3.4 VC gasket job question

What is the long silver pipe in this picture called so that I can get the gasket that goes on the end the bolts down on the block. Another question I have, is there only one knock sensor cable on the 3.4L engine. Getting together a list of needed parts. I have a basic list of what's needed, but is there anything else, that I should replace while I'm in here.

 

That’s a coolant tube. I don’t think there is a gasket and would use the Toyota FIPG made for coolant.

 

I think that’s a coolant crossover pipe.

I did not go that deep for my valve covers.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/smoke-coming-from-back-of-engine.716853/#post-25513256

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/help-finding-the-source-of-a-coolant-leak.810218/#post-

Yes it’s the coolant bypass tube. Go to 4:10 to see FSM reseal procedure.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_co....com/&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

 

Timmah, makes some dam fine videos. As long as there will be 1st gen Tacoma's on the Road Timmah will live on TW and the internet forever.

 

Too bad he was kicked off this site you could’ve asked him personally. If there is a gasket on it you could make your own. They sell all types of gasket material at most auto part stores.

 

Seriously, Timmah the tool man is banned from TW. Wow!!!

 

Yup. If I remember correctly was some drama several months back about person copying his work and reposting he got upset about.

 

Yeah Tim is a grumpy forum poster over at t4r.org sometimes too lol - comes with the territory for some people when they put a lot of effort into something and it’s like their baby.

Like @Dirty Pool (the @Timmah! on a higher skill level) posted in the first link I included, just use rtv, no gasket or o ring for the bypass tube. I used permatex grey and had no issues for over two years but you could use FIPG as well.

 

Thanks for the heads up guys, I appreciate it.

 

I going to replace the plastic camshaft plugs, but what about the half moons. Can they be re-used or don't be a tight ass and just replace them. I'm also going to replace my knock sensor cable while I'm in there. Can anyone thing of any specialized items that should be replaced while this job is getting done. McGeorge Toyota will get this order of Toyota parts. I figure a little over $200.00 but piece of mind with Genuine Toyota parts.

 

Go OE everything. Trust me. This is a job I'd prefer not to have to redo unnecessarily. The half moons can be reused as long as you don't crack the lip on them when taking them out. I guess it wouldn't hurt to buy them as insurance. You'll have a spare the next time you do them again. Ideally you replace the throttlw body gasket, intake runner gasket(you need two), cam plugs, FIPG, spark plug tube gaskets, PCV valve, PCV gasket, valve cover gasket, and valve cover rubber infused washers. Do the vacuum lines if they are showing their age. If you're replacing the PCV hose, go OE. I've tried multiple off brandw and they all collapse once they get warm thus causing pressure to build up in the crankcase. You could blow seals out if not fixed. Do your spark plugs and spark wires too if you're in there and they need to be replace.

If you have time, check your valve lash. If any are out of spec, expect your truck to be down a few days to get the proper shims to replace them.

 

Oh yeah, clean your throttle body since it's out. I just sprayed mine out with brake cleaner to remove the oil film. Now would be a good time to install a catch can if that's your thing. There is a gasket for the idle ports. I reused mine because I wasn't anticipating it but luckily it didn't leak. You can replace the gasket once everything is together easily so it's not a big deal...unlease it leaks.

 

You can reuse the half moon plugs but it’s good to keep one or two more on hand as I broke one taking it out with channel locks. I’m surprised you (maybe) haven’t seen this yet?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N5fAXAuGozI&pp=ygUdVGltbXkgdG95b3RhIHRpbWUgY2FsdmUgY292ZXI=

I took some time to run wire loom around the wire harness too.

 

I've watched just about every Timmah Video there is. So I will go ahead and order the new half moons since they're really not that expensive. I reuse if I can and keep the new ones for spares. At my age, I'm hoping this will be the last time I have to do this job , I guess time will tell.

 

This is definitely not necessary just figured I’d put it here just the same:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-4-v6-damaged-wiring-harness-solution.576633/

 

David,
I saved a good bit of money by ordering as many OEM parts as possible for my valve cover gasket replacement job from partsouq.com. The rest I bought from McGeorge online. Both are top shelf vendors IMO. You might also want to check the lash on your valves while you have the valve covers off. Several exhaust valves on my '97 V6 Taco needed adjustment & I needed several new shims to get them all back within specs. I did clean and reuse all 4 of the aluminum half-moons without any issues, but partsouq sells them cheap. And I did not bend the tabs for the spark plug tube seals. I just punched-deformed then knocked out the old seal, cleaned then lubed the seal area with silicone grease, and pressed in the new seal with just finger pressure. Like you, I don't expect to ever need to do this job on my '97 V6 Taco again in my lifetime. Good luck from another old man!

It was easier to adjust all the exhaust valve shims on the pax side by pulling the exhaust cam:

 

Timmy got kicked out?

 

I think some text was cropped off