98 2.7L PreRunner - Replacing valve cover gaskets

Hi folks,

Just bought a 98 2.7L PreRunner. Had a mechanic look it over before purchasing and he mentioned I should replace valve cover gaskets.

How difficult is this job? How many valve cover gaskets are there?

I am not terribly knowledgeable or experienced working on autos, but can learn quickly and have done some lawn mower/gokart/light auto repair tasks.

Any help is greatly appreciated.


- Cameron

 

Its not that bad. Only one gasket that I know of. You need to remove that intake tube on top of it first, and disconnect the throttle cable. Might as well replace the plugs while that intake tube is off. According to the FSM, you don't need any FIPG, except for the very front, on top of the two half-circle 'plugs'.

I recently remove my valve cover to check the valve clearances, and put it back on (with fingers crossed) re-using the old gasket. No leaks, yay.

Next time, I'll have a new gasket and FIPG ready to go.

 

Thanks a lot for that, much appreciated.

May I ask what FIPG stands for? Sorry - I'm new.


- Cameron

 

Its the Toyota brand of 'gasket goop'. My local pro swears by it.

It stands for Form In Place Gasket.
Fairly thin layer is all you need, ie - don't slather it on.

 

Gotcha. Thanks Rick.