2nd Gen 4.0L Valve cover leak gasket replacement and more

Hey guys,

I am starting a few days of work on the Tacoma as Wyoming has finally warmed up enough I can stand being in the garage for a time.

First on the agenda I am working on replacing the Valve Cover gaskets. Over the last few years there has been some weeping near the timing chain corner on both driver and passenger sides. This has turned into more of a leak now. Making a good oil mess.

I got the passenger cover off easy enough and everything looks good to me except for these two little channels almost? Seems they would allow oil to get by a gasket?

Let me know what you think

 

After some other research on torque specs for the valve cover I found this answer!
FIPG sealant.

Thanks @tacoma4

https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachments/untitled-jpg.229109/

 

slap some RVT and a new gasket and call it a day.

 

I wish I could call it a day, but I have much more to do. After the valve cover gaskets I plan to put in new plugs while checking compression on my cylinders. After that work on the rear E-locker that won't engage. Also a serpentine belt replace. And more. I have altered the title of this thread as maybe I will keep posting on my progress. Thanks all.

 

well, plugs are an easy 30min job, belt is easy too. locker you will have to dig around some

 

You might want to research the timing cover leak that happens to some 4.0 motors.

 

New Valve Cover gaskets on both sides are done! Plugs were quick and easy especially with the intake off.

Now it is time to pull the headers and off and swap those out. I have had the p0420 and p0430 codes for about a year. I replaced both the O2 sensors downstream and the OBD shows a good signal coming from the upstream side. I figured this should be easier with the intake off also.

Anyone installed Evan Fischer cats before?