takes awhile -but take your time and know what to expect before just winging it.

 

Here’s a detailed write up of the job, I need to do mine. I tightened them a little the other day trying to buy some time.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ping-out-valve-cover-gaskets-pictures.469596/

 

Anyone know where to buy the complete set?

 

It's really pretty easy. Watch for pinched wires going back.

Most will say dealerships for gaskets. I'm one who actually thinks the Fel-Pros from the local parts house are maybe better.

It's neoprene, nothing exotic.

MAKE SURE TO RESEAL OR REPLACE MOONS!!!!!!! It's in the vid or the sticky above with pictures. Every Tacoma has to have this done sometime. It wasn't made to be hard.

 

You are not the only one that thinks Fel-Pro PermaDry blue gaskets are better. Yea they cost more. But I've cured some chronic leakers with them over the years.

 

Uhhhg, I really gotta do this cause I get a burnt oil smell from my headers. I've tighten the bolts twice already, I have no more time to buy. I don't wanna do it though... Hate gaskets and sealants, it never goes well for me, I'm all thumbs.

 

Sometimes it's worth paying a pro.

 

I wish I lived near Timmy

 

Its not that hard of a job. Just put you mind into it with the determination to make come out much better than it was when you started.

 

how challenging is it to just replace the back moons,plugs or whatever those buggars are called

 

Just take your time and reach back there and do it.

 

without disturbing the valve cover gaskets and taking as little apart to get to them, is it possible
and arms are not very long to reach that far lol

 

You can only do the full moons (cam end caps) without disturbing the VC gaskets.

 

so they just pop out and new ones can be popped in fairly simply?
i am going to take a pic once the weather warms up from 0 degrees expected over the next two days
i needed a flashlight to try and peek back behind there
as you can tell i am not a mechanic and a limited skillset

 

A local shop left off the retaining bracket on one of mine. It popped out soon afterward. Oil gushed out at a rate of 1 qt every 10 miles. I had an extra and picked up a bracket from a junk yard and popped it back in. I guess if I couldn't easily get one out, then I would leave it alone. The full moons and half moons really should be changed during a VC gasket job.

 

that came out worng

 

and yet they were not!
full moons and half moons are their own separate work ticket? and can be done when needed separate of the VCGs?
i have serious conflicts of opinions at the local dealers service depts here, i just gotta know i can just pop new ones in without moving much of anything and easily get it taken care of on my own, i dislike confrontations...

 

You have to have the VC's off to do the 1/2's.

Seriously folks there's a sticky above and a video was made so you could DIY

It's about 20 nuts/bolts (incl. the 10 or so on both VC's)

 

Watch the vid. Look at the sticky. If you're not comfortable. Confront or just find another guy. You have to anyway. SOMETHING in the future will trip you up. I've never asked your age but since you bought the truck new (maybe I'm confusing with someone) it puts you middle aged or better. Historically, people bought new cars more frequently later in life or knew their old one like their hand *hehe* by now.