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3.4 v6 valve cover leak

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by perniva1978, Aug 31, 2018.

?

Replace valve cover gasket or do nothing?

  1. Replace

    21 vote(s)
    80.8%

  2. Do nothing

    5 vote(s)
    19.2%
Page 2 of 2
  1. Oct 4, 2018 at 4:44 AM
    #21
    austinsdad99

    #21
    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

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    Def do these and use the Toyota fipg gasket stuff. These were a main oil leak source.
     
    austinsdad99, Oct 4, 2018
    #21
  2. Oct 4, 2018 at 1:00 PM
    #22
    fedup

    #22
    fedup Well-Known Member

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    It's been said but I did the same, when I replaced the injectors and had the plenums off, I tightened the valve cover bolts. Some were so loose that I could take them off with my fingers. I wasn't sure where that leak was coming from before I took the plenums off. Before that I was smelling burning oil at stops and was getting a tiny oil spot on the driveway about the size of a quarter but no more drips. I'm going to have to replace those though.
     
    fedup, Oct 4, 2018
    #22
  3. Oct 15, 2018 at 1:21 PM
    #23
    Ridgerunner

    #23
    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    2001 with; cat-back side-swept twin exhaust, elbow mod, Westin bullbar with Hella 450 driving lights, Snugtop XTR camper shell, TRD off-road 2x4-black beauty.
    Just an update on my leaks-I had the truck out for the last week. No more leaks so apparently what I did worked. No minor seepage even when I run my finger across the bottoms of the covers:) Pretty damn cool if ya ask me.
     
    Ridgerunner, Oct 15, 2018
    #23
    austinsdad99 likes this.
  4. Oct 21, 2018 at 4:22 PM
    #24
    1997tacomav6

    #24
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I see a tiny bit of leaking so I decided to just replace the valve cover gaskets since I’m in this far with the supercharger getting worked on. I swear the bolts were sooo loose ALL of them, didn’t even need a ratchet to get them off and I know I torqued them to spec
    100,000 miles ago. How is it they all have come so loose, I can’t get to all of them to retighten them once the supercharger is back on.? Any trick to keeping them tight?
    I’m thinking maybe it’s the rubber washers that cause this

    1C05BDBD-1BAA-4E9C-B40F-2B242C71DAA2.jpg

    416A9264-AEBC-4F5A-83C3-05C636AAE5D9.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2018
    1997tacomav6, Oct 21, 2018
    #24
    Dalandser[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Oct 21, 2018 at 5:24 PM
    #25
    austinsdad99

    #25
    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

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    That’s one clean engine! 600k miles? What kind of oil do you run?
     
    austinsdad99, Oct 21, 2018
    #25
  6. Oct 21, 2018 at 5:27 PM
    #26
    1997tacomav6

    #26
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
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    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I blew a head gasket at 490,000 and put in a used motor that had 100,000,
    So I have added another 100,000 to this motor, now it has 200,000 on it.
    I just have the dealer do my oil changes.
     
    1997tacomav6, Oct 21, 2018
    #26
    austinsdad99[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Oct 21, 2018 at 5:43 PM
    #27
    austinsdad99

    #27
    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

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    Still clean for 200k, did the other engine use any oil? Mine has 215 and doesn’t use a drop however I just ordered the gaskets for the oil cooler. I think my rear main is leaking a tad but not enough to amount to anything.
     
    austinsdad99, Oct 21, 2018
    #27
  8. Oct 21, 2018 at 5:51 PM
    #28
    austinsdad99

    #28
    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

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    Little cleaner than mine. Granted mine had 200k on it when I bought it.

    55FAEDD6-4236-4112-8521-E3EF8588BB3F.jpg
     
    austinsdad99, Oct 21, 2018
    #28
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  9. Oct 21, 2018 at 6:00 PM
    #29
    1997tacomav6

    #29
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,385
    Gender:
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    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Nope the motor that had 490,000 burnt zero oil, but was cheaper to replace it than fix the heads.
     
    1997tacomav6, Oct 21, 2018
    #29
  10. Oct 21, 2018 at 6:04 PM
    #30
    1997tacomav6

    #30
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,385
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Yup this motor is unbelievable clean, zero dirt with 200,000
    Looks new still

    72256291-156D-40B5-BD07-DCCFF1CBB3A2.jpg
     
    1997tacomav6, Oct 21, 2018
    #30
    austinsdad99[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Oct 21, 2018 at 6:06 PM
    #31
    Dalandser

    #31
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Empty Wallet Mod
    I'm pretty sure it's the rubber in the washers shrinking either from seasonal temperature change or shrinking from heat cycles - most of them are reachable w/ the sc - maybe enough to keep them from leaking?
     
    Dalandser, Oct 21, 2018
    #31
    1997tacomav6[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Oct 22, 2018 at 11:11 AM
    #32
    opteron

    #32
    opteron Well-Known Member

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    Leer camper, bug-rug, fox suspension 2.0 rear, fox 2.5 front, BAMF sliders and LCA, TRD fake 3 piece rims
    tighten the bolts, I re-torqued them and my leak stopped
     
    opteron, Oct 22, 2018
    #32
    Ridgerunner likes this.
  13. Oct 22, 2018 at 12:29 PM
    #33
    Ridgerunner

    #33
    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    2001 with; cat-back side-swept twin exhaust, elbow mod, Westin bullbar with Hella 450 driving lights, Snugtop XTR camper shell, TRD off-road 2x4-black beauty.
    Same here. Seems to me those VC gaskets are kinda thick and can forgive a re-torquing.
     
    Ridgerunner, Oct 22, 2018
    #33
  14. Oct 22, 2018 at 6:39 PM
    #34
    1997tacomav6

    #34
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    #113940
    Messages:
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    Gender:
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    First Name:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Yup, your right, the old ones are 3 years old and are all shot.
    Squashed they are

    48CFC0E6-5B27-40C8-93FA-39A54A77C5AF.jpg
    B8E46B10-5180-4037-901F-E21958F71947.jpg
     
    1997tacomav6, Oct 22, 2018
    #34
    Dalandser[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Jul 30, 2019 at 4:44 AM
    #35
    Jsbourbon

    #35
    Jsbourbon Member

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    How long did it take you ? Just basic tools or anything particular you did to make it easier ?
     
    Jsbourbon, Jul 30, 2019
    #35
  16. Jul 30, 2019 at 2:07 PM
    #36
    Dalandser

    #36
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    https://youtu.be/N5fAXAuGozI

    Just have everything ready for following this video
     
    Dalandser, Jul 30, 2019
    #36
    Jsbourbon[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Aug 12, 2019 at 4:25 AM
    #37
    Jsbourbon

    #37
    Jsbourbon Member

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    Did it this weekend. Watched video and took my time. Wasnt to bad. Thanks
     
    Jsbourbon, Aug 12, 2019
    #37
    Dalandser[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Aug 12, 2019 at 5:23 AM
    #38
    otis24

    #38
    otis24 Hard Shell Taco

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    I’ve had a slow seep for the past 100,000 miles. Currently have 243,000 miles.

    I bought all the parts to replace the valve cover gaskets about 2 years ago. One of these days I’ll get around to actually replacing them.
     
    otis24, Aug 12, 2019
    #38
  19. Aug 12, 2019 at 6:52 AM
    #39
    MamaTried81

    #39
    MamaTried81 Well-Known Member

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    I had a very minor valve cover gasket "leak" when I bought my 02 (3.4L). I snugged up the valve cover bolts to 6nm (proper torque spec) and the leak stopped.
     
    MamaTried81, Aug 12, 2019
    #39
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