Valve cover gaskets

Hello.My name is Johnny.I just want to say,"Thank you",to the forum.Ive read a lot of posts and have done a lot of work to my truck,that I would have otherwise paid someone else to do.Lower ball joints,brake calipers,tie rods,fuel pump and hoses,filter,timing belt and water pump etc.,brake booster,plenum gaskets and more.I like it.I use to look in an engine bay and be lost.Not anymore.Today,I started the valve cover gasket replacement.Is there anything I should look for?Everything looks clean and smooth, somewhat shiny. Or should I just leave them alone? The dohc.

 

Search this forum for "replace valve cover gaskets". You'll find a lot of good info.

Then download Timmah's excellent video on how to replace the valve cover gaskets and watch it.

 

Congrats, on becoming a Shade Tree Mechanic. You're Correct in saying that TW has saved. you a ton of money. This website is the Encyclopedia of information for Toyota Tacoma Trucks. There are links to just about any repair job you can think of.

Pics would be useful for the last question you posted. How many miles are on the truck. You might want to check you valve clearance, which involves shims, and a tool to remove them.

 

Hey Johnny.

I did mine about 8 months ago and after watching tons of videos I learned that you want to make sure the mating surfaces are clean and rid of old gasket material. Also, make sure you remove and clean the half moons and apply gasket maker to that area as well as all 90degree turns.

I was unable to remove the 2 end caps as they were too tight but if you can I would replace them.

Take your time, clean the inside of both valve covers. Oh, and don't forget to remove and replace the spark plug tube grommets!!

 

I always suggest replacing the vacuum lines while you have everything apart. There are a few which you only have access to while the intake manifolds are off.

 

I would check the tightness of your valve cover bolts before proceeding. They tend to come loose. Tighten them, spray some brake clean and wipe off all the oil and check back a week later before you proceed.

 

Might be worth changing out the PCV valve and grommet while you have the covers off.

 

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Hey,Shanky.Thanks for the reply!
I'm at 317,099.After a more thorough look at the inside,where the oil leak was originated there is buildup.Now I'm thinking I need to do the valve clearance deal and don't know if it's something I should mess with.

 

Couple pics

 

Driver side is much cleaner.

 

Thanks Crusty! It's done.Good lookin out.

 

Thanks for the reply.How difficult is the valve clearance deal with shims?

 

Here you go

https://youtu.be/MOlmjtlO7TI

 

No problem Johnny. Yes, as CrustyTaco suggest, best to replace the pcv value AND grommet as well with your high mileage.
BE CAREFUL WHEN REMOVING THE AGED/HARDENED RUBBER GROMMET!!! Mine came out in a couple pieces and luckily I was able to not drop into my engine! Probably should have done it with the valve cover out of the truck.

 

I did the PCv valve a yr.ago.Thank you for looking out.