1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site
    Quick Links: 1st gen gear oil Adding wiring for a bed winch -- fuse and ground location questions Stain on differential case...bad? 2017 Tacoma bed rail gap leaking camper shell 2005 Tacoma 4 cylinders wont start 4.0L 1GR 2nd Gen Oil Change Guide

What to do about leaking valve cover gasket?

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Yoshio, Feb 25, 2013.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Feb 25, 2013 at 4:34 PM
    #1
    Yoshio

    #1
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    My service tech told me today that my valve cover gasket is leaking and I should replace it and the Pcv valve... A couple questions; can I do this myself? Is this a bad leak? When I searched the forums, someone said it could be covered under the power train warranty, is that true?

    2007 4 cylinder 4x4 with 72,000 miles

    uploadfromtaptalk1361838866512.jpg
    uploadfromtaptalk1361838866512.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2013
    Yoshio, Feb 25, 2013
    #1
  2. Feb 25, 2013 at 4:40 PM
    #2
    Spoonman

    #2
    Spoonman Granite Guru

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2011
    Member:
    #63328
    Messages:
    9,812
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jamie
    Alberta
    Looks easy to me. Leak doesn't look horrible but it is getting around so I would fix it. Pull off your intake piping, and coils. Remove valve cover, clean surface, install new gasket with anaerobic gasket maker, install and torque bolts. Bam done.
     
    Spoonman, Feb 25, 2013
    #2
  3. Feb 25, 2013 at 4:41 PM
    #3
    ImpulseRed008

    #3
    ImpulseRed008 Gone But Not Forgotten

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2008
    Member:
    #9104
    Messages:
    46,584
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Susan
    SC
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner SR5 V6 w/tow pkg
    OEM SS tube steps, Access LE tonneau cover, pop n'lock, AVS in-channel vent visors, stubby antenna, Wet Okole seat covers, bed mat, rear diff breather mod, 4 extra d rings in bed, K&N air filter.
    I just did my 99 Camry yesterday. Search youtube for a video :thumbsup: helps.
     
    ImpulseRed008, Feb 25, 2013
    #3
  4. Feb 25, 2013 at 4:42 PM
    #4
    Yoshio

    #4
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    Sounds easy... and the pcv valve?
     
    Yoshio, Feb 25, 2013
    #4
  5. Feb 25, 2013 at 4:48 PM
    #5
    ImpulseRed008

    #5
    ImpulseRed008 Gone But Not Forgotten

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2008
    Member:
    #9104
    Messages:
    46,584
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Susan
    SC
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner SR5 V6 w/tow pkg
    OEM SS tube steps, Access LE tonneau cover, pop n'lock, AVS in-channel vent visors, stubby antenna, Wet Okole seat covers, bed mat, rear diff breather mod, 4 extra d rings in bed, K&N air filter.
    I didn't replace mine
     
    ImpulseRed008, Feb 25, 2013
    #5
  6. Feb 25, 2013 at 6:25 PM
    #6
    Spoonman

    #6
    Spoonman Granite Guru

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2011
    Member:
    #63328
    Messages:
    9,812
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jamie
    Alberta
    Shake it around, do you hear a ball inside moving around? Can you only bow through it one way? If so, keep it! Or replace it do peace of mind since you have it off. And they're cheap.
     
    Spoonman, Feb 25, 2013
    #6
  7. Feb 25, 2013 at 6:26 PM
    #7
    chris4x4

    #7
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,526
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    I'd tighten the valve bolts first, and see if that doesnt make the leak stop. re torque them to spec, in the propper sequence, clean the oil off, then see what it looks like in a week.
     
    chris4x4, Feb 25, 2013
    #7
  8. Feb 26, 2013 at 10:57 AM
    #8
    BamaToy1997

    #8
    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Member:
    #71846
    Messages:
    10,792
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Navarre, FL
    Vehicle:
    1997 Tacoma 4X4 AKA "Blue Beast"
    best wheel bearings around! www.marionbumper2bumper.com
    X2.

    Check for correct tightness, then clean and reinspect. That leak seems pretty minimal.
     
    BamaToy1997, Feb 26, 2013
    #8
  9. Feb 26, 2013 at 1:08 PM
    #9
    fixnfly

    #9
    fixnfly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2011
    Member:
    #64450
    Messages:
    729
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    S.W.PA
    Vehicle:
    05 Access cab 4.0 4WD
    You could just clean it with some type of degreaser (carb cleaner)
     
    fixnfly, Feb 26, 2013
    #9
  10. Feb 26, 2013 at 4:37 PM
    #10
    Yoshio

    #10
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    What is the torque on the cover bolts? My Haynes manual says 80 in-lbs... That seems really low...
     
    Yoshio, Feb 26, 2013
    #10
  11. Feb 26, 2013 at 4:41 PM
    #11
    Boerseun

    #11
    Boerseun Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2011
    Member:
    #60538
    Messages:
    3,735
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ferdie
    Sarasota, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD Sport 4x4
    Upgraded 2002 Tacoma to 2018 Tundra
    Mine started showing some oil around the edges a while ago. I just checked the bolts and they were all loose. I have no idea what the torque spec is, so I just tightened them by "feel", cleaned it real good and now, at least a year later have not seen a drop of oil.
     
    Boerseun, Feb 26, 2013
    #11
  12. Feb 26, 2013 at 5:03 PM
    #12
    Yoshio

    #12
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    None of mine are loose to the touch... :-(
     
    Yoshio, Feb 26, 2013
    #12
  13. Feb 27, 2013 at 4:04 AM
    #13
    Yoshio

    #13
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    Guess I need an in-lbs torque wrench... To harbor freight!
     
    Yoshio, Feb 27, 2013
    #13
  14. Feb 27, 2013 at 4:10 PM
    #14
    Yoshio

    #14
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    Checked my bolts, and they are all good, but I came across a little bulge coming out from between the valve cover and engine block, should I be concerned?

    New seal and new Pcv should be in to the dealer soon.

    uploadfromtaptalk1362010214493.jpg
     
    Yoshio, Feb 27, 2013
    #14
  15. Feb 27, 2013 at 9:56 PM
    #15
    BUZZCUT

    #15
    BUZZCUT Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2011
    Member:
    #52417
    Messages:
    735
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD OFFROAD 4x4

    that is rtv to cover the front cover to the cylinder head seam, Keeps the joint from leaking oil in that area on the valve cover.
     
    BUZZCUT, Feb 27, 2013
    #15
  16. Feb 28, 2013 at 6:48 AM
    #16
    Yoshio

    #16
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    Is that using anerobic gasket maker in addition to the new factory seal?

    Is this something I need to re-accomplish, or is it possible the silicone is still good?

    Thanks guys, seal & new valve came into dealer today, should be doing this tonight...
     
    Yoshio, Feb 28, 2013
    #16
  17. Mar 2, 2013 at 4:37 PM
    #17
    Yoshio

    #17
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    So after getting the cover off, I'm sure it was the seal. Both the cover gasket and spark plug gasket were super brittle and "shorter" than their replacements. The new gaskets actually make contact with both surfaces before the surfaces touch. Buttoning up the cover now, we'll see if it still leaks.
     
    Yoshio, Mar 2, 2013
    #17
  18. Mar 2, 2013 at 5:20 PM
    #18
    BUZZCUT

    #18
    BUZZCUT Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2011
    Member:
    #52417
    Messages:
    735
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD OFFROAD 4x4

    put a dab of rtv back on those seam areas before plopping the gasket in place. Also use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts
     
    BUZZCUT, Mar 2, 2013
    #18
  19. Mar 2, 2013 at 6:51 PM
    #19
    Yoshio

    #19
    Yoshio [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84735
    Messages:
    509
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 SW 2.7L 4x4 SR5
    Double Cab Step Tubes, 35% Tint Front Windows, Husky Mud Flaps, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, Debadged, DEPO LED tailights, Undercover SE Tonneau Cover, Panavise In-Dash Mount, Plasti-Dipped Front Bumper Lip, OEM Front Fogs, Rear Fog Lamp, LEDs throughout, Door Sill Protectors, Color Matched Satoshi, Rear Window Security Bar, ImMrYo Rear Mirror Bracket, Added factory DTRLs & DTRL kill switch, Rear Diff Breather Mod, 17" FJ Alloy Rims, Sport shocks coils leafs, DEPO black headlights, off-road recovery hook, skid plate, BT-35 TOY Bluetooth kit
    Done and done! This time the cover rests higher than before, I might guess that the "loose" bolts are really a product of the gasket shrinking...
     
    Yoshio, Mar 2, 2013
    #19
  20. Oct 26, 2014 at 12:42 PM
    #20
    TurboBoss

    #20
    TurboBoss Active Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2014
    Member:
    #130117
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    Panama Rep. of Panama - Central America
    Guys,

    Can you let me know the torque specs for the valve covers screws and the proper sequence. Is there is a sequence schematic about this.

    I am planing on changing my valve cover gasket and I am glint to take pics for a sticky DYI
     
    TurboBoss, Oct 26, 2014
    #20
Page 1 of 2

Products Discussed in

Mobil 1 104361 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)
$29.67
Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Short Wheelbase Tailgate Lock (PK3B6-35JS0)
$159.44
Spicer 211750-1X Center Bearing
$99.95
Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Long Range Handheld UV5R Dual Band 3800mAh Rechargeable Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies for Adults with Earpiece,Speaker Mic and Programming Cable Full Kit (Black-1Pack)
$39.97
Ham Radio Handheld Long Range (UV-5R 8Watt) UHF/VHF Radio with 2 Rechargeable Battery, Portable Radio for Adults with Earpiece, GV-771 Antenna, Compatible with BAOFENG Programming Cable (3rd Gen)
$49.99
VIAIR 88P Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)
$90.01
Dometic CFX3 35 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer - 36L - Powered by AC/DC or Solar Portable Refrigerator with WiFi/Bluetooth Temperature Control - Ideal Cooler for Car, RV, Camping and Home Use
$847.06
Genuine Toyota 89452-35020 Throttle Position Sensor
$74.38
ban.do 7PK2120 OEM Quality Serpentine Belt
$19.41
Denso 234-9002 Air Fuel Ratio Sensor
$152.44
Toyota D/Shaft Boot Kit - 04438-04021
$52.71
ValvoMax Quick Twist Oil Drain Valve – the Fastest, Easiest, Cleanest Way to Change Oil at Home – No Tools, No Mess, No Cleanup – for M12-1.25 – Made in USA
$49.99
Dual Input 40A in-Vehicle DC Battery Charger
$438.00
BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black), 144-148MHz & 420-450MHz
$18.39
ANCEL TD700 OBD2 Scanner Fits for Toyota Lexus Scion Engine Car Diagnostic Scan Tool All System Code Reader Transmission Fluid Temperature TPMS Relearn ABS Available for Some Models Only
$139.99
Toyota Genuine Owner's Manual Portfolio. Manuals Not Included.
$14.99
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 6.0L Gasoline and 3.0L Diesel Engines, Gray
$99.95
Alpine iLX-W650 Digital Multimedia Receiver with CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
$279.95
Midland – MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio – 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone – Overland Caravanning Tractors – Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels
$164.99
Cocoon CPG5BK GRID-IT!® Accessory Organizer - Small 10.25" x 5.125" (Black)
$16.48
Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil
$53.20
Genuine Toyota 90916-A2001 Alternator and Fan Belt
$54.64
MOOG K80827 Front Lower Suspension Ball Joint for Toyota Tacoma
$23.43
Detroit Axle - 2 Front Lower Ball Joints for 2005-2019 Toyota Tacoma Lower Ball Joint 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Replacement
$26.72
3M VHB 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)
$7.89
Accon Quick Release Bimini Top Swivel Hinge Deck/Side Mount 316 Stainless Steel Each
$48.98
EWCS 6 Gauge Premium Extra Flexible Welding Cable 600 Volt - Combo Pack - 10 Feet Each Black+Red - Made in The USA
$48.80
KNIPEX Angled Retaining Ring Pliers for Retaining Rings on Shafts
$48.26
Horizontal Bolt and Nut Gauge / Thread Checker (Inch & Metric)
$49.95
US STAINLESS 10 Pieces Stainless Steel 316 3/8" Lifting Eye Bolt 3/8" UNC Marine Grade Pitch of 16
$49.96
TOOLEAGUE 4 Pcs Snap Ring Pliers Set, Circlip Pliers, 13"es Internal/External Heavy Duty for Ring Remover Retaining Straight Bent Lock Ring Pliers Set
$49.99
BESTEK 300Watt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter Car Adapter DC 12V to AC 110V with 4.2A Dual Smart USB Ports
$49.99
Bendix 871 New Shoe Set
$49.20
Vgate 20-Stud AGM Battery Post Terminal Distribution Block to Connect 8AWG up to 4/0(XL) Gauge Wire for Tapered Top Post SAE/DIN/EN
$47.99
WBHome Hydraulic Wire Crimper Battery Lug Terminal Cable Crimping Tool, 8 Dies, 12 Ton
$54.99
Toughsty™ 4Ch Mini Color Video Quad Splitter Multiplexer Processor Switcher for CCTV Security Camera
$53.99
Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter, Digital Auto Ranging, AC/DC Voltage, Current, Capacitance, Frequency, Duty-Cycle, Diode, Continuity, Temp 600V
$50.50
2671 Engine Cooling Fan Clutch - for 95-04 Toyota Tacoma, 00-04 Toyota Tundra, 96-02 Toyota 4Runner, 94-97 Honda Passport 3.2L 3.4L V6
$52.99
Differential Axle Breather Replacement for ARB 170112 Kit Compatible with Drivetrain Assemblies, Differentials, Transmission and Transfer Case of 4×4 4WD Accessories
$55.95
Lokar 70-HRB Hot Rod Shifter Boot , Black
$53.00
Blue Sea Systems 4364 Water-Resistant Accessory Panel, 15A Circuit Breaker, 2 Blank Apertures
$22.90
Viair 92804 18" Stainless Steel Braided Leader Hose without Check Valve
$23.44
To Top