Oil Change Escalated Quickly 3RZ

Went to do an oil change on a somewhat new to me 99’ 3RZ, and it got out of hand quickly.

I constantly smell burning oil, and now I know why, everything on the Valve Cover is leaking. I can’t stand leaking vehicles.

This wasn’t the only issue I found, all the Splash Shield bolts were cross threaded, and the oil drain plug didn’t have a gasket, and it was also cross threaded. Oddly I was surprised to see a factory Toyota Oil filter.

My question is, my oil change ended up with me pulling the Valve Cover to replace all the Seals ect. while I’m in there, is there anything else beside the PCV Valve I should be checking out or replacing?



Here’s everything I just ordered.


Alright, time to drink.

 

Check valve clearance and adjust as needed. You will need a tool for this.


Not checking can lead to burned up valves eventually

 

Is that qty 4 gasket the spark plug tube seals?

If not, don't forget the spark plug tube seals.


Absolutely adjust your valves while you're in there

 

Yeah, that's a free ticket to check your valves.....lots of vids out there....
dont blow it......

 

Burnt valve, timing chain jump, and coolant failure are the 3 Big Giant killers.....
on a taco the first two are rare, but not the last one.....

Only superseded by a 'T-boning'.....that is .....insurance company totals it.....

 

Yes, those are the tube seals.

Side note, when I pulled out the Tube Seals there appeared to be RTV applied between the outside of the seal and the valve cover. Is that supposed to be there?

Normally I research before tearing into something, but this project came up unexpectedly. Looks like there are some good YouTube videos on adjusting the valves.

 

Timmy to the rescue....installs seals at the 16min mark....

(146) 3.4 L V6 5VZ-FE Toyota 4runner, Tacoma, Tundra Valve Cover Gasket Tutorial - YouTube

 

No it's not, only time I've seen permatex recommended by Toyota is if it's a metal to metal contact point. Like the half moons, or auto trans pan, or the manual trans intermediate plate, for example.

 

Here's a fail...

(146) Watch This Before DIY Valve Cover Gasket Job - YouTube


If your half moons have been in there a long time....
sealant goes crispy....a lot skip this step......to be safe I'd pull and rtv em.....
And definitely new gaskets for the cover bolts.....seems to be the key......
But it looks like u got it covered.....

 

Project still escalating…

I cleaned the valve cover with some mineral spirits, sand blasted, and added some red powder coating, then block sanded the logo.

My Friend said I should be drug tested.

 

Valve cover looks great. Good job. I’ve accumulated all the parts and tools to perform a valve check on mine. Waiting on my broken ankle to heal now. Going nuts. This thread is perfect.

 

https://toyota4low.com/products/3rzfe-valve-cover-decal

Your valve cover needs this to finish it off.

 

coolant failure? as in leaking head gasket or water pump?

 

I never updated, but it’s been all back together and running smooth with the valves all back in spec. I’m digging that 3RZ decal

I replaced all the broken wire clips and threw on some Denso Wires. Should of gone with sumitumos

Funny side note, I ordered the special tool to help with the shim replacement direct from Schely Products, and after months I sent an email asking for an update, and they just sent me a refund

But now it’s showing 9 available from Amazon with 1 day delivery.

 

Cleaned up well.

 

Well I never painted my cover......but painted the crap out of my frame.....
so have to crawl under mine to get same effect....

Yeah bought that schly tool off Amazon, had the best price....


On another thread, they said forget that tool and get the Honda or Kawasaki one,
and have a buddy help you with it.....much easier.....they say......

 

I think he might mean that coolant changes are often neglected on these, which can lead to water pump failure, leaks, and overheating etc.

I'm not sure the 3RZ is inherently inclined to these kind of issues, although I suppose any inline engine with an Al head can warp the top end over time.

I haven't heard much about timing chain failures, but I know burnt valves are a major issue on these since most people don't wanna bother with the valve adjustment til its too late (its a bit of a PITA). If I'm not mistaken they revised the top end design in 2005 to hydraulic lifters so the newer 2.7 is pretty much bulletproof.

 

No .....the trucks are good......
......its the owners.....
just because its toyota....dosnt mean its wash and wear....

Think any coolant should be changed every couple years or 20K......
That $11 jug of prestone .......keeps the doctor away....

 

you mean long life toyota red right?

 

Are you crazy.......

Ethylene glycol is made from all natural ingredients....