To replace 5VZ-FE valve cover gaskets - or leave them original? Gotta decide ASAP.

I'll say this. I bought the aftermarket seals the first time around and they were no where near the quality of the OE stuff. I ended up tossing them and buying OE. I thought I could save some money but ended up spending more.

 

That's my main concern. I found one thread from 2020 discussing this exact set and the opinions were favorable. Hopefully nothing's changed since then with their manufacturing. I've been burned by going cheaper than OEM before and definitely have learned some hard lessons, but I still am open to the possibility that there are some alternatives that are still quality.

 

I've had to change them because the felpro kit in there did not last long at all. I bought another aftermarket set trying to save money and decided to just go OE after comparing them side by side. It's kind of a time consuming job but you don't do it often so it's worth it to just get good parts. I likely won't have to touch them again since the truck is higher mileage now.

 

I just replace mine a couple of months ago with about 149k miles on the motor. I just got sick and tired of smelling burnt motor oil when sitting at a stop sign. Spend the money and buy only "Toyota" parts for this and torque the valve cover bolts to the specified value. I haven't had any problems and no more burnt motor oil smell. Please pull the 4 half moons clean them up and seal them properly with FPIG. When you're done, you'll be glad you went the extra mile and did it right instead of "Half assed" as my Dad would say.

 

I’ve been pressure washing the oil off my engine once a month because of the oil smell. Haha. This week I’ll finally get to changing out the gaskets.

 

I'm completely Disabled, just look at my pic!! This job isn't really hard at all. If I can do it, anyone can. Once you're done, you won't have to worry about it for some time. Those new Valve Cover round do dads that go under the bolt really make the difference. Torque to specs

 

Haha, if that’s your lower back than no kidding. The craziest things I saw as an x-ray student were the installation of rods to correct scoliosis or height issues. Smells like BBQ when they open the back up.