Valve cover oil leak

Hi, my 2000 Prerunner with the 2.7 engine with 250k miles has an oil leak which I think is from the valve cover. Oil is collecting on the aluminum exhaust shield . A local repair shop wants $750 to replace valve cover gasket. Is this a difficult job? It looks like I can get to all the cover bolts except for one in rear that is blocked by a black cover ( see pic). Does anyone know how to move this out of the way to get to bolt. Also , is there a kit that can be purchased with all the gaskets I need to do this?

 

rockauto has a gasket set:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8201576&cc=1364712&pt=10710&jsn=1376&jsn=1376
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...7l+l4,1364712,engine,valve+cover+gasket,10710

not sure about accessing that bolt. it's a pretty simple job from what i've heard; at least with the 2.7.

 

Holy sh*t $750?!

That wiring harness pulls out of the way. You can get the cover off and back on in an hour its so simple on these trucks. Get a gasket kit from Rockauto
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11471425&cc=1357578&pt=10710&jsn=1269

Replace plugs and wires if you haven't since you gotta take it all off anyways. Its a super simple job! One of the first things I did on my truck and its a great way to learn.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I have ordered the kit and plan to work on this weekend.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjSQcSfhUqg

Use a plastic scraper if you need to instead of metal like in that video.

 

Hi Chris. Thanks for the video link. Does not look too hard to do. One question, will I be doing anything with the half moon things that are pictured in the gasket set in the video? The gasket set I ordered did not show these things. I did not see in the video of him doing anything with those. Looks like just a rubber gasket to go around the cover, the spark plug gaskets and bolt seals. I appreciate all your help.

 

You’ll be a pro at it! You’ve got this. Good luck!

 

Sounds about right for a 5VZ but that is a bit much for the 4 banger

 

Unless they are leaking, I’d leave them. Mine were not leaking so I left them and didn’t replace. Just did the rubber gasket and plug seals.

you’ll want an inch lb torque wrench - harbor freight has them cheap if you want to get it exact. Otherwise just sorta go until it feels right these bolts aren’t tight at all.