1st gen Tacoma - 3rd gen 4runner - swapping out valve cover gaskets - **Pictures!**

So I was wondering this too as I do not have the FSM and have been using this thread and Tim's video ^ as guidance. Based on his video it is 12 ft lbs for anyone who plans on doing this job in the future. I know you are long since done with this job but if it helps someone else, I figure I would call it out.

The job is slow going for me, but I work on it in chunks since it's not my DD. I am willing to bet grit seeping in towards my plugs in the rear is at least part of the cause of my leaks.

Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr

What is everyone using to get rid of the FIPG in the curved spots where the half moons go? A nylon trim removal tool seems to work the best for me, followed by brake cleaner on a paper towel.

Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr
Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr

This side is done and ready, need to still do the other side and deep clean the covers/ replace the parts there.

 

@ramonortiz55 have you or anyone else in this thread regretting putting on TOO much doing this job yet? Like leaks in the center or somewhere between the FIPG and the new gasket?

 

I used a Dremel with the hand extension and a soft wire wheel,, it cleaned all the old FIPG off in just minutes

 

the hand extension is really nice. We’re you concerned about fipg bits being flung into the motor?

 

No, I ran the brush spinning away from the inside of the valves,
You can put damp paper towels down if needed to cover any areas on the inside if needed.
It took me no time to clean all the old gasket material off and no need to use a razor

 

Here my photos,
Made short work of this project cleaning the half moons and cam plug holders too

 

I used the regular dremel with the soft wire brush a little bit tonight on whatever tiny remnants were left. Was going to pick up that extension but got by without it so no need now

Don't worry I saw your original pics, because unlike some people who pop into these threads I read the whole thing

 

another excellent write up & pictures to follow.. subbed & tagged.

i did just learn that you want to do this BEFORE you do the new plugs & wires.... not AFTER.

 

Great write up.

Still considering paying someone else to do this though...

 

Hi I’m not even sure if your still active
On this Thread but if you are you’d be a life saver….
I read your write up on “
1st gen Tacoma - 3rd gen 4runner - swapping out valve cover gaskets - **Pictures!**
and before I get into what I wanted to ask you, I just wanna say that the time and patience you took to give a detailed explanation/with pictures says a lot about the kind of person you probably are, I think shared knowledge is one of the nicest things people can do.
Anyways I’m here because I have an issue with my details written below:

2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD, 5 Speed
Current Issue: My OBD reader keeps pulling the P303 & P303 code ( cylinder 3 misfire)

Mechanic Finds
The basic diagnosis to be my Head gasket valves, along with my spark plugs and coils that are gonna need replacing as well.

I want to know that the problem I just described is in fact the problem that’s causing my truck to pull those codes, and my check engine light to stay on and just recently like 4 months ago my ABS light came on and never went off. I don’t know who else to ask and when I read your “ Tutorial “ it gave me hope because it’s very similar to my issue. I want to get my truck fixed before it breaks and I’ll just die, kinda like how you said “dropping a bolt or something in the tube is like jumping off a bridge” that’s how I feel about losing my truck… if there is any advice you can give me or point me in the right direction, I would be the most grateful person in the world.. I hope you see this message.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

Tisha

 

If anyone is looking for a good quality set and reasonably priced. Take a look cruiseryard - https://www.cruiseryard.com/new-5vz-fe-ishino-toyota-4runner-tundra-tacoma-t100-valve-cover-kit/ After digging into the big rabbit hole on what parts to use that is aftermarket vs. toyota OE. Not on planning on keeping the tacoma much longer. But from my understanding it's the same parts from toyota. Also includes the intake plenum gasket. Same parts as yotashop except they don’t include the plenum gasket.